Thank you for your continued patience and support as we navigate the ever changing guidance for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Together we have triumphed through many changes since the pandemic began in March 2020, and we appreciate your support.

It is our mission to serve residents in the best way possible, and we have always put the residents first. Jennings has followed all of the guidance to provide the best protection available for all of those who work, live or receive care at Jennings. Since March 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance to nursing homes, and state departments of health and aging issued guidance for other residences. 

CDC Guidelines

It remains a priority for Jennings to monitor risk for our Jennings family and guests. While the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has relaxed precautions for the general community, several precautions remain for residents, staff and visitors to nursing home and assisted living residences. Some precautions, such as staff testing, are contingent on the risk level of our county. The link to the CDC COVID tracker - provided below - enables you to find data for your county. Transmission levels include: red = high; orange = substantial; yellow = moderate; blue = low and gray = no data.

• Click here for Ohio's current risk assessments.

We continue nursing home and assisted living precautions per our state and CMS guidelines. For residents of independent living and those who leave the Jennings campus for visits, appointments and errands, we highly encourage each individual to find consider their own risk as well as the transmission level of the county to make and respect the choices for each person.

Some Important Precautions Continue

It remains critically important to follow infection control practices. Two important requirements about visiting precautions will continue for nursing home and assisted living residences – all visitors must wear a procedure mask, and all visitors must follow the screening procedure when entering the building.

Residents are able to have visitors at all times of the day, regardless of the vaccine status of the individual. If there is a positive test, we will continue to update residents and families about any positive results. At times, we will also take necessary precautions, such as additional personal protective equipment, to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Residents, patients, visitors, and staff of nursing home and assisted living residences must all adhere to the COVID-19 infection prevention core principles at all times, including:

• Visitors who have a positive test or COVID-19 symptoms, or who currently meet the criteria for quarantine, will NOT enter the building.

• All visitors must complete the screening process upon entry into the building. Visitors may register for a proximity cards will be reactivated to access the main entrance.

• All individuals – of every age – must wear face covering or mask and keep physical distancing of at least 6 feet between people.

• Visitors may visit in the resident’s suite, but not in community areas such as the dining rooms, Mass, community rooms, etc. However, residents and families may reserve a community space for a gathering with a resident.

• All individuals should practice good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently or using hand sanitizer.

• Individuals will follow instructional signage throughout the building. Jennings will provide proper visitor education on COVID-19 signs and symptoms, infection control precautions and other Jennings specific practices.
• Staff will clean and disinfect high-frequency touched surfaces often and in any visitation areas after each visit.

• Staff will use appropriate PPE.

• Jennings has a plan if needed to create a separate area dedicated to COVID-19 care.

• Jennings will continue resident and staff testing as required, for example for those who are symptomatic or exposed or during an outbreak. In accordance with CMS, we discourage visits to residents who are in quarantine or during an outbreak.

Please be patient with staff, residents and other family members as we continually adjust to changes and acknowledge individual concerns. Keep in mind that residents may also leave the building for appointments and visits away from their residence, and Jennings has a mobility accessible vehicle that families may reserve to assist a loved one.

Entering the buildings

With the exception of our small house residences in Chardon and Garfield Heights, residents and their families have proximity cards as their key to enter the main entrance of the building.

Vaccine Mandate

We urge everyone – staff, residents and family members – to get the vaccine and help us create an even safer space for the residents in this community and all of the hearts and hands needed to care for them. CMS has now mandated that all staff in the nursing home setting must be vaccinated or be granted an exemption for a true medical or religious reason.

Please be patient with our staff, who are making the choice every day to serve residents with dedication and compassion. Like you, they too have been faced with changing guidelines as well as their own personal concerns throughout the pandemic.

Across the country you have seen the incredible hiring efforts, especially for hospitals, health care organizations and restaurants. Jennings is working diligently to fill positions across all our locations. With our innovative Jennings spirit, we are looking with fresh eyes for creative opportunities, efficient practices and excellent partners.

Please remember that our collective goal is to prevent the spread of illness for everyone, and I urge you to continue your vigilance to help us so we can return to a more ordinary way of life. We will keep you updated and continue regular communication with you as we have done throughout the entire pandemic.