Update from Administrator – July 10, 2020
July 10, 2020
Our team and I hope this email finds you safe and healthy!
Please remember that the outdoor visits must be pre-scheduled to ensure safe and healthy visits for you, the residents, and our staff. It also allows our team to ensure your loved one is available and ready for your visit to make the most of your time together. These visits require appropriate PPE (masks) to be worn at all times and a social distance of 6 feet between you and your loved ones for the entirety of the visit. If these restrictions pose issues for you please keep in mind that we continue to offer other visitation alternatives like Facetime, Skype and window visits. You can schedule a visit by calling Lynn Tozier at 508-778-1835, Mon-Fri 8:00-4:00.
I am attaching the guidelines for visits again as we have had some issues with compliance. Please do not bring food, beverage, smoking materials including vape, or any other items. I understand that visitors want to provide a treat or something special for their loved one but we must comply with the rules set forth by DPH.
Guidelines set by Massachusetts DPH and our center
- All visits must be scheduled in advance and will take place in a designated area.
- The visitor must have their temperature taken and answer simple questions prior to the resident coming out for the visit.
- The resident and their visitor(s) must always wear a facial mask.
- Social distancing must be maintained throughout the entire visit. This means that the resident and their visitor(s) must always be at least six (6) feet apart.
- Person to person contact between the resident and visitor(s) is prohibited.
- No items may be transferred between visitor(s), residents and staff.
- The visits will be for a maximum of thirty (30) minutes.
- The maximum number of visitors allowed at one time is two (2).
- Visits will only be scheduled before sundown.
- A facility staff member will be required to remain with the resident and visitor(s) at all times.
I am pleased to inform you that we currently have no known COVID-19 positive residents in the facility. As per new guidance from the Department of Public Health issued this week we will be conducting another round of staff baseline testing which is to be completed by July 19. The results of the baseline test will determine the frequency of staff testing going forward.
Tina Powers RN joined us on July 8 as our new Director of Nurses. Tina has relocated from Ohio and has many years of experience in long term care as a Director of Nursing. Also, we have a new Staff Development Coordinator, Candace Dunn RN. Candace will assume responsibility for staff education and competencies. Susan McGee, LPN our second floor unit manager will add the title infection preventionist to her role. She will be completing a CDC certification in infection control and prevention.
Catherine Tarr our new Director of Activities is busy rolling out some new programming for our residents. We can now offer outdoor small group activities following DPH guidance. Daily hallway activities have resumed in addition to individual visits. Caralee Lacerte has joined the team as Memory Care Coordinator. She is based on our secure third floor unit providing life enrichment for our residents.
We continue to be able to provide video visits via Facetime, GoogleDuo, and Zoom as requested. I look forward to seeing you in the coming weeks during your outdoor visits.
Kind regards,
Edie