If you are feeling scared, frustrated or overwhelmed, we understand. We are here to help. Sharing how we feel and working together allows us to work more closely together, gain back a sense of control during what seems to be an uncontrollable time and elevate caring for you and each other.
We continue to closely monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the impact on those we serve, their family members, our staff and volunteers. Your safety and health are our number one priority. As a healthcare provider, we are following the guidance provided to us by local and state health departments, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Center for Disease Control. Circle of Life is taking every precaution, including universal masking, personal protective equipment, heightened safety protocols, and a daily screening process for our staff and visitors.
Here are the specifics we are doing for patients in their home setting:
- We screen our staff daily at start of each shift
- Many of our staff have already received the vaccine
- We encourage family members to wear masks during patient visits
- We provide in-home visits from our interdisciplinary team
- We are vigilant in our infection prevention practices and are confident in our ability to safely provide in-person care
- When necessary, we can arrange for telehealth visits
- Our 24-hour support line (479-750-6632) is available to offer around the clock assistance, including assessment of new patients and response to after-hour patient needs
Here are the specifics we are doing for patients in our hospice homes:
- We have significantly increased the frequency of cleaning at all of our administrative offices and our hospice homes, with particular attention to high touch areas, counter tops, bathroom facilities, door handles, and all points of common contact
- Visitors to our inpatient facilities are screened by our staff prior to entry
- Visitors are required to wear masks in our hospice homes and in the patient room at all times
- We will allow 4 visitors per patient at a time during the day
- We will allow 2 visitors per patient to stay overnight. No children under 18 can stay overnight
- Children may visit. Kids are counted as part of the 4 visitors at a time
- Families may make patio visits in groups of no more than 10. All members must check in at the reception desk to be screened. Visits can be made with the window open
- Meals will be available for visitors. They will be individually prepackaged items that you can grab and take back to patient room
- We have established a designated COVID unit within our Bentonville hospice home
- Only two designated visitors per patient is allowed in our COVID unit
Some helpful general reminders for everyone to follow:
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly and always before eating or drinking. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill germs
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face with unwashed hands
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or into a tissue. If you use a tissue, dispose of it in the trash immediately
- If you have cold and flu symptoms, or are not feeling well, please stay home
We continue to accept new patients 7 days a week/24 hours a day. Please know that we are here for you and thank you for trusting us with your care.
From the highest levels of management, to every member of the Circle of Life team – in-home providers, clerical and support staff – we are working around the clock to support caring for you and your loved ones.
We recommend anyone with questions and concerns follow the definitive sources for information nationally and locally for COVID-19 updates:
The Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
The Arkansas Department of Health: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/