The State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) on June 25, 2020 provided updated guidance regarding safer visits during COVID-19. Capri Communities have restricted any non-essential visitors since early March. We understand the frustration and sadness this has caused our residents and their family members. In fact, Dr. Bruce Barrett, MD, PhD, Professor and Vice Chair for Research, Family Medicine and Community Health, UW School of Medicine and Public Health presented information that included Adverse Unintended Consequences of COVID-19. These included social isolation, depression, suicide, anxiety, stress and panic, among others. He referred to these as the “Cure being worse than the disease”.
Capri Communities has been working very closely with DHS and the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association over the last 100 days. Our priority was to ensure the physical health and safety of our residents and our staff. We have been very successful in keeping both these stakeholder groups healthy. As our State began re-opening businesses and loosening restrictions, DHS and WALA have worked to develop guidance for safer visits which encompass preventative measures to reduce the chances of the introduction of COVID-19 into the facility, while mitigating the unintentional consequences of social isolation from family and loved ones.
Each of our communities has used this guidance to develop community-specific requirements for safer visits which go into effect between June 29, 2020 and July 6, 2020 depending on the community. For your loved ones’ community, please contact your Executive Director for the Safer Visiting Policy. Please note if any resident or employee tests positive, all indoor visits may be suspended immediately; outdoor visits may be permitted to continue.
Please view guidelines for our Independent Living residents here.
