Wisconsin updates guidance on in-person nursing home visits - WEAU

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KAUKAUNA, Wis. (WBAY) - Wisconsin has updated its guidance on in-person nursing home visits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The move comes amid a reduction in COVID-19 infections and high vaccination rates among nursing home populations.

St. Paul Elder Services President and CEO Sondra Norder says it was late Wednesday when she saw the new guidance. It arrived exactly on the one-year anniversary of when their Kaukauna and Green Bay campuses closed to visitors.

“I feel like it must be some sort of sign or God’s hand in that. Interestingly our team had set a goal of being able to open by the one-year mark, and I had it even written on my calendar that, that was our goal,” said Norder. “So we were just thrilled we were able to meet that goal.”

The Department of Health Services cites new guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that says nursing home facilities “should allow indoor visitation at all times and for all residents (regardless of vaccination status), except for a few circumstances when visitation should be limited due to a high risk of COVID-19 transmission.”

The state says, “if a facility has had no COVID-19 cases in the last 14 days and its county positivity rate is low (green) or medium (yellow), a nursing home must facilitate in-person visitation consistent with the regulations, and the Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention. Failure to facilitate visitation, without adequate reason related to clinical necessity or resident safety, would constitute a potential violation of 42 CFR 483.10(f)(4), and the facility would be subject to citation and enforcement actions.” CLICK HERE for the state’s nursing home information website.

“While CMS guidance has focused on protecting nursing home residents from COVID-19, we recognize that physical separation from family and other loved ones has taken a physical and emotional toll on residents. Residents may feel socially isolated, leading to increased risk for depression, anxiety, and other expressions of distress. Residents living with cognitive impairment or other disabilities may find visitor restrictions and other ongoing changes related to COVID-19 confusing or upsetting. CMS understands that nursing home residents derive value from the physical, emotional, and spiritual support they receive through visitation from family and friends. In light of this, CMS is revising the guidance regarding visitation in nursing homes during the COVID-19 PHE.”

Norder says under this guidance they opened up to visitors for the first time Thursday.

“We credit it all to the efficacy and safety of this vaccine that has been exponentially dropping cases of COVID-19 in long term care facilities that were able to get that vaccines first,” said Norder.

Ceil Weyenberg had been waiting for a year to reunite with her family, and on Friday was able to see some of her children and grandchildren.

“It can’t be any better,” said Weyenberg.

“Words can’t say how much it means to be able to see her and know that she survived this, it’s just - there’s not enough words to say,” said Sue Geneske, Weyenberg’s daughter.

The visits bring some joy and relief after a painful time apart.

“Oh I cried every day. I did. I’m not lying. I did,” said Weyenberg. “I just didn’t know what was going on and I just missed everybody.”

It’s just as emotional for the St. Paul Elder staff.

“I mean it gets you right in the ticker. There’s been a lot of joyful tears around here over the last 24 hours and I expect we’ll see more of that over the next few days and weeks as people make their way back here for the first time,” said Norder. “We finally feel like we can protect everybody and that’s just a fantastic feeling.”

Visitors to St. Paul campuses do have to participate in a health screening which includes getting their temperature taken. They also have to wear masks and stay within a residents room, not in the common areas.

“So it’s not fully normal yet, but we took a major step [Thursday] in unlocking our doors,” said Norder.

But Norder says they will never forget what it’s taken to get to this point.

“It is bittersweet also because it has been a really tough year and we have had a significant loss of life here as a result of some of the COVID outbreaks that we had. So we remember those that aren’t with us today on this joyful day,” said Norder. “In their honor and their memory, we just really encourage everyone to get this vaccine. We are a shining example of the fact that it is safe and it is effective, and it’s going to get us back to normal. So let’s not make those deaths in vain, let’s make sure that nobody else needlessly has to die from COVID when we have this amazing tool science has given us.”

Geneske and her family are already planning to make up missed milestones with Weyenberg.

“Her 90th birthday we didn’t even get to celebrate with her, but we’re going to do a double birthday this year,” said Geneske.

She says she’s grateful for all St. Paul staff has done for her mother.

“I just can’t thank St. Paul staff [enough] for taking care of our mother the way they did... they did an awesome job,” said Geneske. “Long time, but it was worth the wait.”

Norder does point out there may be some facilities that do not meet current requirements under the new guidance. If you have questions about in-person visits, reach out to your nursing home.

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