Essentia Health announces visitation policy changes for senior care communities

At Essentia Health, maintaining the health, wellness and safety of our senior care residents is our top priority. Early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions were put in place to protect our most vulnerable population. As we continue through this pandemic, Essentia has made changes to our visitor policy in our senior care communities.

Essentia is following strict guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health, as well as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to limit the potential transmission of COVID-19 in our facilities.

The following updates affect our long-term-care facilities:

• At Essentia Health-Northern Pines Care Center (5211 Hwy 110, Aurora), visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to noon and 2-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 2-4 p.m. on weekends. To schedule a visit for the following week starting on Monday, please call (218) 229-4225 before noon on the prior Friday. This update is effective immediately.
• At Essentia Health-Virginia Care Center (901 9th St North, Virginia), visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to noon and 2-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 2-4 p.m. on weekends. To schedule a visit for the following week starting on Monday, please call (218) 749-9400 before noon on the prior Friday. This update is effective immediately.
• At Essentia Health-Homestead (1053 Comstock Dr, Deer River), visiting hours are from 2-4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. To schedule a visit, please call (218) 246-4510 between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Visits will be limited to 20 minutes. This update is effective July 7.

The following update affects our independent-living facility:

• At Essentia Health-Comstock Court (35 10th Ave Northeast, Deer River), in-house visits, to assist with personal business, are restricted to one immediate family member. Social visits will occur outside, through a window or via technology. Please call (218) 246-4473 for more information.

These visits are open to family members, friends and community clergy. Please do not arrive for an outdoor visit without an appointment.

When you arrive for your scheduled visit, you will go through a health screening with questions and a temperature check. Masks are required during the visit. All visits will require social distancing of six feet between the visitor and resident. Due to the risk of exposure, holding hands, hugging, kissing or other physical contact is not allowed.

If an outdoor visit is not an option for a resident, window visits may be arranged.

We are committed to safeguarding the health and wellness of residents and preventing the spread of illness. The visitation policy is being evaluated on a routine basis and is subject to change at any time.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit EssentiaHealth.org.