North Central Health Care will continue to enforce the no-visitation policy currently in place at all NCHC nursing homes, community living group homes and the inpatient behavioral health hospital to protect the health and safety of clients and employees, NCHC announced this week.

This decision comes after May 13 ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court on the Safer at Home order and under continued guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and local health officials.

Because of the ease of spread in a long-term care and congregate living settings and the severity of illness that occurs in residents with COVID-19, nursing homes and congregate living homes are still advised to restrict all visitation to their facilities except for certain compassionate care reasons, such as end-of-life situations.

“People who live in nursing homes and our community living group homes are among our most vulnerable when it comes to COVID-19 infections,” said Michael Loy, CEO of NCHC, in a news release. “… NCHC has continually informed residents, family members, and local and state health departments about the status of our operations and the measures we are taking to keep our residents and staff safe.

“We want to express our appreciation to the families and friends of our residents and patients who have been so supportive during this uncertain time. We know how difficult this is for everyone and we want to thank everyone for their continued support and adherence to the visitation restrictions.”

To prevent spread of illness, NCHC will continue to practice these healthcare precautions as advised by local health officials and the CDC:

  • Restricting all visitation including hospice visitation. Management has been working with families individually on a case-by-case basis for special circumstances.
  • Personal protective face masks will be worn at all times by employees within all NCHC facilities.
  • All nursing home residents will wear a mask or cloth face covering any time they exit their rooms.
  • Residents’ vital signs will be monitored multiple times per day.
  • Frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces.
  • All staff are required to complete Covid-19 screening upon arrival to work. Temperature monitoring for staff working in restricted zones takes place every 4 hours.
  • Continued emergency zone implementation throughout the Wausau Campus to limit exposure to residents and patients in 24/7 care areas.

North Central Health Care provides care for individuals and families with mental health, recovery and skilled nursing needs in Marathon, Langlade and Lincoln counties. It operates two nursing facilities, Mount View Care Center in Wausau and Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill.