COVID-19 UPDATE — 9/21/20Brandermill Woods independent living angle

COVID-19 UPDATE — 9/21/20

Monday, September 21, 2020

Starting on 10/1, we began Step 4 Part 2. See changes in bold from the 8/14 memo.

Dining Updates

Below are the dining guidelines to follow during Step 4 Part 2.

Starting on 10/1:

Reservations are available: every day (weekdays, weekends and holidays) from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. We will be adhering strictly to the 2-hour time slots.

  • In-dining will be offered for Lunch 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday
  • The Grab n’ Go will be open from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 3:30– 5:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday to sell items such as wine, homemade soup, cookies and soft drinks (only while supplies last).
  • Take-out hours will be 11:30 a.m. – 1:30p.m. and 3:30 – 5:00 Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours will remain the same(see below).

We will continue with the same limited menu choices for carry-out and dine-in services in order to maintain consistency of offerings to all residents.

Starting on 10/1, hours are:

  • Dine-in breakfast Monday – Friday: 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.; no carry-out or reservations
  • Dine-in lunch and dinner Monday - Saturday 11:30a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.; reservations required
  • Carry-Out lunch and dinner Monday – Saturday:11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
  • Carry-Out brunch Sunday and holidays 11:30a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Carry-out only

In order to accommodate as many residents as possible for dining, we will be using the following areas: The Bistro (filled first), Oscars, Mannina Lounge, Four Seasons, Card Room.

Per the National Restaurant Association and the Chesterfield County HealthDepartment, we are required to abide by social distancing; therefore, we will have tables available for a maximum of 2 residents (no guests).

We will have a total of 49 tables available for reservations each night.

We will be serving with regular plates and silverware for dine-in service. We will continue to use individual condiment packets with paper napkins and no tablecloths in the dining rooms to allow for proper sanitization between guests.

Residents are required to wear their masks until seated and when they leave the table for any reason.

Residents MUST call the RESERVATION LINE at ext. 405, between 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. the day prior to the desired day in order to reserve a table. For Monday reservations, calls must be placed on Saturday. Residents will receive their specific dining location when they make their reservation. Please remember in fairness to all residents, requests for specific dining locations and tables cannot be honored.

We strongly discourage residents from arriving early to their reservation, and please remember social distancing rules apply while dining.

If you have a reservation today and try to make a reservation for the following day, you will be placed on a waitlist in order to allow all residents the opportunity to dine-in.  If there is an opening, we will call you the day of to inform you of an opening.

Please remember, we will restart Happy Hour once the Dining Room resumes normal operations.

If you have any dining questions, please contact either Graham (ext. 284) or Katie (ext. 276).

In order for our kitchen to maintain the high-volume of quality and efficient take-out and dine-in orders, we have to limit the number of choices. You will have a choice of 4 entrees, and the salad, fruit and dessert will be chef’s choice. A sandwich of the day including the choice of a fruit cup, fries or potato chips at menu price is also available. Menus will be posted daily on BWTV channel 970 and on Resident Apps. For take-out orders, please call extension 252. Allow 15-20 minutes until your meal will be ready for pick-up in the Living Room. Delivery, for a charge, is available for those unable to pick-up. Dining Services are only offered to residents. If you live in a Cottage and picking up a meal, please go to the exterior Living Room door. Do not walk through the building. The staff will meet you at the door to hand you the bag; do not touch the to-go bags on the tables or enter the Living Room exterior door. You may drive, use the Shuttle or walk. Residents who live in the Apartments will pick up their meals from the Living Room. Residents must wear a mask to pick-up meals. If you’ve reached the voicemail on the to-go extensions, please don’t leave a message. Please call back.

Visitation Update and Guidelines

Starting on 10/1, residents may have out-of-state visitors inside their units as long as they arrive by car (no commercial transportation such as planes, trains or buses). Visitors must arrive on campus during screening hours at the Clubhouse (Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 8:00a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) in order to be screened and receive a wristband (masks are required). Out-of-state visitors are allowed to stay the night in the unit and must not visit common areas. Call the Front Desk to have your visitor added to the approved visitor spreadsheet.

Starting on 8/24, residents may have in-state visitors inside their units. Please follow the protocol above.

  • Residents may still schedule visits at 5 outdoor and 1 indoor location if they choose.  
  • Residents who want to schedule a two-hour visit should call Amy Willmarth at ext. 303 or email her at awillmarth@brandermillwoods.com. Reservations will be taken Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Last minute reservations can be taken on the weekends by calling the Front Desk.
  • Reservations are available: every day (weekdays, weekends and holidays) from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. We will be adhering strictly to the 2-hour time slots.

There are 5 outdoor locations and 1 indoor location for scheduled visits with residents:

  1. The West Addition porch
  2. The Johns' Garden
  3. The Wellness Center porch
  4. The deck off of the Lounge
  5. The covered area by the Courtyard between the A and B Buildings
  6. Reflections (located next to the Meeting Room)

All residents must schedule visits in advance with the visitors’ name (for tracking purposes), date/time of visit and preferred location. Amy will call back to confirm all reservations.

Due to social distancing, only 2 visitors per appointment are allowed for the West Addition Porch, Johns’ Garden, Wellness Center Porch, Reflections and the covered area by the Courtyard Between A and B Building locations. Both names must be given when making the reservation.

4 visitors per appointment are allowed for the deck off of the Lounge and the Cottages. All names must be given when making the reservation.

Children under the age of 5 do not count toward the number of allowed visitors.

Residents who live in the Cottages may visit in their driveway or front/back yard (not inside the Cottage or garage) – still abiding by the 6’ social distance and masks are required.

Signs will be placed by each of the 5 outdoor locations noting they are the designated area. If a resident is utilizing the space when a visitor and resident arrive for their reservation, the resident should relocate to a new area.

Each location will be equipped with sanitizing materials to be used before and after the residents visit. It is the responsibility of each resident and visitor to sanitize the area and wipe down or spray all surfaces touched during the visit.

Please do not leave any trash in the Visitor locations; Furniture will be placed and marked to abide the proper 6’ social distancing; Masks should be worn by residents and visitors at all times.

Visitors must not enter the Clubhouse to gain access to their outdoor location. Visitors may use the restrooms located in the Lobby after being screened.

All visitors who have made a reservation must be screened w/ temperature checked at the Front Entrance Clubhouse doors when arriving on campus.

Any abuse of the new visitor reservation protocol will result in a 14-day quarantine period.

Reservations are being taken for our Guest Quarters, opening October 1. Call Stephanie a text. 301 to make a reservation. We will not be taking reservations for rollaway beds at this time.

Outside Specialists are now allowed to visit Brandermill Woods as long as they have a negative COVID test. This includes the Audiologist, Podiatrist, as well as Nail and Hair Technicians. All Specialist are screened, temperatures taken, proper PPE worn and including extra time in between appointments to fully sanitize the area.

A large banner stating NO VISITORS will remain at the front of the community until we are fully open to visitors without reservations or restrictions. We continue to allow medically necessary providers on campus. We have also opened up visitation to in-state visitors and out-of-state visitors (as long as they travel by car) inside units. Please see above for protocol. If you see someone and you’re concerned they shouldn’t be on property or you see someone entering a door other than the Clubhouse main entrance, please call the Front Desk. The Clubhouse Front Door Main Entrance is locked. Residents may enter with a fob during non-business hours. A call button is located outside the Clubhouse Front Door for anyone trying to visit the Clubhouse. There will be posted instructions for visitors to call the Receptionist (or Security after hours) to be screened prior to entering the building. Visitors will not be allowed to enter the building if they have a temperature of 99.6 or greater or if they fail the Risk Assessment Screening Questions. Updated questions are located under the COVID-19 icon on Resident Apps. Visitors are not permitted to visit any of the common or dining areas.

Residents who live in the Cottages may enter through any Clubhouse/Apartment exterior doors with their fob. All doors have been enabled for entry. Visitors will enter the Clubhouse through theClubhouse Main Entrance. Temperatures will be taken for all residents entering the Clubhouse Main Entrance. Please allow the person before you to finish their screening prior to approaching the doors.

We are going to continue to maintain an approved medically necessary and visitors list until further notice for tracking purposes. This list will include those who enter your homes and those who do not enter your homes such as dropping off groceries, dropping off medicine or walking a pet. ONLY visitors on this list (and the reserved visitors list) will be allowed on property. Residents must call the Front Desk to add medically necessary visitors, in-state or out-of-state visitors to the list.

Fitness Update

The Fitness Center is open for residents. We would ask that everyone wear a mask while entering the Clubhouse and residents should check their temperature prior to leaving their unit or at the Clubhouse front doors. Once inside the Fitness Center, masks are not necessary during your workout, but we are asking that you adhere to social distancing guidelines. Our team will be conducting extra cleaning on site which may cause a few delays from time to time so please be patient. If we all respect everyone’s safety, we can enjoy the benefits of a good workout. Reservations are not required; however, we will ask that you clean the equipment you use afterwards.

A limited number of fitness classes are offered in the Meeting Room. Participation will be limited to 15 people for social distancing purposes, so you will need to reserve your spot. Our instructors will continue to take everyone’s temperature prior to the class.  Anyone with a temperature above 99.6 will be denied entry. To participate in one of our indoor fitness classes, call ext. 204 the day before the class you would like to attend.

A limited number of pool classes are offered. Participation will be limited to 5 residents per class. We also offer free swim to those who want to participate in their own workout. To make a reservation, call ext. 204 the day before the class you would like to attend. One of the changing rooms (with a bathroom) in the locker room will be available for residents. Starting on 10/1, all changing rooms in the locker room will be open. Please sanitize before and after use with the supplies available in each room.

Yoga and the Parkinson’s Dance Group with a contracted instructor has resumed. See the calendar and BWTV for days/times.

Starting on 10/1, one-on-one sessions with Jess and Chase will resume. Call ext. 204 to make an appointment.

Off-Site Travel Guidelines

If you plan to visit local family/friends, we ask that you limit the group number to no more than 30 people in a closed environment at a time to reduce the risks of exposure and avoid quarantine. Overnight trips for 1+ nights by means of a car to locations within a day’s driving (accommodations with less than 10 people) are also permitted without quarantine. We would ask that everyone wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines

Transportation: Medical Appointments, Pharmacies, Banks, Grocery Shopping trips and Shuttle will continue. Tuesday trips will resume. See the October calendar for details. Trips will be limited to 14 residents. Starting on 8/3, Shuttle will run Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Holiday Shuttle will run 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

To sign up for Brandermill Walkers, grocery shopping, banks or pharmacy outings, please call the Front Desk at least 24 hours before outings to ensure transport. You do not sign-up in the Bluebook. Residents going in our vehicles or on their own should wear a mask and remember good handwashing techniques.

Covid-19 Testing Updates

Although the Governor has implemented Phase 3, this does not mean Brandermill Woods will be following the same guidelines. Since we care for the population that is most at risk for complications from COVID-19, we need to be strategic, paced and deliberate in this decision for the safety of our residents and staff.

Many resident sand family members have asked about testing at Independent Living (IL). If, and when, the Health Departments recommend a Point Prevalence Survey of all IL residents and staff, we would do so. Obtaining the quantity of tests needed for this type of program continues to be a struggle. Residents and staff have been told if they wish to try and get tested on their own, they may do so. Please let the Wellness Nurses know if you choose to get tested and the results. Many doctors/facilities won’t test someone who is not showing symptoms and hasn’t had direct contact with a person who has a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Beauty Salon Update

Elaine is taking appointments Tuesday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please call ext. 259 to make an appointment.

For Monday appointments, residents can make individual appointments with Stefanie (hair) by calling 873-3369 or Marcie (nails) by calling 237-2355.

Various required precautionary measures have been put into place mandated by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations.

  • Temperatures must be taken prior to salon appointments. Residents will first go to the Clubhouse Front Doors to be screened and have temperatures taken, receive a wristband and then proceed to the Salon. Masks are required to enter the Salon and must be worn throughout the service. Tune into BWTV channel 970 for all updates.
  • Two appointments are allowed per service provider at a time, so stylists can work with two residents at a time.
  • A limited number of appointments will be taken per day to ensure our stylists can fully sanitize after each customer.
  • Please do not arrive early to your appointment; only two residents will be allowed in the Salon at a time.

Amenities/Activities

Chat with Charmaine will take place in the MR on October 15th. 23 residents may attend due to social distancing, and reservations can be made by calling ext. 209. Chat will be recorded and shown on BWTV at 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. and then uploaded on Resident Apps.

Face Masks are now required for all staff and approved visitors if they come in contact with residents. Disposable surgical masks are suggested but handmade masks may also be used. We are now requiring that all residents coming into the common areas/hallways wear masks or cover their face for their own protection and the protection of others. A resident MUST be wearing a mask to pick up to-go meals. Please remember to cover your nose and mouth with the mask, and do not remove the mask to talk to someone. If you need a cloth mask, please call Activities at ext. 209 and leave a message.

Limited resident group activities and movies are being offered. Any residents attending the resident group activities or movies should get their temperatures checked either before leaving their unit or at the Front Door prior to attending the activity. Call ext. 209 to reserve a spot for a movie, and the max occupancy in the Theater is 10. Some groups have changed their times, days, or locations. Other groups will resume at a later date. Masks, 6’ distancing and sanitizing the area after each use will be required for all group activities. Neglect of these rules may result in suspension of the activity.

     

The Brandermill Woods Library is open.

The Art Room is available for individual art projects. No more than 5 residents at a time. Peggy Healy plans to return in November. Santa DeHaven’s return date is TBD.

Genesis Therapy has closed their gym at the HCC/Haven but will provide services to Independent Living residents in their Apartments/Cottages until further notice. Please continue to call 269-0034 to reach Genesis Therapy. Residents will be screened and have their temperatures taken prior to each appointment.

Maintenance: We are now taking requests for all work orders. Call Louise at ext. 285.

Housekeeping: Service hours and cleaning units will resume.

Accounting: If you have a billing question for Accounting, please visit or call ext. 278 (Kendall), 279 (Danita), 253 (Cary) or 407 (Mamie).

Wellness Nurses: Service hours will continue as usual.

Front Desk: Service hours will continue as usual.

We recommend this homemade solution for cleaning and wiping down surfaces on a regular basis: 10-parts water to 1-part bleach.

If you think you may have a fever or COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with a positive COVID-19 person, please call your physician first and then call the Wellness Nurses.

We are updated daily from the CDC and VA Department of Health regarding this virus and will continue to update you as needed. Please stay tuned to BWTV channel 970 as we will continue to provide updates as we receive them. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Kristen Moore, ILU Administrator at521-8273. Please continue to wash your hands and use hand sanitizer located at the entrance doors. If you are not feeling well, please contact your physician and do not visit the common or dining areas. Thank you for your assistance in keeping our community safe and healthy.