Our facility is taking appropriate measures, consistent with the guidelines and directives from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), for the prevention and control of Coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 is a viral infection that is caused by a distinct Coronavirus. The incubation period is two to fourteen (2-14) days, with the average being four (4) to five (5) days. This virus may be mild, moderate, or severe, and can be potentially life threatening.
This facility endeavors to follow CDC and CMS guidance and to collaborate with State and Local health departments in its mitigating actions as we work through the necessary response to this unprecedented pandemic together.
Visitation and Family Communications Efforts
As of March 13, 2020, visits to all skilled nursing centers – ours included – have been restricted by the federal government, with the exception of certain compassionate care circumstances such as an end-of-life situation. We apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
The facility has taken measures to provide virtual visits with loved ones, virtual family council meetings, and an enhanced facility website for increased communications during this period of restricted visits.
Screening Efforts
All associates, essential health care vendors and emergent visitors will be screened and documented as directed by CDC and CMS guidance.
Our staff is monitoring residents daily for change in condition, including the presence of elevated temperatures and respiratory illness in our facility. Any residents showing signs consistent with the virus are monitored each shift or more frequently as needed.
Staff are being screened for elevated temperature and respiratory illness prior to and after each shift, and we are requiring staff to stay home if they are sick or display symptoms of the virus.
Mitigating Actions Implemented to Prevent or Reduce the Risk of Transmission
The facility has several measures in place to prevent or reduce the risk of transmission, including, but not all-inclusive, as follows:
- Taking temperature readings for all associates, residents, and essential visitors per CDC guidelines.
- Monitoring for CDC-recognized symptoms including respiratory symptoms which may include cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing.
- Suspending non-essential group outings.
- Limiting communal dining as needed.
- Reviewing resident activities on a case-by-case basis to safely provide socialization and engagement opportunities.
- Applying social distancing of six feet for any required group engagement.
- Consideration to room placement for a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, per CDC guidance.
- Source control for residents to include wearing a facemask or cloth covering per CDC guidance.
- The use of PPE according to CDC guidelines.
- Environmental/cleaning standard facility procedures followed per regulation and guidance.
Reminding those in our facility that they must:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Observe "social distancing" whenever possible.
- Use of a mask as indicated or appropriate.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when sick or when a loved one is sick.
- Cover their cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash hands.
Last updated: May 28, 2020
