March 20, 2020

The current COVID-19 virus outbreak has challenged every facet of our society.  This situation requires that we take every precaution possible to protect our residents’ health and safety. This is our top priority. Our intention is to provide a safe and healthy environment for every person who is part of the Heinzerling Community; this includes residents, family members, guardians, staff, and community members.

Both the Governor and President has declared a State of Emergency in the State of Ohio and nationally. Following the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Ohio Department of Health (ODH), and Center for Medicaid Services (CMS), we have developed the following guidelines to address concerns related to this outbreak.

Current Procedures:

• All entrance doors are locked.
• We are limiting all visitors to our facilities. No individual will be allowed to come into the facility except for end-of-life situations. If such a situation occurs, we will work with the individuals involved, and they must be screened for any health-related concerns according to CDC guidelines.
• We will be working to provide alternative methods for family visitation via social media, Skype, telephone, and possible other social media applications.
• We are temporarily suspending day programs and outings for our residents.
• Only essential community based medical appointments will be maintained.
• All staff are being in-serviced on infection control procedures and are undergoing routine screening for their own health and safety. All staff will self-screen upon building entry and each person will have their temperature checked prior to resident interaction.

We value the health and welfare of our employees both at work and at home. We encourage staff to practice social distancing when not at work as well as maintaining distance as much as possible while at work. We are working with our partners at the Ohio Department of Health, Department of Developmental Disabilities, Center for Medicaid Services to obtain the supports we need to continue to provide for the needs of our residents and staff. We are also working closely with our colleagues through our associations such as Ohio Provider Resource Association and Ohio Healthcare Association to communicate concerns and needs to the Governor’s office, as well as city and county officials to address the needs of Heinzerling Community residents and staff.