Important Information on Otterbein’s Response to the COVID-19 Virus
Check back here for future updates as the situation evolves.
A Message From Jill Wilson, President and CEO of Otterbein SeniorLife
The safety and well-being of Otterbein residents, patients, partners (employees), and visitors is of primary importance each and every day. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, and our “at-risk” population, Otterbein SeniorLife will be adhering to all governmental recommendations and regulations and initiating additional precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dominant symptoms of COVID-19?
Learn more about the symptoms of COVID-19 from the CDC.
What should I do if I think I, or a family member, have COVID-19?
Is Otterbein SeniorLife accepting admissions?
Yes, all Otterbein locations are accepting admissions, including admissions from the hospital of COVID-19-diagnosed patients.
Is Otterbein SeniorLife conducting tours of the communities/neighborhoods?
Yes, with minimal restrictions.
What precautions is Otterbein SeniorLife taking to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on residents, elders, partners (employees), and their respective family members?
From the outset of the pandemic, Otterbein has exercised an abundance of caution in dealing with the virus. We have followed every recommendation from the various governmental agencies and layered additional safety precautions as more information became available.
Current protocols are minimal but directly aligned with department of health and CDC guidelines, largely a function of the transmission rate in each of the counties in which Otterbein operates.
What is the protocol if a resident/elder tests positive for COVID-19?
Residents in independent living apartments/homes are placed in unit quarantine until a negative test result is returned. Residents/elders in assisted living or nursing levels of care are isolated in their rooms/suites for seven to 14 days, tested periodically, and cared for continually, including personal/doctor-approved COVID-19 medical treatment. The resident/elder could be sent to the local hospital for more aggressive care if their condition worsens.
What is the protocol if a partner (employee) displays symptoms and later tests positive for COVID-19?
Otterbein SeniorLife partners are passively screened as they enter campus. If the partner presents with symptoms and fails the screen, the partner is sent home, asked to quarantine, and monitor symptoms. The partner may return to work once symptom-free, without medication, for three consecutive days and the return of a negative test.
What is passive screening, and to whom does it apply?
Passive screening is the responsibility of each individual, always cautious regarding possible COVID-19 symptoms. Active Screening prior to entry is no longer required, regardless of vaccination status. Regardless, Otterbein strongly encourages all residents/elders, visitors, and partners to be “Up To Date” with recommended vaccine doses.
Otterbein has alerts at entrances and strategic places in the neighborhood, indicating visitors and partners are on the “honor system.” Still, for the safety of elders and partners alike, all remain restricted from entry if the individual has:
- Had a COVID-19 positive test result in the last 10 days
- Symptoms aligned to those of COVID-19, where COVID-19 has not been ruled out as the likely cause
- Had close contact with someone with COVID-19 or is suspected of having COVID-19
How is Otterbein combating social isolation?
Social isolation, as a function of COVID-19, is behind us. Otterbein campuses, across all levels of care, are open without restriction, except in the case of a COVID-19 outbreak — which is infrequently occurring in 2023. Other than the brief period a resident/elder must be isolated for seven to 10 days following a positive test, residents/elders are out and about, visitors are welcome, and outbound activities are active.
How is Otterbein providing up-to-date communications to residents/elders and all of their respective families?
Until recently, Otterbein has used every vehicle available to communicate with our residents/elders and families — written letters, phone calls, text messages, emails, and video updates provided frequently to keep everyone knowledgeable about what is happening at each location. In addition, effective late March 2023, we have introduced daily updates on the Otterbein.org website.
To find the information:
- Search and open www.otterbein.org
- Click on FAQs and Guides in the upper right-hand corner of the page
- Click on COVID-19 Update
The Spirit Connection
Kind words of encouragement can brighten anyone’s day. Send a message to any resident, patient, or staff hero at an Otterbein SeniorLife community today.
Important Health Information From the Ohio Department of Health
Please refer to the Ohio Department of Health website for the latest information on COVID-19. This information will be updated as the situation evolves.
Important Health Information From the Indiana Department of Health
Please refer to the Indiana Department of Health website for the latest information on COVID-19. This information will be updated as the situation evolves.
COVID-19 Vaccination Benefits
COVID-19 vaccines can help protect you and the people around you from catching and spreading the COVID-19 virus. Learn more by downloading our fact sheet.
Information on Social Distancing
If you must go out in public, do your best to maintain a distance of at least six feet from other people to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
