Update from Administrator – October 9, 2020
Dear Residents and Families,
As always, our team and I hope this email finds you safe and healthy.
Some updates
- The Department of Public Health (DPH) also announced that are resuming routine surveys. As always, we will continue to communicate to you when a state or federal agency has conducted a survey here.
- Each nursing unit has tablets assigned for resident use such as virtual visits, games, etc. and many of our residents are enjoying learning how to use this technology and having the world at their fingertips.
- Our outdoor social distancing activities programming continues to expand and evolve.
- Every weekday, I and my administrative team round a different nursing unit and meet with our residents to let them know we’re here for them and give them an opportunity to voice any questions or concerns they may have directly to us. We also use this time during rounds to assess our residents, our environment, and ask our residents specific questions such as satisfaction with meals, preferences, activities being provided, interaction and response from staff, proper operation of all equipment in room and more!
We have 3 floors of resident rooms which are designated to certain populations.
- 2nd floor North hall- Observation Unit. All negative residents coming from the hospital will be placed on this unit for 14 days observation. Also, if a current resident’s roommate tests positive and they test negative, they will be moved to observation. They are encouraged to remain in room. Staff wear full PPE. Once 14 days pass, will be moved to negative unit.
- 2nd floor South hall- Positive unit. All positive admissions from hospital and any in house. After 10 days from positive test and asymptomatic, will be moved to negative unit. Designated staff are assigned to this unit. Staff wear full PPE,
- 3rd floor- Negative unit. Staff wear surgical mask at all times.
- 4th floor- Negative unit. Staff wear surgical mask at all times.
A few quick points:
- I want to reiterate that this pandemic is still active, and our state continues to report new cases of COVID and as we see in the news, some states continue to surge with new cases. This serves as a reminder that we must all remain vigilant in following all guidelines, recommendations, and best practices to stay safe and fight this pandemic.
- Although we are following social distance guidelines, handwashing protocols, hygiene recommendations, and wearing masks in our center – it is still STRONGLY encouraged that all staff and residents receive an annual Influenza Vaccine. While the vaccine is not in the center yet, please consider completing a consent form, in advance to ensure you loved one receives their vaccine.
- As you may have heard on the news, nursing homes will begin receiving “Rapid” COVID testing machines from the federal government over the coming weeks. The state of CT DPH has approved their use for staff, residents, and visitors. As soon as we receive the machines, have conducted training on them, and have the necessary supplies to conduct the tests – we look forward to putting them to use! More information will follow on this as it becomes available.
Visitation Update
We are completing a new visitation plan and policy for our center that is thoughtful, safe, and compliant with the new state guidance. Our Interdisciplinary Team will review and develop individual, person-centered plans to meet our residents’ needs to address “visitation.”
We would like to clarify that the new guidance did specifically add what is called a “compassionate care visit.” These compassionate care visits are limited to two circumstances: end stage of life (which has always been in place) and a significant change of condition. It is only these specific compassionate care visits that can occur inside of the center. No other indoor visits will be allowed by DPH at this time. We are aware that the DPH guidance may evolve, and as it does, we will adjust our plans and share them with you.
Should a new case of COVID be identified in the center, all inside visits, except end stage of life, will be temporarily put on hold. While the weather is changing, we will work to continue to do outside visits on our patio for as long as possible and window visits are still possible. Remember that we do offer iPads for our residents to use for video visits, phone calls, etc. to ensure that you and your loved ones remain in contact, as best as you can during these very uncertain times.
It is imperative social distancing occurs throughout the entire outdoor visit. No exceptions!
Thank you and please stay safe and healthy!
Erica Roman, LCSW, LNHA
Administrator