COVID-19 Update February 25, 2021

Dear St. William’s Living Center Residents, Friends, and Families:

I am writing today to inform you that two residents of St. William’s Living Center tested positive for COVID-19.  We are in daily contact with the Minnesota Department of Health to ensure we are taking the appropriate steps to limit the spread of the virus. 

We currently have the following active COVID-19 cases:

  • St. William’s Living Center:  0 active staff cases and 3 active resident cases.
  • McCornell Court Assisted Living: No active cases

To resume indoor visits, we must have no new COVID-19 cases for at least 14 days and two rounds of negative tests for all staff and residents. Compassionate care and essential care visits are allowed for in certain circumstances after review by the interdisciplinary team.  If a resident needs a compassionate care visit, you may contact Michelle Hartmann at 218-338-1009. 

We encourage loved ones to communicate with our residents by phone, video chat, or a window visit in Vogrin Hall if possible.  You may call our activity department at 218-338-1010 to set up a time to schedule a video meeting or window visit with a resident.

The Minnesota Department of Health has set up a free hotline for anyone who has questions about Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Call the MDH hotline at: 1-651-201-3920. We will continue to provide updates to you to keep you informed of our ongoing work.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at: Tim Kelly, Administrator at 218-338-1001; Lori Roers, Director of Nursing at 218-338-1009.

Sincerely,

Tim Kelly, Administrator

St. William’s Living Center COVID-19 Situation Update – VISITATION TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED

Dear St. William’s Living Center Residents, Friends, and Families:

I am writing today regarding a new positive COVID-19 test result for a staff person at St. William’s Living Center.  Due to the positive test result, the department of health has directed us to temporarily suspend visitation at the nursing home.   The employee that tested positive today, had previously tested positive for COVID-19 three months ago.  Some people have been known to test positive COVID-19 for several months after their initial infection, so it is possible that this is not a new infection.  We will complete confirmatory testing and work with the Department of Health’s epidemiologist to determine the next steps. 

We currently have the following active COVID-19 cases:

  • St. William’s Living Center: 1 active staff case, 0 active resident cases
  • McCornell Court Assisted Living: No active cases

Nursing Home Vaccine

Last week we completed our second COVID-19 vaccination clinic for our residents and staff.  We are happy to report that we had excellent participation for both staff and residents.  We will hold a third clinic in March for those staff and residents who have not received their second dose.

Compassionate and Essential Care Visits

Compassionate care and essential care visits are allowed for in certain circumstances after review by the interdisciplinary team.  If a resident needs a compassionate care visit, you may contact Michelle Hartmann at 218-338-1009. 

We encourage loved ones to communicate with our residents by phone, video chat, or a window visit in Vogrin Hall if possible.  You may call our activity department at 218-338-1010 to set up a time to schedule a video meeting or window visit with a resident.

The Minnesota Department of Health has set up a free hotline for anyone who has questions about Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Call the MDH hotline at: 1-651-201-3920. We will continue to provide updates to you to keep you informed of our ongoing work.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at: Tim Kelly, Administrator at 218-338-1001; Lori Roers, Director of Nursing at 218-338-1009.

Sincerely,

Tim Kelly, Administrator

Veteran Care: What Does it Mean to be VA Contracted?

Did you know that the VA contracts with community nursing homes to care for aging veterans?

As a veteran, you have options when you’re in need of skilled nursing care. You aren’t limited to only those facilities run by the VA.

At St. William’s, we are proud to say that we are one of the few skilled nursing facilities in the area that’s contracted with the VA for veteran care.

Keep reading to learn more about what it means to be VA contracted.

Services We Offer Veterans

Nursing homes run by the VA are often hard to get into and might be located many miles from friends and family. If you opt for a community nursing facility, such as St. William’s, you can get the top-notch care you need while staying local.

Our facility offers veterans individualized medical care. Nurses work with your doctor to develop a care plan that’s best for you. Whether you’re staying with us short-term to recover from an injury or surgery, or you’re here for a longer stay, our staff is here for you with 24-hour care and support.

We offer a range of therapy services including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Our state-of-the-art physical therapy room offers all the tools you’ll need to strengthen your muscles and improve joint function.

At St. William’s, we understand that, as a veteran, you may have unique obstacles to overcome on a day-to-day basis. Our mental health professionals work with veterans one-on-one to ensure they can manage the stress of daily life. Simply having someone to talk to can make a huge difference in your quality of life.

Occupational therapists work with veterans to help them become more independent. They can help you to re-learn how to feed and clothe yourself, do chores around the house, and cook for yourself. Occupational therapy might be just the thing you need to get back on your feet after a stroke or injury.

Are You Eligible?

According to the VA website, if you served in the active military, naval, or air services, you may be eligible for VA healthcare benefits. Visit their site to check specific eligibility requirements and to sign up for health care benefits. Once you’re signed up for benefits, you can learn more about what the services VA can help with.

There are three different types of nursing facilities that the VA will cover. State-owned veteran homes and VA-owned facilities, as well as community nursing homes such as St. William’s. Only the facilities contracted with the VA will qualify for benefits, so it’s in your best interest, as a veteran, to choose a facility like St. William’s who works with the VA and understands the process.

Veteran Care Done the Right Way

At St. William’s, we value veterans. They fought for freedom and served our country bravely. Now it’s time for us to serve them.

Contact us today to find out more about how we can help care for you or your loved one.