Update From Administrator – August 8, 2020
August 5, 2020
Our team and I hope this email finds you safe and healthy. I am pleased to report that we continue to remain COVID-free for both our staff and residents. As we continue to maintain a COVID-free status, we will hopefully be able to reduce restrictions under the guidance of the CDC and Department of Public Health.
As always, we thank our team for their hard work in our center; their chosen careers were never simple or easy to begin with, but working through a pandemic and under such troubled times as they do today, only makes their jobs even tougher. They received wonderful recognition during the pandemic and I continue to thank and appreciate them! Additional recognition is coming as we celebrate them and our residents during our version of National Nursing Home Week from August 9-15.
Next week there is a full schedule of activities to celebrate National Nursing Home Week. Brie and her staff have music, staff watermelon toss, and other entertainment for the residents planned
A few quick points on our 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.
- Face coverings must always be worn and a social distance of 6 feet between you and your loved ones for the entirety of the visit.
- Check out our website for specific guidelines and details regarding perimeter visits.
- Alternative visits (Facetime, Skype, and window visits) are still taking place. You can schedule a visit by calling 508-295-1040 or emailing us at recreation@tremontrehab.com.
Other updates from our recreation team include:
- Each nursing unit has tablets assigned for resident use such as virtual visits, games, etc.
- We have fresh airtime where residents can get some much-needed sunshine while supervised to ensure social distancing. Yesterday we had entertainment in the courtyard with Jordan Paiva. Over 20 residents were able to enjoy his singing with some dancing along.
- We are also now scheduling resident outdoor social distancing activities programs.
We tested 90% of our staff for COVID-19 and all were negative. We are now testing 30% of our staff for COVID-19 every two weeks going forward. Should any staff test positive, we would then convert to a weekly test schedule until we have 2 weeks without any positive results.
On July 24, 2020, Governor Baker announced guidance for travelers that went into effect on August 1, 2020. The guidance applies to Massachusetts residents and visitors from out of state. Travelers, who visit a “high risk” state or are coming from a high risk state, must self-quarantine for 14 days. The New England states (other than Rhode Island) New York and New Jersey are considered low risk. Should you visit a high risk state, we ask that you not visit until you have observed the 14 day quarantine. There is an exemption, someone who returns from a high risk area can get a COVID-19 test (within 72 hours of a visit), and provide proof to the facility that it was negative. This is to protect our residents and staff.
The state has also approved residents being able to leave the facility with family members. We ask that you observe the standard precautions that are in effect which include the use of a face mask and social distancing while the resident is outside the facility. If you would like to take a resident outside the facility, please notify the nursing unit at least 48 hours in advance. Staff will bring the resident to lobby (main entrance) to meet with you. We ask that you schedule these “leave of absences” between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Thank you,
Dave Carboneau
Administrator