Update from Administrator – November 1, 2020
November 1, 2020
Dear Families,
As always, our team and I hope this email finds you safe and healthy.
We will continue testing and reporting at regular intervals as required by CMS, CDC and DPH. As indicated in the last update, we have two (2) positive employees. Given they do not work in the nursing department we are extremely hopeful that no residents will be infected. We still however must observe the RI DOH guidance to restrict visitation and test all of our 3rd floor residents.
I want to reiterate that the COVID-19 pandemic is still active and our state governor has indicated the community is reporting an uptick in new cases of COVID. 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. Wash (or use alcohol sanitizer) your hands, wear your mask, and watch your (social)distance.
Some updates
- We STRONGLY encourage residents to receive an annual Influenza Vaccine; please consider completing a consent form to ensure your loved one receives their vaccine, if you have not done so already. We will continue to administer flu vaccines with a goal of 100% participation of residents. Our staff is required to receive the vaccination, for everyone’s health and safety.
- The RI Department of Health (RIDOH) also announced that are resuming routine surveys. As always, we will continue to communicate to you when a state or federal agency has conducted a survey here.
- Food is allowed to be dropped off by families for their loved one’s enjoyment and take out delivery has also been authorized. Please coordinate delivery with us.
- Our Beauty Salon is considered a non-essential service when we have positive cases so it is not open for salon services, following strict guidelines.
- Each nursing unit has tablets assigned for resident use such as virtual visits, games, etc. and many of our residents are enjoying learning how to use this technology and having the world at their fingertips.
- Every weekday, I and my administrative team round a different nursing unit and meet with our residents to let them know we’re here for them and give them an opportunity to voice any questions or concerns they may have directly to us. We also use this time during rounds to assess our residents, our environment, and ask our residents specific questions such as satisfaction with meals, preferences, activities being provided, interaction and response from staff, proper operation of all equipment in room and more!
Indoor, End Stage of Life Care Visits
With the two new cases of COVID identified in the center, all inside visits, except end stage of life, will be temporarily put on hold.
As always, thank you for your patience and please stay safe and healthy!
Thank you and please stay safe and healthy!