County’s senior care facilities continue to ease up on restrictions

The Wauneta Care and Therapy Center isn’t open to the public just yet, but they are allowing compassionate care visits with a doctor’s order.
“There’s a visitation room for residents to meet by appointment only, and the times are limited,” said Darr Stehno, infection control nurse.
Residents in hospice care can have visitation for as long as they want, she added.
Staff members are being tested once a week right now, but if needed, testing could return to twice a week.
Anyone entering the care facility who is non-staff must enter through the front doors to be screened, Stehno said.
Masks and social distancing rules must be adhered to, she said.
The care facility will not be open to visits on Tuesday and Friday afternoons and no Saturdays.
“No residents have tested positive for COVID since November,” said Stehno.
Imperial Manor and Parkview-Heights are enjoying more good news, said Eric Haider, CEO.
“We have received new guidelines this week, and unlike before, you can now touch your loved one—give them a hug—as long as you are wearing a mask, your hands are sanitized and the resident has been fully vaccinated,” Haider said.
As reported last week, all visitors must enter through the front doors of the manor for screening.
The facility had its annual inspection and received an excellent survey, passing with flying colors, said Haider.
“This was the best survey we have had in several years,” he said.
According to the surveyors,  “We are getting better every year,” he added.
The facility had no deficiencies in any area and not a single substantiated complaint from any resident or family member, he added.
The facility celebrated receiving the excellent rating with a party on Tuesday for staff, residents and families, Haider said.
“It was good to see a lot of family members taking advantage of visiting loved ones last week,” he said.
“Good things are getting even better.”