Update from Administrator – May 12, 2021

Update from Administrator – May 12, 2021

May 11, 2021

Dear Families,

This week, we celebrate National Skilled Nursing Care Week (formerly National Nursing Home Week). This year’s theme is “Together Through the Seasons.” NSNCW began on Sunday, May 9, Mother’s Day and runs through May 15. The theme will honor the collaborative commitment of our staff in providing compassionate care to your loved ones during this unprecedented time.

Over the past year, despite the challenges of the pandemic, our team has shown an incredible and steadfast commitment to providing quality care and ensuring the safety of their residents. Throughout the week, our team has many activities and special meals planned for our residents. Please look on our Facebook or contact our recreation team to learn more.

As you may have seen or heard on the news lately, more than 30 Connecticut nursing homes have threatened to go on strike later this week. Please know that our center is not unionized, therefore unaffected by this strike.

Some updates for you:

Visitation

  • A revised guideline from CMS came out that we are now implementing.
    • Residents and visitors who are fully vaccinated may visit without social distancing and masks if alone in the resident’s PRIVATE room or alone in a designated area.
    • If the visitor is not vaccinated, they can visit with a fully vaccinated resident alone in the resident’s PRIVATE room without distancing while both are wearing well-fitting masks.
    • A reminder, even outside visitations still require a mask, if the resident or family member is not fully vaccinated.
    • The CDC and state continue to update their guidance for nursing homes.  We will continue keep you up to date on any changes. If you are unfamiliar with our protocols, please ask us.
  • Virtual and window visits are ongoing.
  • For visitation appointments, please contact the recreation department at (860)628-0364.
    • Outdoor visitation is not affected by an internal outbreak on a unit, while we await the results of the initial round of testing.
    • When an outbreak is detected among residents or staff, all visitations must be suspended except for compassionate care visits, until at least one round of facility-wide testing is completed.

Recreation / Activities:

  • Residents are delighted that we are holding socially distanced groups.
  • Outdoor activities are always encouraged and preferred by the CDC and CMS, however indoor events are once again taking place following the outbreak guidance.
  • These events will safely welcome back in our volunteers and vendors including entertainment, clergy, artists, and instructors.
  • Please see below for the schedule of special events for NSNCW. You may wish to schedule your visits to attend some of the events with your loved one.

Dining:

  • Following guidance from the CDC and CMS, we are again serving meals in our dining rooms, allowing for additional opportunities for socialization among our residents.
  • Update:
    • Communal dining and activities may occur without physical distancing and without source masks if all residents are vaccinated. If any unvaccinated residents are participating in the dining experience or activity, everyone must practice social distancing and wear a mask when not eating.
    • A reminder on bringing food to the center for your loved one. Please keep in mind any dietary restrictions for your loved one.  We will ensure that your loved one enjoys the meal, treat, etc. once the visit is complete.

Vaccination Update

As we have said before, although not mandatory, we continue to encourage any employee who has not been vaccinated to obtain one. Currently, they may obtain one at a community clinic. We are also working with our state to do “catch-up” clinics to assist our team and new residents in obtaining the vaccine right here in our center.

    • Fully vaccinated staff are no longer required to be tested each week, unless an outbreak is detected, or the local county’s positivity number is very high.
    • Unvaccinated staff still must be tested weekly.
  • Regional hospitals are working on plans to offer the first dose of a COVID vaccine to their patients being discharged to nursing homes.

We hope you have a great week and look forward to seeing you!!

Sincerely,
Carol Mortensen

May 12, 2021 A Healthier Approach To Caring