Buckner Calder Woods limiting visitation in light of COVID-19 pandemic

Buckner Retirement Services will implement a limited access visitation policy as a safety measure against the rapid advance of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. The limited access policy is effective Friday, March 13, at noon and will apply to BRS’s six communities, including Buckner Villas in Austin, Parkway Place in Houston, Ventana by Buckner in Dallas, Calder Woods in Beaumont, Westminster Place in Longview and Baptist Retirement Community in San Angelo.

The temporary visitation policy follows guidelines proved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and includes limiting visitors within the communities except for end-of-life situations or when a visitor is essential for the resident’s emotional wellbeing and care.

BRS employees began notifying residents and resident family members regarding the new guidelines on Wednesday, March 11, via in-person conversations, phone calls, printed letters, emails and the community website and Facebook pages.

“We are aware that this limited access poses an inconvenience to our residents and their friends and family, but we are committed to doing everything reasonably possible to protect our residents and the Buckner team members who work at our communities. This decision was not taken lightly, however, we believe it is in the best interests of everyone,” said Charlie Wilson, senior vice president of Buckner Retirement Services.

When visitors meeting the approved criteria come to any BRS community, they will have their temperature taken and be asked screening questions about their current health condition and recent travel as a further level of protection for residents and staff, BRS informs.

Additionally, BRS is activating Emergency Preparedness and Operations teams at each of the six campuses, re-educating staff about infectious disease policies and procedures and reviewing those protocols, inventorying supplies and directing sick staff to stay home.

“These extraordinary measures are intended to protect all of us,” said Wilson. “We will re-evaluate this limited access policy regularly and notify our residents immediately of any changes.”