LGM DRAFT* Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information from [Name] Health & Rehabilitation Center

To Our [name] Health & Rehabilitation Center Family:

Pursuant to regulatory advice and in order to continue to ensure the well-being of our residents and staff, we have made the decision to restrict all visitation temporarily at this time. This decision comes amid statewide concerns over respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.

Like you, our top priority is the care of your loved one and we want you to feel confident that our patients are continuing to receive the highest level of care.  We trust that you will understand this measure is being put in place for their protection. There are interim electronic options for virtual visitation and we will be glad to work to put you in contact with your loved one by one of these methods.

There will be circumstances when an in-person visit is necessary and in these instances we will facilitate a complete screening to appropriately ensure continued safety.  Please contact the facility should you need emergency consideration.

We are continuing to follow CDC and CMS infection control protocols in the Center and are continuously reviewing our internal systems and policies with all staff.

We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding during this time as we take this and all necessary precautions to ensure the health and well-being of everyone at our Center.

Thank you,
[name]
Administrator, [name] Health & Rehabilitation Center

 

COVID-19 Snapshot as of 5/15/2020:

	Cumulative Update	Recovered from COVID-19
Patients	We are treating 39 positive patients	37
Staff	39 staff members have tested positive	39

 

This information reflects patients or staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19 as of the date indicated above. Testing positive for the virus does not necessarily mean that a patient is displaying symptoms, in fact many remain asymptomatic. We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of this information, but as this fluid situation evolves, the information that is readily available evolves as well. Positive test results have been shared personally with patients and families and also with public health officials as we partner closely together to address this novel virus. 

 

Our Dedication to a Complete Recovery

We are starting to see patients who have overcome what is thought to be the most challenging phase of the virus. We celebrate with these patients and look forward to the day they can reunite with their families and return to the things they love, as this is our ultimate goal for a full rehabilitation. While other patients may not be as far along in their recovery, we let no injury, illness or limitation stand in our way as we partner together on the journey to healthy living.

Another key component for a full rehabilitation is clinical care. Our dedicated nursing staff provides comprehensive care in a complete recovery environment, 24-hours-a-day. This includes actively and continuously monitoring patients for any change that indicates a need for testing or additional treatment. If testing is needed, patients and families will receive information regarding test results. 

We are also focused on making sure residents are able to participate in life-enriching opportunities because we know they contribute to good health outcomes as well.  At a time when personal relationships are crucial, we have gone above and beyond to engage on a social and emotional level, along with simply “checking in” to make sure our residents feel supported.

 

The following actions are being taken by the center to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19:

• Increased education on COVID-19 symptoms, infection controls, social distancing and proper hand washing
• Travel history screening for all employees
• Visitation restriction
• Coordination of all deliveries to one entrance, facilitated by staff members
• Discontinuation of communal dining, congregate therapy and group activities
• Employee temperature and respiratory scanning prior to each shift
• At a minimum of every eight hours we are monitoring resident temperatures and respiratory symptoms
• We have consolidated the physical location of patients who have tested positive to maintain the greatest degree of separation possible from the rest of our facility

 

Sophisticated Sanitizing and Disinfecting System

Our center has invested in a unique and highly effective Electrostatic Spraying System to combat viruses and bacteria that are typically found in shared living areas, including respiratory illness. Our experience is that this has been highly effective and the technology allows for widespread sanitizing and disinfecting within the environment. In fact, the disinfectant, Noroxycdiff, that we use kills Coronavirus in less than 30 seconds. We utilize this system routinely and have increased its usage at this time.  

Our spraying protocols are based on these schedules:

• 100% of the center is sprayed once a month, at minimum
• All common areas are sprayed once a week, at minimum
• Patient rooms are sprayed before every admission, if any isolation precaution occurs and for deep cleaning. All patients’ rooms are sprayed no less than once per month if no new admission or isolation precautions.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I talk to my loved one? 

We know how important it is to remain in contact with your friends and family members during this time. We are encouraging the use of online communication products like FaceTime and Skype for virtual visitation. Family members can call our center to schedule a video chat appointment today.

What about the case of an emergency or hospice visit?

There will be circumstances when an in-person visit is necessary and in these instances we will facilitate a complete screening to appropriately ensure continued safety. Please contact us should you need emergency consideration.

What if I want to bring food to a resident? 

When food is delivered to our center, we are meeting the deliverer at the main entrance only. We will accept the food, deliver it to the resident and ensure proper hand washing is completed. 

How can I take care of laundry for my loved one? 

We are happy to work with families that are unable to continue providing laundry support for their loved ones. If you are able to continue to do so, we will meet you at our front entrance and gladly deliver clean garments to your loved one. 

 

If you have further questions please feel free to give us a call or email [email address].