Montrose Newsletter: March2021
Happy almost Spring from the Montrose Health Center Dietary Department! We will soon have a fresh Spring/Summer menu starting full of delectable entrees for our residents to enjoy!
During the month of March, we are very excited to share the news that Dietary Aide, Brenda Barton will be celebrating 40 years of dedicated service to the residents of Montrose Health Center! Brenda started her career at MHC on March 12, 1981. From that moment on, she has been a friendly, helpful, familiar face! Her hard work, dedication and fun personality is one of a kind! Brenda's knowledge and expertise in her job has positively impacted everyone here at Montrose Health Center!
When asked, Brenda said that what she enjoys most about her job is, serving the residents and making them happy with the food that we serve. She also loves working with all of the staff members in the family like atmosphere that makes MHC what it is.
On Brenda's days off she enjoys being with family, especially her grandson, Adam. When the weather is nice outside she also loves going on a walks with her dog Lucky. She also enjoys sewing, reading, baking and finding projects around the house as her hobbies.
We all know Brenda is a hard working as she has worked here for 40 years. She’s a go getter, friendly, and an all around funny personality. She wouldn’t get through the day without her Diet Pepsi.
Congratulations and Thank You Brenda for all that you do!
The month of March brings the Joy of Spring to our MHC Activity Department! We look ahead to our "Luck O' the Irish" Party with Mint Green Shakes, Games of Chance, and the Wearing of the Green! The bird lovers in our group will be following the Crane Cam from the Platte River Valley in Nebraska to view the Sandhill Crane Migration. Staff & residents will be drawing teams for the March Madness NCAA men's basketball tournament to the delight of our sports fans. The Iditarod sled dog race in Alaska commemorates the 1925 diphtheria serum run to Nome by dog sled. We will be choosing mushers & dog teams as we follow this 2021 race. The race has special meaning to us this year, as we have just completed our own COVID-19 vaccines. Last of all, we plan a March 10 celebration of Maggie's life, "Remembering Maggie." Maggie's presence will never be forgotten by our residents, their families, and our staff members. She was a truly special dog. A donation in her memory will go to Fort Madison's PAWS.
Staff Birthdays
Mary Elaine Kramer - 3/25
Sherry Horton - 3/25
Resident Birthdays
Minnie C - 3/9
Evelyn P - 3/15
George G - 3/17
Staff Anniversaries
Brenda Barton - 3/12 - 40 years
Ashley Strunk - 3/14 - 1 year
Tammy Hopp - 3/19 - 4 years
Ashlee Winkle - 3/21 - 5 years
Mallory Hymes - 3/31 - 1 year
Bryanna Marshall - 3/31 - 15 years
Our 2nd COVID-19 vaccine clinic was held on Monday, February 15th, 2021. Our last clinic will be Monday, March 8th, 2021. We are grateful for the partnership to receive these vaccinations through the state Long-Term Care Partnership with Walgreens Pharmacy.
We have already begun to receive questions regarding what is next, now that we are able to receive the vaccinations for our residents and staff members regarding visitation. Please know there has not been any regulatory changes made regarding visitation in long-term care facilities. These changes are made at a federal and state level through CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), and DIA (Department of Inspection and Appeals), and IDPH (Iowa Department of Public Health). We will continue to follow all regulations set forth by these above identities and will stay up to date with current regulation changes and communicate those to you as we receive them. We are hopeful that we will be able to see you all soon!
Amy Derr
Director of Nursing
Effective Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 we will begin to allow indoor visits at Montrose Health Center. Although this is very exciting news, we do have some guidance that still needs to be followed:
- Indoor visits may only occur if no new COVID-19 cases have been identified in staff or residents in the previous 14 days
- County positivity rates are no greater than 10%
- May occur for residents that are asymptomatic and not confirmed COVID-19 positive and not in quarantine.
- Visitors must be screened for symptoms of COVID-19, wear a mask, complete hand hygiene and maintain 6 feet of social distance.
- Visits will be by appointment only
- The use of physical barriers, such as plexiglass dividers may be used to further reduce the risk of transmission.
- Facility visitation schedule is:
- Monday – Friday
- 8:00a.m. – 8:45a.m.
- 9:00a.m. – 9:45a.m.
- 10:00a.m. – 10:45a.m.
- 11:00a.m. – 11:45a.m.
- 12:00p.m. – 12:45p.m.
- 1:00p.m. – 1:45p.m.
- 2:00p.m. – 2:45p.m.
- 3:00p.m. – 3:45p.m.
- Saturday – Sunday
- 10:00a.m. – 10:45a.m.
- 11:00a.m. – 11:45a.m.
- 12:00p.m. – 12:45p.m.
- 1:00p.m. – 1:45p.m.
- Monday – Friday
- How to schedule a visit:
- Schedule via phone by calling (319) 463-5438
- Schedule via Email astrunk@montrosehealthcenter.com or mhymes@montrosehealthcenter.com
- 10 years of age & older
- 2 visits scheduled per week
- 4 visitors total to visit with one resident
- All visits will take place in designated location
- Visitors must go directly to and from the designated visiting area.
As stated, children over the age of 10 years old are allowed to visit, but must maintain a 6 foot distance at all times. If this becomes an issue, privileges may be revoked.
We are very excited to share this news with you! Please know this will be a learning curve for all staff, residents and family members. If any of the restrictions change, we will be sure to notify you via phone call.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you!
Mallory Hymes
Administrator