March 10, 2024
***Kendal at Hanover Visitor Guidelines – Masks optional***
Kendal at Hanover is pleased to announce that masks are now optional throughout most of our Community. As COVID-19 is becoming endemic in nature, we are at the point of shifting away from the few precautionary measures that were still in place. The evolution of our practices is aligned with guidance from the CDC, NH Department of Health and Human Services and similar communities and organizations within the region and Kendal System. This virus is unpredictable, and we will continue to monitor subvariants, how it may continue to change, and what the impact is on our community.
It is important to note that masks are still required in our onsite DH-Kendal Clinic.
Visitor Masking Optional:
Masking will now be optional for visitors in all public spaces. If they are experiencing any symptoms, we request masks continue to be worn within the community.
Visitor and Staff Screening:
A few weeks back, if you visited DHMC or APD, you may have noticed a change in their visitor screening practice. The CDC has shifted their guidelines on screening protocols and no longer requires the process of taking temperatures and asking questions upon entering an organization or community such as ours. In the past three years, our screening practices did not produce any data to suggest that there is value in its continuation. Less than 1% of staff members and no visitors that have been turned away tested positive for COVID-19 based on the tools and process used. Given this analysis and regulatory oversight’s shift in requirements, we are comfortable in changing our practice. Therefore, and effective immediately, screening will no longer take place at Reception or at the Barclay entrance.
Exposure to someone who tests positive for COVID-19:
Staff and residents who have had a direct exposure to COVID-19, are recommended to wear a mask for 5-days and watch for symptoms. You can conduct your normal daily activity throughout the 5-day period, but we ask you to consider not taking meals in the Cadbury Dining Room or Café or attending community events during this time. If symptoms develop, residents are to contact the Clinic and staff are to follow staff reporting protocols.
It is important to be mindful that although the precautions of these past years have been attributed to and dictated by the activity of the COVID-19 pandemic, the same precautions are implemented for other illnesses such as flu and RSV, both of which are just as important to monitor. As we continue to monitor various illnesses, we may need to adjust our precautions to some degree.
The last three years have been a long haul and we are now at a place of learning how to live with the ever-changing nature of COVID-19. People are re-engaging in life pursuits and pleasures, and we are coming back together as a community. Seeing the faces that were once lost behind the masks fills our hearts with joy and greater connection. There is the saying that our eyes are the windows to our souls, but I do believe our smiles and expressions are what actually deliver those messages. November 7, 2022
***Kendal at Hanover Visitor Guidelines – Revised***
Kendal at Hanover is pleased to announce that we are open to visitors throughout our Community who do not have COVID-19. Visitors can eat with residents in our Cafe and Cadbury Dining Room, and say overnight. Masks must be worn by visitors at all other times while in common spaces.
Anyone visiting Health Center (HC) residents may visit between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. These visits do not need to be scheduled at this time, but visitors do need to be screened and wear a surgical mask, KN95 mask, or N95 mask during the visit. Cloth masks are not acceptable. June 20, 2022
***Kendal at Hanover Visitor Guidelines – Revised***
We are happy to announce that, as we continue to see the decline of the COVID-19 positivity rates in the area, we are adjusting the following precautions for visitors:
- Common spaces, with two exceptions, will now be open to visitors.
- Cadbury Dining Room and the Wellness Center, including the Pool, will remain closed to visitors.
- Visitors may go through the service line in the Café to get food but may not eat in any of our common spaces.
- Visitors may resume attending events if space is available. If capacity is reached and more residents wish to attend, visitors will be politely asked to leave.
- Our meeting spaces remain closed to external organizations hosting events.
Masks must continue to be worn by all throughout our Community.
Visitors from outside of the Community to Health Center (HC) residents may visit between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. These visits do not need to be scheduled at this time, but visitors do need to be screened and wear a surgical mask, KN95 mask, or N95 mask during the visit. Cloth masks are not acceptable. March 23, 2022
***Kendal at Hanover Visitor Guidelines***
Visitors to Independent Living (IL) residents are not required to be screened at Reception, but still must wear masks while walking throughout all indoor commons spaces including hallways, stairs, and at Reception. Additionally, visitors cannot use indoor common spaces including the Cafe, Cadbury Dining Room, and the Wellness/Fitness Center.
Visitors from outside of the Community to Health Center (HC) residents may visit between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. These visits do not need to be scheduled at this time, but visitors do need to be screened and wear a surgical mask, KN95 mask, or N95 mask during the visit. Cloth masks are not acceptable. March 17, 2022
***Kendal at Hanover Reopens to Visitors*** 3/12/2021
Beginning Friday, March 12, Independent Living (IL) residents can have visitors in their apartments. Visitors are asked to be screened at Reception prior to visiting between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekends. Visitors must follow these guidelines:
• Visitors will be screened and their contact information taken for contact tracing if needed.
• Max. 6 people per apartment, including residents, and no age limits on visitors.
• Vaccinated residents can visit with unvaccinated people from one household without masks /distancing if they are low risk.
• Visitors are not allowed in dining areas or any indoor common spaces – only in residents’ private spaces.
• Overnight guests are allowed in residents’ apartments.
• Visitors’ pets are allowed.
• Visitors must follow universal COVID-19 precautions while walking through community spaces, including hallways, stairs, and at Reception.
Health Center (HC) residents continue to have scheduled visits through our visitation station between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. To schedule a HC visit, please contact our Visit Coordinator at (603) 653-8552 or email visit@kah.kendal.org
***Visitation Stations Open***
Beginning Monday, February 15, we will be open to visitors through our visitation stations between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Independent Living (IL) residents will use a visitation station located in the Pavilion near the exit to Firbank Fell.
Health Center (HC) residents will use a visitation station located at the Pickett Common Room.
These visits must be scheduled at least two days in advance by contacting the Visit Coordinator at (603) 653-8552 or email visit@kah.kendal.org.
We will follow our Visitation Guidelines distributed on December 10, 2020:
- No visitors traveling from outside of New England, unless completing 14 days of self quarantine, following NH DHHS guidelines.
- Maximum of two visitors at a time, both from the same household.
- Visitors must be over the age of 12.
- No pets are not allowed unless they are service animals.
- Visits cannot exceed one hour for IL visits and 45 minutes for HC visits.
Visitation guidelines may change as the Community is vaccinated or as directed by NH DHHS.
***Kendal at Hanover Closed to Visitors***
Kendal at Hanover is currently CLOSED to all visitors until further notice. Deliveries can still be made to our Reception area. For more information, please call (603) 643-8900. We are sorry for this inconvenience. 12/29/2020
***Kendal at Hanover takes additional precautions and limits access by visitors*** 12/9/2020
As of Dec. 9, 2020, Kendal at Hanover is requiring all visits to take place in one of our visitation stations or outdoors. Additionally, only two (2) visitors may visit with a resident at a time outdoors or at the visitation station. All visits must be scheduled by calling (603) 653-8552.
Please refer to the website globalepidemics.org prior to scheduling visits to see if self-quarantine for 14 days prior to visiting the Community is required. This tool uses Orange to represent “Accelerated Spread,” and Red indicates a “Tipping Point” to help determine control efforts. Anyone visiting from an Orange or Red county, or anyone traveling on public transportation, is required to self-quarantine for 14 days prior to visiting. Visitors coming from Green or Yellow counties do not require self-quarantine. A negative COVID test does not negate any of the self-quarantine time.
Scheduled visitors will undergo health screening at our Lyme Road entrance between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. with the last scheduled visit ending at 4 p.m.
***Kendal at Hanover takes additional precautions as number of area COVID-19 cases rise*** 11/19/2020
As of Nov. 19, 2020, Kendal at Hanover is requiring all visitors to self-quarantine for 14 days prior to visiting the Community if they are visiting from high risk areas, including Grafton County. This assessment is based on the information provided by the Global Epidemics website, www.globalepidemics.org. Anyone visiting from an Orange or Red county is required to self-quarantine. A negative COVID test does not negate any of the self-quarantine time. This tool uses Orange to represent “Accelerated Spread,” and Red indicates a “Tipping Point” to help determine control efforts.
Visitors will be allowed from counties on the website that are Green or Yellow. These visitors are required to be screened at our Lyme Road entrance between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. as described below. Visitors can be screened at Reception from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. If you are planning a visit, we encourage you to follow the Global Epidemics website.
As Grafton County, where Hanover is located, is identified as Orange, we are also asking residents and staff to limit various activities, including unnecessary travel, which could require self-quarantine. Travel for medical appointments, curbside or drive-thru pick-up, and to take hikes or walks does not require self-quarantine.
***Kendal at Hanover Reopens to Visitors for Independent Living Residents*** 10/5/2020
Kendal at Hanover has reopened to visitors following a two-week period to test staff for COVID-19 who may have been exposed to two staff members who tested positive. Independent Living Residents may now have visitors. These visitors will still require screening at our Lyme Road entrance between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. as described below.
At this time, outdoor/indoor social visitation with Health Center Residents resumes by appointment only by calling (603) 653-8552 or email visit@kah.kendal.org. Our Health Center is CLOSED to general indoor visitors as it follows guidance provided by the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services and CMS to lift various restrictions. Indoor Compassionate Care visitation may be authorized with advance notice by calling (603) 653-8552.
***Kendal at Hanover Closed to Visitors***
Kendal at Hanover is currently CLOSED to all visitors until further notice. For more information, please call (603) 643-8900. We are sorry for this inconvenience. 9/19/2020
Expanded Screening Questions for Visitors
If you are visiting Kendal at Hanover, the following questions will be asked as part of our COVID-19 screening.
- Do you have any of the following symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Where are you travelling from? Please refer to notice dated July 31, 2020 below.
- Have you travelled internationally in the past 14 days?
- Have you travelled using mass transit by plane, train or bus within the past 14 days?
- Are you residing in a community where community-based spread of COVID-19 is occurring?
- Have you been in close contact with someone who is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 in the past 14 days?
- Do you have children any age in your household who have been informed of primary, secondary or tertiary exposure to COVID 19?
- Primary Exposure: suspected or confirmed of having COVID-19
- Secondary Exposure: exposed to a person suspected or confirmed of having COVID-19
- Tertiary Exposure: in contact with a person who has been exposed to someone who is suspected or confirmed of having COVID-19
- Do you have children any age in your household who have been asked to stay home from any school or college due to any illness?
Kendal at Hanover Visitors—Posted July 27, 2020—Effective Date: July 31, 2020
Important Information for Visitors from Outside of New England
The state has established specific travel guidelines for visitors to New Hampshire. This latest information can be found HERE . Our travel restrictions will follow the guidelines set by the New Hampshire Division of Public Health Services and established universal precautions.
Visitors traveling to Kendal at Hanover (KaH) by vehicle from outside of New England are asked to self-quarantine for 14 days prior to visiting if they are coming from COVID-19 risk levels of Orange or Red as determined by the Global Epidemics website. This self-quarantine can take place at their home. Visitors from counties appearing in Green or Yellow do not require self-quarantine, but it is recommended prior to visiting.
Residents expecting visitors from outside of New England must contact Reception at least 24 hours prior to the visit. Residents are encouraged to use the Global Epidemics website to assess the risk of the area the visitor is traveling from, as visitors could be turned away at screening.
Visitors who travel to New Hampshire via mass transit (airplane, bus or train) are requested to self-quarantine in New Hampshire or other New England states for 14-days prior to arranging visits with residents. We will not be able to shorten the self-quarantine timeline for a visitor who has undergone a COVID-19 test due to challenges associated with the turnaround time for PCR COVID-19 test results.
At this time, visitors from within New England do not need to self-quarantine unless using mass transit or as required by other universal precautions.
Please contact our Receptionist at (603) 643-7000 if you have any questions.
Thank you, and be well.
July 10, 2020—Visitors Allowed After Screening
We are pleased to announce that we are now allowing visitors at Kendal at Hanover.
Since March, Kendal at Hanover has been closed to visitors. In May, we introduced a Phased Recovery Plan to help us map out the reintroduction of certain aspects of activities here, and earlier this week we felt comfortable opening to visitors – under specific guidelines. If you are planning a visit at Kendal at Hanover, please review this information and let us know if you have any questions.
Visitors must arrive between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to be screened at Reception before visiting with Independent Living residents. Our community common spaces remain closed to all visitors. This includes our Café, meeting rooms, and our Wellness/Fitness Center. Please understand that it may be necessary for us to change this with very little notice if we see increased COVID-19 numbers.
Please note that, per guidance by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, our Health Center is closed to all visitors, with the exception of scheduled outdoor visits. Visits with Health Center residents can be scheduled by calling (603) 653-8553.
During screening, visitors will be asked these questions:
- In the past 14 days, have you experienced any of the following symptoms: Fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, chills, severe fatigue, changes in taste or smell, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea?
- In the past 14 days, have you traveled internationally, or domestically outside of New Hampshire, Vermont, or Maine, on public transportation (e.g. bus, train or plane), or have you been in any current COVID-19 hot spots including Arizona, California, Florida, Tennessee, or Texas? (subject to change)
- In the past 14 days, have you been in close contact with someone who is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19?
Guests answering “Yes” to any of these questions will not be allowed to visit.
In addition to screening, ALL visitors are required to follow these precautions while at Kendal at Hanover to ensure the health and well-being of our residents, staff, and visitors:
- No more than four (4) visitors per apartment.
- Masks must be worn at all times.
- Visitors and residents must practice good social distancing and wash hands or use hand sanitizer regularly.
- Visits are to take place in the resident’s apartment or outdoors.
- Visitors cannot take part in meetings or activities in any community spaces, indoor and outdoor, with other residents.
Please contact our Receptionist at (603) 643-7000 if you have any questions.
We would like to thank our residents and their families and friends for their continued patience as we continue to navigate through these difficult times. The past four months have been challenging, and we hope that now allowing visitors helps lift spirits.
Thank you, and be well.
April 11, 2020 – Reminder: Kendal at Hanover is Closed to All Visitors
We hope you and your family are well during these challenging times. We recognize that being separated from your family or loved one adds to this already stressful situation. However, we need to ask for your continued support NOT to make visits to Kendal at Hanover at this time. We closed the campus to all visitors on March 4, and we need to continue to emphasize our obligation to that restriction. This restriction is not only mandated by the state of New Hampshire’s Department of Health and Human Service but is being enforced out of an abundance of caution and the continued need to mitigate and reduce exposure to the virus. We have been very fortunate to keep COVID-19 out of our community to this point, and not having visitors on campus has played a major role in that success.
To be clear, visitation restriction includes any type of visit here on campus, both indoors and outdoors, and we strongly discourage meeting up on adjacent property. We must ask for your cooperation and understanding. We highly recommend the use of technology or calling loved ones to connect.
In further support of this effort, we will have staff stationed at the front entrance who will turn away visitors who do not need to be on our campus. We will allow visitors to bring groceries or other supplies, and they will be directed to the Reception area for that exchange. Lastly, some family members may be permitted if a loved one is receiving end-of-life care or other psychosocial needs based upon approval from the health services team and the Clinic.
To get the most up to date information, please refer to the resident website. We are posting daily video updates under the Coronavirus Alert tab to keep our residents informed. http://www.kahres.org/coronavirus/
We ask that you please share this message with other family or friends who may be inclined to visit.
Thank you and be well.
April 1, 2020 – SCREENING PRECATIONS:
Residents and staff returning from trips outside of the Upper Valley have been asked to self-quarantine for 14-days upon their return. Self-quarantine is used for an asymptomatic person identified as possibly exposed to a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case. It means the person who is in self-quarantine should be staying in their home. They can leave through the nearest exit to get exercise, but should not leave Kendal. Meals and mail are delivered, and the Health Center conducts wellness checks.
Out of an abundance of caution and with the increasing number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the Upper Valley, Kendal at Hanover will continue to screen all staff and vendors entering the Community until further notice.
March 14, 2020—UPDATE: Kendal at Hanover will be CLOSED to all visitors effective Sunday, March 15th at 8 p.m. This will remain in effect until further notice.
This measure is in response to Governor Chris Sununu’s and The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ order to slow down the spread of COVID-19/coronavirus announced Friday evening. We are taking the additional precaution of closing our entire community. Limiting potential exposure through visitors is a critical element of keeping you well.
Update precautions include:
- The Health Center will be closed to all visitors, including spouses and family from Independent Living.
- Health Center Residents will be asked to remain in the Health Center, in an effort to prevent exposure to the COVID-19/coronavirus.
- The Health Services Team may allow visitation for residents receiving end of life care, or visitors necessary to provide for a resident’s psychosocial needs as determined by a licensed medical care provider. Call Nursing at 643-7001 for more information.
If you have questions on these precautions, please contact us kahrecept@kah.kendal.org.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we work together to prevent COVID-19/coronavirus from entering our community. We will update our precautions if they change, or when they are no longer needed.
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March 11, 2020—Kendal at Hanover is carefully monitoring COVID-19/coronavirus in the Upper Valley and across the nation. With confirmed cases in the Upper Valley, we have implemented specific precautions to safeguard our residents and staff.
We remain open to visitors; however, we have established the following steps out of an abundance of caution until further notice:
- We are not providing tours. Requests to schedule tours at later dates may be made with the understanding that, Kendal at Hanover cannot anticipate how long our current precautions will be in place.
- Visitors will be screened at Reception in our Community Center before visiting with our residents.
- We have cancelled all group events and activities.
- Our Farmhouse (guest lodging) is closed.
- We have asked all staff and residents to self-report any airline travel in the past 14 days and any future travel plans to review if additional precautions may be necessary.
- We provide continued education on preventative best practices to staff and residents, and constantly emphasize the importance of properly washing hands.
- We also recommend social distancing; remaining away from settings where people are meeting, avoiding non-essential mass gatherings, and maintaining distance from others (about six feet) when possible.
If you have questions on these precautions, please contact us kahrecept@kah.kendal.org
Thank you for your understanding and support as we work together to prevent COVID-19/coronavirus from entering our community. We will update our precautions if they change, or when they are no longer needed.