Pioneer Manor Restricts Visiting due to Influenza

GILLETTE, WY - Pioneer Manor has initiated visiting restrictions due to two confirmed cases of influenza among residents. Restrictions are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the long term care setting when there is a confirmed or suspected influenza outbreak (two or more ill residents). Restrictions are in place for seven days after they are initiated, provided there are no additional confirmed influenza cases during that time period.

Residents of long term care facilities can experience severe or even fatal illness during influenza outbreaks. Antiviral medication will be initiated for residents by the Pioneer Manor Medical Director after notification of families and attending physicians.

Visiting Restrictions include:

• No visits from children under age 12.
• Visits are restricted to two persons at a time.
• All visitors must wash their hands upon entry to the facility and wear a mask when visiting. Masks and hand sanitizer is provided at the main entrance.
• Anyone who feels ill or has flu-like symptoms should not visit.

Visiting restrictions mean that the Pioneer Manor resident Christmas party, scheduled for December 4, has been postponed. Holiday carolers should contact Interim Administrator Jonni Belden at 688.7112 to check on current restrictions, or visit the website at www.ccmh.net/VisitingRestrictions. Restrictions will be lifted when as soon as it is safe for residents.

Jonni Belden, Interim Pioneer Manor Administrator, expresses her empathy. "We are disappointed that we have to postpone the resident Christmas Party," said Jonni. "But our first concern is the safety of our residents."

Cards are always appreciated, both mailed to Pioneer Manor at 900 W. Eighth St., Gillette, WY 82716; or via the eCard feature on the website, www.ccmh.net/As_Our_Patient/eCards.aspx.