Skip to main content

This is an update regarding Covid-19 Notice. To view more updates, click here.

A message from Chrissy Akes, Executive Director, regarding Coronavirus

Posted on March 12, 2020

We appreciate the concerns of all residents in our community. Those of you living in Independent Living must follow a protocol to prevent exposure and recognize symptoms. It is imperative to take additional precautions for those in Memory Care, Assisted Living, and Healthcare.

The team at The Neighborhood in Rio Rancho (NIRR) has been meeting regularly and has implemented safety and prevention protocols. A virologist (microbiologist who specializes in viruses) met with our team to answer questions and give guidance.

For Independent Living, the following measures are being implemented

  • No visitors are allowed. Urgent or emergency needs, call Chrissy Akes, Executive Director, at 505-238-2445.
    • Main entrance will be locked; please remember to carry your fob at all times.
  • All residents and staff are required to wash or sanitize their hands upon entering and exiting the building or visiting Assisted Living or Memory Care.
    • No visitors are allowed in Healthcare.
    • Staff have been instructed to stay home if they have symptoms.
  • Vendors, such as Fed Ex or UPS, will deliver packages to the loading dock and not enter the building; packages will be brought to the Hospitality Desk.
  • USPS, Walgreens, and food delivery personnel will be asked to sanitize hands upon entering and exiting. Their temperature will be taken, and they will fill out the Department of Health questionnaire.
  • Haverland Hall will be expanded to allow Ponderosa Dining for the recommended social space guideline (six feet are suggested).
    • Disposable dining products will be used.
    • The Bistro will be closed.
    • Water and coffee stations will be removed.
    • Drinking fountains will be covered.
  • Scheduled move-ins will proceed. Tours will be scheduled and follow the procedure of sanitizing of hands upon entering and exiting. Tour participants will have their temperature taken, and will fill out the Department of Health questionnaire.
  • Chapel Services will be relocated to Haverland Hall with recommended social space guideline.
  • Beauty Salon will remain open.
  • The swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness room will remain open. Per CDC “There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance, disinfection (with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.”
  • Disinfecting by NIRR Environmental Services of all common areas using Oxvir, an EPA-approved disinfectant.
  • No outside performers or groups (i.e., Civitan, OSHER, OASIS).
  • Only essential transportation trips to medical appointments.
    • Grocery shopping in Rio Rancho is available (call extn. 4120) with essentials list and Life Enrichment will purchase, deliver, and charge to resident account.
  • Additional hand-sanitizer stations are available with 70% proof alcohol.
  • If you are feeling unwell, please call the Coronavirus Hotline (855-600-3453).
  • We strongly recommend no nonessential travel.
    • If you travel outside of New Mexico:
      • NIRR staff will put a note on your door instructing you to contact Nancy Shambach, RN, Director of Assisted Living at 505-274-8394 or Curt Vavra, RN, Director of Healthcare 505-366-4920  for prescreening before entering the building.
      • Self-quarantine for 14 days in your apartment; meals can be ordered and delivered (extn. 4156)