Update From Administrator – September 24, 2020
September 24, 2020
Dear Families,
As always, our team and I hope this email finds you safe and healthy.
We continue testing our staff and residents at regular intervals as required by CMS, CDC and DPH. We are happy to report that we remain COVID free!
A few quick points:
- I want to reiterate that this pandemic is still active and while we remain COVID-free, 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. The vaccine is here, and we will begin vaccinating on October 5, 2020. A mailing will be going out with the consent form. Please sign and get back to us so that we can begin vaccinating. Yes, we do need a new consent every year.
- We have received the “Point of Care Testing Device” from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that is designed to enable us to conduct COVID-19 Antigen testing within our center, providing rapid results. We are working on getting our clinicians certified in the use of this device and will communicate with you once we begin using it.
Recreation Activities
- We continue to have live music outside on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. This will continue until Mother Nature says no more.
- On October 8, Cider & Donuts will be sponsored Golden Opportunities. (A Volunteer organization.)
- Activities are offered each day, Monday through Saturday on each floor. Activities include shuffle board, Wii bowling, trivia, sensory programs, art, bingo, resident council and special event carts. We are looking for a recreation assistant to work 8 hours a week to cover Sundays. Please reach out to Elaine D’Autorio, HR Director, if you know of anyone that might be interested.
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.
I am waiting for new guidance from DPH on indoor visits, which I was hoping to have before sending out this email. We will adjust our plans and share them with you when they come out.
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.
Please know that outside and “alternative” visitations will continue. While the weather is changing, we will work to continue to do outside visits for as long as 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.
As a reminder, our next “Town Hall” meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2020 at 1PM.
Thank you and please stay safe and healthy!
Jane DeVries
Administrator