Update From Administrator – July 14, 2020
July 14, 2020
Our team and I hope this email finds you safe and healthy! Staffing is improving and many staff are beginning to return to work. PPE is in good supply and we are stockpiling for the fall. Guidelines are constantly changing so we will keep you informed of any significant changes. Two changes of importance that I would like to bring to your attention involve family visits and staff COVID-19 testing.
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 508-295-1040 or emailing us at recreation@tremontrehab.com (Detailed guidelines are below, as a reminder.)
We are happy to report that we are still COVID free! Massachusetts has entered phase 3 of its COVID-19 recovery plan. Unfortunately, the state is still not allowing us to have visitors inside the building except for end of life or compassionate care situations. In those types of situations, the visitor is restricted to the visitor’s room or other location designated by the facility. We are now allowed to offer outdoor entertainment and activities on the grounds for fully recovered residents and those residents not in isolation. We can also offer group dining indoors, residents must remain six feet apart.
Guidelines set by Massachusetts DPH and our center
- A resident who is suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 cannot be visited. A resident may be visited if: the resident has recovered from COVID-19; or the resident has been quarantined after a recent hospital stay who is not suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19.
- Prior to transporting a resident to the designated outdoor visitation space, we will screen visitors for fever or respiratory symptoms. Any individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 infection (fever equal to or greater than 100.0 F, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, myalgia, chills or new onset of loss of taste or smell) will not be permitted to visit with a resident.
- Transport of a resident to and from the designated outdoor visitation space must be safe and orderly. At a minimum, safe transport means that the resident cannot be transported through any space designated as COVID-19 care space or space where residents suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 are present.
- Staff member trained in such patient safety and infection control measures must remain with the resident at all times during the visit.
- A visitor must remain at least 6 feet from the resident and attending staff member(s) at all times during the visit.
- Staff and residents must wear a surgical face mask and visitors must wear a face covering or mask for the duration of the visit.
Scheduling a visit
- Family visits are conducted during daylight hours. Families may have up to four visitors.
- All appointments must be scheduled with Brie Cunniff, Recreation Director by calling 508-295-1040 or by emailing her at recreation@tremontrehab.com. Please schedule a visit a minimum of 48 hours prior to visit.
- Visitors must arrive at least 10 minutes prior to visitation for proper screening by center (at the main front entrance). All Visitors must be wearing facemask or facemask will be given before screening.
We are still offering other options for visiting with your family member such as electronic devices and/or window visits that can also be scheduled with Brie by email or by phone.
COVID Surveillance Testing
Massachusetts has implemented “Surveillance Testing Requirements” for long term care facilities. This includes nursing homes, assisted living facilities and rest homes. All staff who previously tested negative for COVID-19 will be retested. The results of the initial baseline test will determine frequency of future testing. As a minimum, thirty percent of staff will be tested every other week. If a staff member tests positive, we will retest all residents who have never tested positive for COVID-19. The testing is designed to protect the residents as so many COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic.
Thank you and hopefully you will be able to have a safe and enjoyable summer!
Dave Carboneau
Administrator