Update from Administrator – September 25, 2020
September 25, 2020
Dear Families,
As always, our team hopes 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! We continue testing our staff and residents at regular intervals as required by CMS, CDC and DPH.
A few quick points:
- We 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.
- 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 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.
Halloween Costume Contest:
Due to the restrictions placed on our facility due to COVID, we will not be able to host our yearly indoor Halloween Trick-or-Treat. We will be having a Halloween Costume Contest – with several awesome prizes!! We invite you to dress your little “Monsters & Princesses” in their Halloween best, and send us a picture! Our residents will vote on their favorites. Pictures should be sent to Karen at Admissions@EvergreenHcc.com The deadline to submit your picture is October 28th!! Winners will be announced on our Facebook page 😊
As always, thank you for your patience and please stay safe and healthy!