Update from Administrator – November 20, 2020

Update from Administrator – November 20, 2020

November 20, 2020

 

Dear Families,

 

As always, our team and I hope this email finds you safe and healthy.

 

As of today, we have 2 positive staff members.  During this time of rapid increase in community spread – staff positives are inevitable, and our main goals still include rapid identification and minimizing risk and spread.  We will continue testing and reporting at regular intervals as required by CMS, CDC and RIDOH.  We also continue to stay in constant contact with the Rhode Island Department of Health to stay up to date with their guidance and recommendations.

 

We are reminding our staff to not only practice safeguards against COVID in our center, but to be vigilant outside of our center and share these practices with their friends and loved ones. We still ask you to do your part while in your community and PLEASE wear your mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance. And please promote these very simple precautions with your extended family and friends.

 

Some updates

  • We are actively surveying residents for their thoughts and suggestions for activities during these difficult times.
  • We still have ample tablets assigned for our residents to use for virtual visits, games, tele-health visits, news updates, etc. Many of our residents are enjoying learning how to use this technology and having the world at their fingertips.

 

Since November 3, “Visitation Level 3” has been in effect to curb the spread of COVID in nursing homes. Below are more details on the Governor’s orders, but essentially, we are back to only compassionate care and end of life circumstance visits with your loved ones.

Visitation Level 3: No visitation unless required under federal guidance, or in certain other circumstances.

  • Visitation is suspended unless required under federal guidance; or in certain other limited clinical circumstances, including compassionate care.
  • Compassionate Care visits are allowed only under certain circumstances according to the core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention, the facility visitation plan, and federal guidance. Even under these circumstances, anyone who meets the conditions listed above is prohibited from visiting, in addition to those who are younger than 18.

Please contact us if you have any questions about this new state directive. Updates will be posted soon.

I’d also like to announce to those who might not have heard – we have filled two new management positions in the last couple of weeks.  Our new Director of Social Work is Suzanne Raposa.  Suzanne over 10 years of experience in Long Term Care and will assist us in improving discharge planning, resolving resident grievances, and contributing to the residents overall social well-being.  In addition, we have a new Director of MDS, Jodi Green.  The MDS Director oversees the residents overall plan of care, arranges Care Plan meetings with residents and families, and coordinates the movement of information across departments to ensure your loved one is receiving person-centered care from our interdisciplinary team.

 

“Alternative” Visits

Please know that “alternative” visitations will continue. 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 always, thank you for your patience and please stay safe and healthy!

Thank you and please stay safe and healthy!

 

Thank you,

 

Nicholas Lutzel

Administrator

November 20, 2020 A Healthier Approach To Caring