Update From Administrator – September 28, 2020
September 28, 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.
Last week all of our staff and resident results were negative. We had one employee who was tested on Sunday (9.13) with a positive result on Tuesday 9.15. During this time we have not been able to have compassionate care visits. We will continue to test our staff and residents weekly.
We continue testing our staff and residents at regular intervals as required by CMS, CDC and DPH.
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. 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.
- 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.
Visitation Updates
Indoor, Compassionate Care Visits
We have updated 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” for an individualized “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, 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.
Indoor Visits
As you may have read or seen in the news, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has begun issuing guidance to states on indoor visits, due to the changing weather. Our latest update from the state Department of Public Health is that they are reviewing the federal guidance and will issue their guidance to nursing homes shortly. We are then responsible to develop an indoor visitation plan and policy for our center that is thoughtful, safe, and compliant with the new state guidance. We have received no timeframe from the state on their guidance.
Outside & “Alternative” Visits
Please know that outside and “alternative” visitations will continue. 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. The weather seems to be holding steady for now.
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.
Welcome
Alexis DeAngelis has joined our team as Compassionate Care Assistant or “Ambassador.” This is a new position which helps the residents with any non-medical care needs. She will meet with new admissions, check in with residents, assist with discharges as well as answering questions and helping with concerns. She will be working 12pm-8pm M-F with one weekend day per month.
As a reminder, our next “Town Hall” meeting is scheduled for Tuesday September 29, 2020 at 5:00pm. (call number: 646-558-8656; Guest Code: 305753*) and we will discuss more detailed information during this time. We encourage any residents and family members to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have about the care we are offering. Our commitment is to be as transparent as possible and work to address any issues that arise.
Thank you and please stay safe and healthy!
Liz
Lizbeth Carmichael
Administrator