Dear Friends of Heritage,
As we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic nationwide, the safety and health of our residents and staff continues to be of the utmost importance. Staff are monitored daily upon arrival for work and wear surgical masks and eye protection, such as face shields, to limit the transmission of COVID-19 from potential asymptomatic employees. Staff in our skilled nursing and rehabilitation and assisted living communities receive mandatory COVID-19 testing, as required by the state. We continue to regularly monitor residents for symptoms throughout the day.
We understand that our Heritage families are anxious to see their loved ones. Our staff has worked tirelessly to provide compassionate care and ensure that our residents remain safe, engaged, and loved, while working with families to provide window, Zoom, and Facetime visits during the mandated no visitation periods. While we are thankful for all our staff has done, we know that for many families, the longing to be face-to-face with their loved one has been one of the most difficult aspects for them during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are so excited to begin welcoming our families back “home” to Heritage.
The July 10 guidance from the New York State Department of Health allows limited visitation for eligible nursing homes and assisted living communities who meet all criteria required by the state. Attached, you will find a fact sheet which outlines the requirements and conditions of the limited visitation we are allowed to begin offering as those criteria are met. Please review this prior to visiting. You will notice that there are many changes to what you may have been used to in the past. We understand this may seem extensive, but these mandated requirements are designed to allow our residents and families to (finally) connect, while still protecting everyone from potential COVID-19 exposure. All visits will need to be prescheduled. Included in these precautions, masks must be worn by visitors at all times, and hugging, kissing, and other physical contact is not allowed under the current visitation policy. To limit any potential exposure, you are also unable at this time to exchange any type of items, including gifts or food. However, if you have a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary, or other event, we want to help you celebrate. Please let us know, and we would be more than happy to provide cupcakes or other treats from Heritage to help make your visit extra special for everyone. Due to the New York State Health Department requirements, all visitors will be required to display proof of negative COVID-19 test results within seven (7) days prior to visit.
At this time, our skilled nursing communities will begin visitation as listed in the dates below, with the understanding that this may change at any time due to regulations. Please contact your community today to schedule your visit. There are a limited number of slots each day, and they may fill quickly. We appreciate your patience and understanding as our staff works to help each family reconnect with their loved ones. For those communities who may have not yet met criteria, we will continue with non-contact visits, such as window visits, Zoom, and Facetime in these locations, and will continue to update you when eligibility requirements are met and we may begin scheduling visits.
- The Park- October 21 (pending NYS Department of Health Approval)
We understand how difficult this separation is for you and your loved ones. Our compassionate staff continues to provide care, comfort, and love to each of our residents, and we thank you for all of the thoughts, prayers, and support you have offered them during this uncertain time.
We continue to seek God’s wisdom and pray for His supernatural protection for those whom He has entrusted to our care, as we seek to keep each resident safe and to promote Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living in these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Lisa Haglund
President and CEO
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If you need assistance in finding a COVID-19 testing location in Chautauqua County, click here.
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Download our skilled nursing visitation policies and other documents below:
- Skilled Nursing Visitation Policy
- Skilled Nursing Visitor Fact Sheet (preview of fact sheet you’ll receive when you visit)
- Skilled Nursing Visitor Screening Form (preview of form you’ll complete when you visit)
- Assisted Living Visitation Policy
- Assisted Living Visitor Fact Sheet (preview of fact sheet you’ll receive when you visit)
- Assisted Living Visitor Screening Form (preview of form you’ll complete when you visit)