Dear Residents and Families,

What an exciting season for everyone at WEL Burholme.  Lights on trees, frost in the air, but most importantly, it is all the enhanced living activities that make this time of year so special. In order for everyone to enjoy this time of year safely, there are a few reminders that everyone needs to be aware of:

Gifts and Gratuities: To avoid potential conflicts of interest and maintain a fair work environment, employees are not allowed to ask for or accept gifts or gratuities (tips) from or on behalf of individual resident or their family and friends. However, group gifts such as boxes of candy, baskets of fruit, trays of cookies which are distributed equitably to all non-exempt associates, are permitted.

Live Trees/ Wreaths & Candles: Although live tress and wreaths look and smell great – they increase the risk of fire.  The problem is that when these dry out, they can catch fire very easily. Besides that, the needles that fall can be a real mess. Also please remember to never hang decorations from fire sprinkler heads or pipes and the burning of candles is prohibited.

Artificial Trees:  Please make sure that all such trees and any decorative lights are UL listed. Please utilize our maintenance department to look at them for loose/frayed wires or any item that may increase the risk of fire. As with any electrical device, these should be monitored for safe operation. These are not meant to be left on “24/7” and if there are concerns that residents may forget to shut them off, then our best option would be to utilize decorations that do not need an electrical source. 

Extension Cords / Multi-Plex Outlets: These devices are not allowed in the community due to risk of fire by overheating. Surge protectors are the best option when wishing to plug in several devices during this season. We ask a limit of one surge protector per room. Also please utilize our maintenance department to inspect these for proper type and working condition.

Space heaters / Electric blankets:  We all know how comforting it is to take the chill off in the early morning or climb into a bed that is already warm, but please do not use these devices. These items are prohibited under state law!  If one of these devices is faulty, is mistakenly left on or overheats an electrical outlet, we have the risk of it causing a fire.

We want everyone to enjoy the holidays. By practicing the above guidelines, we can make this holiday season not only great but a safe experience for everyone that lives and works at WEL Burholme.

Happy Holidays,

Stay WEL!

Daniel C. Frost

Executive Director

COVID-19 EDUCATIONAL QUICK SHEET

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization. The CDC does not list different symptoms for the Delta variant or others.

Most common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Tiredness

Less common symptoms:

• Aches and pains
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Conjunctivitis
• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
• A rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes

Serious symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Loss of speech or movement

Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility.

On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.