MIDWEST HEALTH SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES RESTRICT ACCESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH EXPERT RECOMMENDATIONS

TOPEKA, KS (March 12, 2020) – Local senior living provider, Midwest Health Inc., is following recommendations from the American Health Care Association (AHCA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) by permitting only essential guests to enter their senior living buildings. According to the Midwest Health team, an essential guest is defined as someone providing active health care services to a resident. 

This policy goes into effect Wednesday, March 11 at the 65 Midwest Health senior living communities in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Missouri. 

“We’re being extremely cautious and heeding the advice of our industry and government organizations.” Said Jim Klausman, CEO of Midwest Health, Inc. “There are no cases of COVID-19 in any of our communities, and we’re taking every possible precaution to protect the seniors we serve as well as our staff members.” 

The AHCA and CDC issued the recommendation on Tuesday, March 10 citing the motivation of a high mortality rate for those over 80 years of age infected with COVID-19. 

In a document posted to AHCA website, the organization stated, “At the nursing home in Washington state, there have been 50 residents who have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. As of March 9, 2020, 19 of those have died. This is a high death rate.” 

In addition to restricting guest access, Midwest Health is also taking extra precautions considering the AHCA recommendations. 

“Our existing protocols have been enhanced,” said Klausman. “Staff members and essential visitors are being screened prior to entry, handwashing and sanitizing policies are posted throughout our communities, and additional infection control protocols have been implemented throughout our system.” 

Notice of the change in policy is being communicated in a variety of ways including email, social media, the community websites and phone calls. 

“So far, reaction has been favorable,” said Klausman. “Family members and residents understand the threat Coronavirus poses to our senior populations. We ask for everyone’s continued support as we strive to provide the very best care we can.”