Updated: Monday, April 6, 2020
We encourage families to communicate with their loved ones via FaceTime or Google Duo. Our Activities Staff can help residents with this technology. Please contact Maria to help facilitate a virtual visit!
Additionally, we do not allow our residents to leave the facility with family and then return. For the protection of our residents from this disease, no visitors really means no visitors. Families can “visit” via FaceTime, GoogleDuo, Walkie Talkie, sign language, phone, or screaming through closed windows. The windows to the rooms MUST REMAIN CLOSED! A window screen does not stop a virus.
For those residents who like to shop for groceries, we have set up a once a week pick up schedule to retrieve grocery items using the curb-side method at WalMart. This is done every Thursday.
Of course, you are welcome to bring goodies or a “care package” to your loved one. Just ring the doorbell at the main entrance from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm, and we will meet you at the door to deliver you package!
At this time, we don’t have any cases of COVID-19 at the Odd Fellows Home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended a variety of steps that we have implemented to help reduce the potential for the virus to enter our building. However, we need your help in battling COVID-19.
These restrictions are in place, not to protect the general public, but to protect our residents from unnecessary contact with people who may have had contact with COVID-19. Of infected people over 65, this virus has led to their deaths in 80% of cases. We implore you to do your part to not add to that statistic.
If you are not local, you can stay connected about COVID-19 in the Walla Walla area. The Walla Walla County Health Department provides updated information at their website.
The health, safety, and care of your loved one is our priority. Thank you for your support as we navigate this unprecedented situation.
FaceTime is a free video communication program from Apple iPhone or iPad users.
GoogleDuo is a free video communication program for anyone with a GMail account. Download at the App Store or Play Store.
Although the strict “no visiting” rules applies only to nursing homes and assisted living, it just make good sense to extend this to apartments. In accordance with government regulations, please shelter in place and do not visit our residents, the highest risk population for COVID-19. Please Stay Home, Stay Healthy!
Please be aware that when you visit at Merriam Street, you are accessing many public areas utilized by our residents, including the mail room, code system, elevator buttons, hand rails, and door knobs that could potentially expose you and our residents to COVID-19. If you absolutely must visit, please wear a mask and sanitize your hands before entering the building.
Rather than visiting in person, we encourage you to talk with apartment residents by phone or other social media. We also ask you to consider utilizing our shopping service, which is currently available for all apartment residents. If interested, contact our Admissions Department at 525-6463. If you do drop off groceries yourself, please do not enter the building; instead, have the resident meet you outside. Thank you for all your support in helping us protect our residents and staff during these very challenging times.
