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Families visit on the Patio

RCH DEDICATED HOTLINE NUMBER FOR COVID CONCERNS AND QUESTIONS
(848) 230-6427

Reformed Church Home Outdoor Visitation Guidelines - Updated August 2020 

Reformed Church Home is pleased to announce we are preparing to allow in-person, outdoor visitation in the skilled nursing and assisted living courtyards. This decision is based on guidance from Governor Murphy that we received on Friday, June 19 at 4 pm. Due to popular demand, we will also continue to hold patio chats so more people can see their loved ones.

The NJ Department of Health has outlined a number of steps to which we must conform before outdoor visits can begin. Below is a summary of the visitation procedures and guidelines we have established for the safety of our residents, visitors and staff. We understand how difficult the past few months have been while unable to personally visit. Please understand we are doing our best to navigate a complex set of guidelines balanced with the requests and desires of all involved.

Visit Formats and Times: All visits require an appointment, per the contact methods listed below

  • Skilled Nursing Outdoor Visits will be held in the Skilled Nursing courtyard:
    • Weekly on Fridays from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Visits will be 20 minutes. Please note last appointment is 3:30 pm.
    • Weekly Saturday outdoor visits will be held from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Visits will be 20 minutes. Please note last appointment is 3:00 pm.
    • Skilled Nursing Patio Chats will be held on the Assisted Living patio:
      • Weekly on Mondays from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Visits will be 20 minutes long. Please note no patio chats on Monday, September 6, Labor Day.

All Skilled Nursing visits should be arranged through Amy Wendel or Judy Osbahr. Both can be reached at awendel@rchnj.org or extension 192.

 

  • Assisted Living Outdoor Visits will be held in the Assisted Living courtyard:
    • Weekly on Tuesdays from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Visits will be 20 minutes.
    • On Sundays one time per month, from 10:00 am to noon, as well as 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Visits will be 20 minutes.
    • The Sunday outdoor visit for September is to be announced, from 10:00 am to noon, and 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Visits will be 20 minutes.
    • Assisted Living Patio Chats will be held on the Assisted Living patio:
      • Weekly on Friday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Visits will be 20 minutes.

All Assisted Living visits should be arranged through Alberta Romaniello at aromaniello@rchnj.org or extension 145.

Logistics/Details for Outdoor, In-person Visits

  • For outdoor, in-person visits, all visitors will be required to have a baseline COVID-19 test (one time) with negative results dated within 7 days prior to the first visit. [For instance, if a visit is scheduled for Friday, July 10, the test result must be dated between July 2 and July 9.] This result must be presented at check-in (show result on your phone or bring paper print out of lab result.) Please see the following websites for more information on testing.
    • https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/2020/05/11/where-can-get-nj-coronavirus-testing-near-me-try-these-14-rite-aids/3107212001/
    • https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/testing
    • Please note that visits will be dependent on weather conditions, availability of outdoor space, and adequate staffing. The health and well-being of the resident/your loved ones must remain our first priority.
    • Visits will be limited to twenty (20) minutes per resident, per week in an effort to accommodate all residents and families. If time slots are available after all residents receive an initial appointment, then additional visits may be scheduled.
    • The activities staff will explain to each resident how visitation will work, discuss and document the resident’s visitor preferences, and provide written instructions for the visits as appropriate. This is required per the State guidelines to reinforce resident rights.
    • The outdoor visitation guidelines will be provided to visitors, staff and others, via the RCH website (www.ReformedChurchHome.com) and via email. Please provide updated email addresses as appropriate
    • On your visit day, enter the RCH driveway from Route 18 and go STRAIGHT at the flag poles (do not turn left toward the main entrance).
    • Proceed to the back of the building near the loading dock. Park in one of the designated spots for Skilled Nursing or Assisted Living Outdoor Visits.
    • Visitors will be asked to wait in their cars until a staff member approaches the car and screens the visitors with a screening questionnaire. Visitors will be provided visitation guidelines upon check-in and have their temperature taken.
    • Before every visit, an informed consent form will be emailed to each visitor, which must be submitted at check-in. Please print a copy, complete, and bring that form with you to expedite check-in. This form will acknowledge that you are aware of the possible dangers of exposure to COVID-19 for both the resident and the visitor and that you will follow all outdoor visitation rules. Residents must sign this form as well. If the resident is unable to sign, then the consent needs to be signed by the authorized representative. A copy will be provided to both the visitor and resident and saved in the Reformed Church Home records. Staff will contact the POAs of residents with cognitive issues to discuss informed consent approval.
    • Once the above steps are completed, the RCH staff member will escort the visitors to the courtyard for their visit.
    • Should any visitor test positive for COVID-19 or exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 within fourteen days after their outdoor visit, they must notify Bhavik Mehta, Assistant Director of Nursing, at extension 157, or the nursing supervisor on duty.
    • Any visitor who has symptoms of any infectious disease will not be permitted to visit with the resident. Likewise, if a resident is exhibiting COVID-related symptoms or has been diagnosed COVID-positive, they will not be able to participate in any visits until they have recovered.
    • Visitors who have mobility needs and are unable to navigate the stairs in the skilled nursing courtyard may use the gazebo area. Please call in advance to make this arrangement.  
    • Skilled residents will be escorted to the courtyard through the skilled nursing first floor dining room exits. Assisted Living residents will enter the courtyard through the AL patio doors.
    • Each resident is limited to a maximum of two visitors at a time. Visitors must remain at least 6 feet from all persons at all times during the visit.
    • A staff member familiar with the outdoor visitation policy will remain in the courtyards at all times, at the direction of the Department of Health.
    • Staff and residents must wear a surgical facemask; visitors must wear a face covering or mask for the duration of the visit. Please bring a face covering from home that securely covers your mouth and nose.
    • Visitors and residents must restrict physical contact with the resident. No touching, kissing, or hugging is permitted. As hard as this will be after 3 months of separation, it is essential and mandated by the Department of Health. Thank you for your cooperation.
    • Please do not bring food to any visits. Visitors may bring food items or supplies for the resident but must leave the package at the reception desk.
    • Visitors should bring their own water, which cannot be shared with the resident. RCH will provide water for the resident to maintain hydration during the visit.
    • At the conclusion of the visit, the residents will be transported back to their rooms by an RCH staff member and visitors will leave through the courtyard exit.
    • Visitors are not permitted entrance into the facility.  Restrooms will not be available to visitors at this time so please plan accordingly.
    • Hand sanitizer will be available, and tables/chairs will be cleaned between each set of visitors, so please be patient. Masks must be worn at all times.
    • Visits may be cancelled or shortened because of inclement weather or unsafe weather conditions (e.g. high humidity/heat, poor air quality). We regret any inconvenience but of course the safety of residents, staff, and all visitors is our top priority.

Logistics/Details for Patio Chats

  • All Patio Chats will take place in the Assisted Living Patio – this includes Skilled Nursing Patio Chats and Assisted Living as well.
  • Please arrive 5 minutes before your assigned time. Please do not be late. One car only, with up to 3 people visiting.
  • Enter the RCH driveway from Route 18 and go STRAIGHT at the flag poles (do not turn left toward the main entrance).
  • Proceed to the back of the building near the loading dock. Park in one of the designated spots for Patio Chat visits. Please remain in your car until your visit time.
  • You will enter the Assisted Living Garden using the picket-fence gate. Only enter through this gate unless instructed otherwise.
  • PLEASE REMAIN AT LEAST 6 FEET AWAY FROM ALL VISITORS AT ALL TIMES.
  • Give the name of the person you are visiting to staff and they will direct you where to stand.
  • If you and your loved one have a cell phone, plan to use it so you can talk as well as see each other.
  • If the resident needs access to a cell phone, please discuss with Amy or Alberta when you schedule the appointment.
  • Please wear a face covering and keep it on throughout the visit.
  • Please do not bring food to any visits. Visitors may bring food items or supplies for the resident but must leave the package at the reception desk.
  • Visitors should bring their own water, which cannot be shared with the resident. RCH will provide water for the resident to maintain hydration during the visit.
  • Visitors are not permitted entrance into the facility.  Restrooms will not be available to visitors at this time so please plan accordingly.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available, and tables/chairs will be cleaned between each set of visitors, so please be patient. Masks must be worn at all times.
  • Visits may be cancelled or shortened because of inclement weather or unsafe weather conditions (e.g. high humidity/heat, poor air quality). We regret any inconvenience but of course the safety of residents, staff, and all visitors is our top priority.
  • Any visitor who has symptoms of any infectious disease will not be permitted to visit with the resident. Likewise, if a resident is exhibiting COVID-related symptoms or has been diagnosed COVID-positive, they will not be able to participate in any visits until they have recovered.

We thank you in advance for your full cooperation. Any visitor who does not adhere to the guidelines will be unable to return for future visits. We know we can count on you to follow the guidelines set forth by the State of NJ and our Medical Director, to help ensure the health and wellbeing of our vulnerable elderly residents.

Kate Shepard
Executive Director/Administrator

RCH Still Accepting Donations to our Employee Appreciation Fund

First and foremost, we wish to thank the many generous families, vendors, and local businesses that have donated meals and snacks to Reformed Church Home over the past few weeks. We are so grateful and humbled by your show of support!

In our desire to make sure every member of our 24 hours / 7 days a week team feels appreciated and also to ensure the safety of our residents and staff by controlling the food deliveries we receive, we are asking those who wish to show their appreciation do so in one of the following ways.  We can assure you these donations will be dedicated to our Employee Appreciation Fund to be used to help our staff get through these difficult times by providing meals and encouragement for them while they are providing for our residents. 

  • Donations by check should be made payable to Reformed Church Home and sent to: Development Office, Reformed Church Home, 1990 Route 18 N, Old Bridge, NJ 08857. Please include a note or reference on the check for the Employee Appreciation Fund.   
  • You can now donate online by using this convenient link (NOTE THIS LINK DOES NOT WORK IN INTERNET EXPLORER. USE THE GOOGLE CHROME OR SAFARI BROWSER. All donations that come in from this link will be used for the Employee Appreciation Fund.
  • You may order a gift card from one of the following local food vendors (which also helps local businesses succeed!) 

Giuseppe’s Pizza, Old Bridge
2581 Route 516
732-607-2066 (Order via phone with a credit card and they will deliver to RCH)

Panera Bread, The Shoppes at Old Bridge
732-591-7425
www.panerabread.com e-gift cards available, please send e-gift cards to pleblanc@rchnj.org

Bagel Boy
Jake Brown Plaza, Old Bridge
732-679-5020 (Order via phone with a credit card and we will pick them up)

Dunkin
1449 Route 18, Old Bridge
732-607-9900
https://www.dunkindonuts.com/en/dd-cards/gift-cards   e-gift cards available, please send e-gift cards to pleblanc@rchnj.org 

We will group together the gift cards and monetary donations to provide for the staff, rotating our orders to make sure all staff and all shifts receive the love and appreciation. Again, infection control is so important, so we can specify instructions when ordering from these particular establishments. If you have any questions, please reach out to Paula LeBlanc, 732-607-9230 ext 108.

Bless you for your generosity, prayers, and positive thoughts. We will get through this time together, supporting each other!

With warmest regards and gratitude,

Paula LeBlanc
Director of Development

Bringing items to residents of the home

We understand some families wish to drop off supplies or clothing at the front door. Before doing so, please use a disinfecting wipe to wipe down the outside of all items, while wearing gloves. If at all possible, before delivering items to RCH, let them sit for the recommended amount of time in which the virus should dissipate. (24 hours for paper and cardboard; 72 hours for plastic and shiny surfaces) I found this resource that gave a good summary of how long the virus lives on surfaces. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/03/this-is-how-long-coronavirus-lives-on-surfaces. All items should be placed in a plastic bag and tied at the top with the resident's name and room number. Please do not bring unbagged items.

In summary,  if you can avoid bringing items before having them in your possession 72 hours or more, and then wiping them down before placing them in a bag, that would be ideal. Please also remind your family member to remove the items from the bag when they are delivered, immediately discard the bag in the trash in the room, and then wash hands for at least 20 seconds.

For everyone’s safety, thank you so much for your cooperation!

VISITOR RESTRICTIONS

Under the direction of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, effective March 13, 2020, we must restrict all visitors inside the building, including family members, at this time. Essential Medical personnel and all staff are being screened before entry to the building for signs of illness, including fever, sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath.

Click on the COVID-19 tab also for more details and daily updates. 

Download No Visitors Vestibule Sign

Download No Visitors Vestibule Sign

Download Delivery Policy For Reformed Church Home March 13 2020

Download Delivery Policy For Reformed Church Home March 13 2020