Update from Administrator – May 28, 2020
It was a subdued Memorial Day Weekend. I would like to first take this opportunity to show respect and honor to all those Veterans who have lost their lives serving our country, especially the Tremont residents who are veterans or residents who may have lost loved ones serving their country. My sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to them and their families. Another “thank you” to our staff for their hard work, dedication, and compassion for our residents. We remain incredibly grateful for our entire dedicated team and ask you to join me in ensuring that they are included as “Health Care Heroes” battling COVID-19. They are doing everything they possibly can to care for residents who are sick and support them as they battle this disease.
We may be turning the corner on our center’s battle with COVID-19. All but a couple of the staff have been tested for COVID, we have made it mandatory that all staff be tested. The last resident to test positive for COVID was over one week ago. Dr. Madoff, Medical Director of Infectious Diseases and Laboratory Sciences repeated on last week’s DPH call, that there is no need to retest someone who previously tested positive for COVID as “defective COVID particles can remain in a person’s system for several weeks.
We had our second infection control survey with Mass DPH last week and received a perfect score. We continue to appropriately cohort our residents according to CDC guidance.
We continue to schedule consistent staffing on all our units. Staff are not allowed to float from one unit to another. We follow all CDC and state guidelines and receive regular updates on new guidelines that are offered. This information is shared with our staff and additional training is continually taking place.
We currently have nine COVID positive residents in house. CDC guidance will be followed regarding the treatment of COVID and non-COVID residents. Staff wear jumpsuits or gowns, KN-95 face masks and face-shields at all times on both units. This can be uncomfortable to say the least as the days get warmer. Residents are given surgical masks and encouraged to wear them. We are still not allowed to have group activities. Check our Facebook page to see updated pictures and videos of the staff and residents.
Window Visits
Now that the weather is looking good – you will receive another email soon with information about scheduling window visits with your loved ones, in addition to FaceTime. Please remember that the window visits must be pre-scheduled to ensure safe and healthy visits for you, the residents, and our staff.
Our commitment is to be as transparent and work to address any issues that arise. This is an incredibly challenging time and we will continue to do all we can to get through this, together. Please contact myself, Nadine (DNS) or Amy (Social Worker) should you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Dave Carboneau
Administrator