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?
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 the Department of Health and CDC guidelines.
What is the protocol if a resident/elder tests positive for COVID-19?
Residents in independent living apartments/homes are asked to self-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 – an infrequent occurrence in 2023. Should an outbreak occur, aggressive safety protocols are re-established for the duration.
How is Otterbein providing up-to-date communications to residents/elders and all of their respective families?
Daily notification to residents/elders and their families will no longer occur, either in direct communication or via the website. Otterbein will resume normal communications in the event of an outbreak in nursing areas of care in order to notify residents, elders, families and partners (employees) of aggressive safety protocols.
Based on current COVID-19 trends, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has allowed the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19, to expire. Effective immediately (end of day May 11, 2023), two things occurred that have a direct effect upon Otterbein SeniorLife:
First, COVID-19 safety protocols are no longer impacted by the Community Transmission Rate, and the associated color categorization for each Ohio and Indiana County. Safety protocols return to aggressive standards (face masks, face shields, testing standards) only in the event of an outbreak at an Otterbein location, or as directed by the local health department.
Second, daily notification to residents/elders and their families will no longer occur, either in direct communication or via the website. Otterbein will resume normal communications in the event of an outbreak in nursing areas of care in order to notify residents, elders, families and partners (employees) of aggressive safety protocols.
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.
