HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti says they continue to get many questions regarding restrictions that are put in place at nursing homes during the pandemic.
“They have to uphold to regulations set forth by CMS, CDC, KDHE and then some of those that are part of greater systems,” Baldetti said. “And so there will be some consistencies among the regulations as they’re upheld but also some differences among facilities.”
Baldetti says that the hospital has loosened its visitation restrictions in certain circumstances and says that nursing homes are taking some consideration for those who want to see loved ones in end-of-life situations.
“Both entities have been, in what’s been communicated to me, very open,” Baldetti said. “If they receive that communication they will try and work with the family to facilitate that.”
Baldetti says there is not a blanket policy among the nursing homes in the area but said they are willing to consider any request to see a loved one under various circumstances.
“They’re not openly communicating and/or have a blanket policy set in place,” Baldetti said. “That family just has direct communication with the housing entity.