COVID-19 Visitor Policy

Dear Residents and Friends,

To schedule a visit, email visitors@franklinnh.net with a request for an appointment. Please be sure to include the name of the resident you wish to visit. 

Questions regarding visits can be directed to the Director of Recreation. 

Visits may be cancelled without notice for 14 days if any staff or resident newly tests positive for COVID-19.  This is a necessary precaution to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 amongst residents staff or guests.

Residents may leave the facility on a day pass for appointments or an approved therapeutic leave with an escort if an advanced request to the Social Worker or Unit Nurse Manager is made. The request will require approval of the Nursing Department and the guest accompanying the resident must have no signs of potential illness. The guest must wait in the lobby for the resident to be brought to them and take the resident off the facility grounds for the outing. Residents on pass escorted by a guest may not stay in the lobby or any outdoor grounds of the facility.

Symptoms of Coronavirus

The 2019 novel coronavirus may cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms like: cough, fever, trouble breathing, pneumonia. CDC believes at this time that symptoms may appear in 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.

Most cases are likely to be spread from person to person by droplets when coughing. Droplets of body fluids on frequently touched surfaces like door knobs can be the source of transmission.

Prevention

These simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Proper hand hygiene is the best way to protect against coronavirus.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

How Does New Franklin Center Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus?

We are following the guidance of the Department of Health and the CDC and check daily for new information. This includes:
• Monitoring of residents and staff for signs and symptoms of coronavirus or other illness
• Plans to prepare us and experience in preventing the spread of viral infections
• Sufficient PPE supplies (gloves, gowns, sanitizers, masks) in stock for staff
• Monitoring of employees and visitors for signs of illness and restricting them from the facility
• Increased cleaning of surfaces with disinfectants known to kill Coronavirus
• Restricting guest visits in the facility
• Resident placed in contact isolation in a private room until safe transfer to a hospital can be arranged or until further guidance from the department of health is received
• Staff, resident family members and any other potentially impacted people will be notified of further action to take as directed by the Department of Health

Please be reassured to know that New Franklin is equipped to manage this situation and has successfully dealt with situations regarding viruses and infections before. We thank you for your support during this time. These restrictions will be re-evaluated on a continuous basis as the situation requires and are subject to change at any moment.

Thank you for observing these temporary restrictions as we work to maintain the health and well-being of our residents, staff and friends.

Derek Murray, Administrator