Local nursing homes taking extra precautions in response to COVID-19

Posted: Thu, Mar 12, 2020 9:55 AM

Photo courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The situation involving the coronavirus and Decorah area nursing homes is rapidly changing.

Wellington Place has now restricted all non-essential visits to the center, based on updated advice from the Iowa Department of Public Health. All community activities and events at Wellington place have been postponed until further notice. Staff members and anyone making deliveries or making an essential visit must use the front door of the facility and undergo a screening before being admitted.

Barthell Eastern Star Home, Wellington Place, and Aase Haugen Home all have their residents' safety as a top concern, as usual. But in response to the spread of the COVID-19 virus and in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Public Health, extra precautions are now being established. While there are currently no reported cases of the virus at any of the facilities, officials are making these preventive measures effective immediately.

Barthell Eastern Star Home's Facebook page states the following: "We are currently asking all nonessential visitors to refrain from entering the facility at this time. In an effort to protect our residents based on the most current information regarding COVID-19, we have set guidelines for anyone entering the nursing home or assisted living which are posted at all entrances."

Aase Haugen Home's Facebook page announces, "All non-essential visitors and outside group work are suspended immediately. This includes gatherings such as church services, school visits, community group visits. We will re-evaluate this situation on a day-to-day basis."

With doors closing for visitors and events, Aase Haugen noted that two planned meetings will still take place but at alternative locations. The Dementia Support Group meeting scheduled for March 16th will now be held at the Spectrum Education Room at 607 Washington Street. The location of the Aase Haugen Senior Services Annual Meeting has been changed to Decorah Lutheran Church Social Hall at 309 Winnebago Street. This event will take place March 17th beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Each residence facility will continue to follow recommendations from the IDPH to keep residents as safe as possible.