OGDENSBURG -- United Helpers officials announced on Wednesday that visitation to Individualized Residential Alternatives is set to resume on Friday with final guidelines and recommendations set by the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

“Disruption of family visits has been very difficult for residents and their families,” said Michele M. Montroy, Vice President of United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills. “We have been busy notifying families that we are planning to resume visitation and we will pass along any further information as we receive it.”

While new guidelines have not yet been released by OPWDD, United Helpers plans to screen all visitors for illness and/or symptoms, the use of hand sanitizer and masks will be required, and only on-site visits are permitted at this time. Any changes or revisions to the visitation policy will be posted to www.unitedhelpers.org as they become available. Visitation to United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care complexes is not permitted at this time.

United Helpers continues to follow guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the NYS Department of Health, NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, NYS Office of Mental Health, St. Lawrence County Public Health, and other governing bodies. For additional information, please visit www.unitedhelpers.org/COVID or contact Stacey Cannizzo, Vice President of Clinical Services and Quality at (315) 393-3074. For further guidance or information, questions may be submitted to the NYS Department of Health at icp@health.ny.gov, covidadultcareinfo@health.ny.gov or covidnursinghomeinfo@health.gov.

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