Update from Administrator – September 15, 2020
September 15, 2020
Dear Families,
Thank You for all your continued support during this difficult time. We are doing our best to keep our residents safe and happy. Per DPH guidelines, we have started to test our employees monthly, this will increase based on community spread and other factors. We continue to remain negative.
A few quick points:
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.
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 your loved one receives their vaccine.
Our hairdresser comes weekly to cut our resident’s hair on the Patio. We are very happy to see their new look. This will continue for as long as the weather and our COVID status cooperate.
We are working to develop a new visitation plan and policy for our center that is thoughtful, safe, and compliant with the new guidance. We will be in touch with you as soon as we have finalized the plan. In the meantime, our current visitation policy remains in place and all scheduled visits will go on as planned, without interruption.
We would also like to clarify that the new guidance did specifically add what is called a “compassionate care visit.” These compassionate care visits are limited to two circumstances: end stage of life and a significant change of condition. It is only these specific compassionate care visits that can occur inside of the center. No other indoor visits will be allowed by DPH at this time. 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.
Thank you and please stay safe and healthy!
Sincerely,
Sobha Lamontagne
Administrator