Update From Administrator – September 21, 2020
September 21, 2020
Dear Families,
As always, our team and I hope this email finds you safe and healthy.
We continue testing our residents and staff weekly. We continue to remain COVID free for residents as of today, with one employee who was tested on Sunday (9.13) with a positive result on Tuesday 9.15. Residents were tested on Thursday 9.17 and all were results were negative.
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. We received our flu vaccine last week, please consider completing a consent form, in advance to ensure you loved one receives their vaccine.
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.
As we had a recent positive staff member test, unfortunately 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 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.
As a reminder, our next “Town Hall” meeting is scheduled for Tuesday September 22, 2020 at 5:00pm 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!
Lizbeth Carmichael
Administrator