Covid updates and Misc

Hello, all!  I wanted to give everyone a quick update on Covid and a few miscellaneous items.  Today, we had 2 staff members test positive for Covid.  One of them is a manager and had little to no contact with Elders during what would be their "infectious" period.  The other staff member is a nurse and she hasn't worked in several days.  With that being said, we are hopeful that our Elder's remain Covid-free.  We are happy to announce  that our Elder's are at a 98% vaccination rate.  This includes having the booster shot.  We have a few that plan to get the booster, but can't at this time.  Those are GREAT numbers!  

I want to let you all know that the transition is going well.  Busy, but good.  We anticipate that January 1, 2022 will still be the date that the new owners/operators take over.  They have been making weekly trips here and we have had multiple calls as they put things into place.  I have listed a few bullet point items below, for your information.  

• We are changing from Omnicare Pharmacy to Williams Brothers Pharmacy (If you choose to use a different pharmacy, please notify me asap)
• All mail related to billing, business office or Admin items should be mailed to 1002 Sister Barbara Way
• Our new name will be "Villas of Guerin Woods Healthcare"
• Many of the managers that were located in the front Admin Building have been relocated- I will send a directory as soon as I can (most will be in Villa 6 for now, so if you need someone this is a  good place to start

Mail:

The mail will no longer be in the Admin building.  If the Elder gets mail and you typically pick it up, you will pick it up in the Villa's nurses station.  There will be a holder on the wall where it is kept.  Just ask a staff member to get it for you, as needed.  

As always, thank you for giving us the opportunity to care for your loved one.

             

GREEN VILLAS- ALL VILLAS!!

Villa 1            Villa  8

Villa 2

Villa 3

Villa 4

Villa 5

 

1.                 EXCURSIONS & APPOINTMENTS – 

•             Medical Appointments / Excursions Greater Than 24 Hours:  For all medical appointments and for excursions greater than 24 hours, elders must be screened and tested with a point-of-care (POC) test immediately upon return and must also be tested with a POC test 3-5 days following the elder's return. 

•             Excursions Less Than 24 Hours:  If the excursion is less than 24 hours and is not a medical appointment, the elder must be screened upon return and only needs to be tested with a POC test immediately and within 3-5 days if the elder experienced a high-risk exposure.

Excursions and non-essential appointments put elders at significant risk, regardless of your elder's vaccination status.  Please consider refraining from taking your elder on excursions altogether.  Likewise, please consider turning over to Guerin Woods the task of making all of your elder's appointments, medical or otherwise.  This will allow us to minimize their exposure to infection by arranging telehealth or in-room treatment, as appropriate. 

a.      If – despite the risk – you take your elder out for an excursion or appointment, please provide Guerin Woods advance notice, if at all possible, via our scheduling application, Simply Book ME.  Click Here to Schedule Elder Excursion or Appointment

b.      When elders return from an excursion or appointment, we are now required to screen and test them before they return to their room per the guidelines set forth above. 

c.       If an elder is required to be tested upon their return to campus, they will be required to wait with you in the parking lot until:

i.        A nurse is available to perform screening and a COVID-19 test;

ii.      The results of the COVID-19 test are available (15 – 30 minutes); and

iii.     The nurse establishes that the COVID-19 test result is negative.

d.      Elders who leave campus for an excursion or appointment will also be required to undergo a second test between the third and fifth day after their return.

e.      Unvaccinated elders who are away from campus for 24 hours or more are now required to be in isolation for no fewer than 14 days upon their return, even if COVID-19 testing is negative and the elder has no symptoms.

2.                 VISITOR SCREENING: ALL VISITORS MUST COMPLETE A SCREENING FORM AND THE FORM MUST BE SIGNED BY A STAFF MEMBER.  YOU MAY NOT PROCEED TO YOUR ELDER'S ROOM UNTIL A STAFF MEMBER REVIEWS AND SIGNS YOUR SCREENING FORM! 

3.                 EFC PROGRAM: We strongly encourage visitors to apply to become Essential Family Caregivers (EFCs).  In most circumstances, EFCs will be allowed to continue to visit in "YELLOW" Villas, albeit under rules that are more strict, should normal visitation be prohibited. If you have served as an EFC in the past, please re-apply; the Department of Health has altered its guidance and you will need to sign a new acknowledgment.  Below is a short summary of the EFC Program.  If you have any questions, please contact me.  I have attached the EFC Application to this email

b.      Purpose:  The purpose of the EFC Program is to allow family members or other caregivers to continue to provide routine care during a public health emergency pursuant to state guidance. 

c.       State Requirements

i.        Each EFC applicant must be at least 18 years old; and

ii.      The applicant must have regularly engaged with the elder providing supportive or direct care (e.g., help with meals, grooming, or companionship), on average twice weekly, prior to the start of the public health emergency;

iii.     The Elder or POA must approve the EFC;

iv.     The EFC must be able and willing to (a) undergo COVID-19 testing on the same frequency as Guerin Woods staff and (b) follow all precautionary measures, such as hand hygiene, and use of N95 masks, surgical gowns, goggles, and gloves.

d.      Approval Process:  Guerin Woods will approve or reject EFC applications on a case-by-case basis.  If an application is denied, we will notify the applicant in writing of our reasons and the applicant will have an opportunity to request reconsideration.  When an application is approved:

i.        Guerin Woods will work with the EFC to determine appropriate visitation hours and duration;

ii.      Guerin Woods will provide the EFC all visitation and EFC requirements in writing in the form of an agreement; and

iii.     The EFC must attest that they will abide by the EFC requirements congruent with existing guidelines, including those relating to testing, screening, infection prevention protocols, and approved visitation locations.

e.      Scheduling: Please contact Chelsea Wild regarding the days/times you wish to participate in EFC visitation.

f.        Application/Agreement: Please send your completed EFC Application to me via email, mail, or by leaving a copy at the Administration Building.  If your application is approved, you will receive an electronic copy of the agreement via email.  Please execute it and return a copy to me.

g.      Testing/Training:  Before you begin EFC visitation, please contact Chelsea regarding COVID-19 testing and training.  We need to ensure a nurse if available to facilitate both. EFCs are subject to all of the same testing and PPE requirements as staff.  You will need to arrange for and be tested for COVID-19 twice weekly,on either Monday & Friday or Tuesday & Saturday.

h.      Sign-In Process: As with normal visitation, you will be required to sing-in before your EFC visitation.  You should also record your temperature on the sign-in form in the same way employees do.  Please note that you may be directed to enter the Villa through the rear door.

4.                 "Non-EFC Visitor" Testing:  We strongly encourage you to be tested on a regular basis if you visit the Guerin Woods campus, especially of you are unvaccinated.  If you are unvaccinated, wish to be tested routinely but are unable to do so, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.

5.              VISITATION

A.                RESTRICTIONS- none at this time

B.                 Notification Requirement – NONE, unless utilizing alternative methods of visitation, e.g., window and video visits.  

*Previously, with scheduled visits, our therapists and CNAs were able to schedule around visitation.  Because this will no long be possible, please be prepared to be flexible.   Your visit may be interrupted or need to be postponed for a short period of time if therapy or some other intervention is underway or scheduled during your visit.

C.                 Visitor Screening Form – Prior to moving to an elder's room, ALL VISITORS – INCLUDING EFC VISITORS -- MUST COMPLETE A SCREENING FORM AND THE FORM MUST BE SIGNED BY A STAFF MEMBER.  DO NOT PROCEED TO YOUR ELDER'S ROOM UNTIL A STAFF MEMBER REVIEWS AND SIGNS YOUR SCREENING FORM!  WE CANNOT ALLOW VISITATION IF A VISITOR'S SCREENING RESPONSES OR SYMPTOMS INDICATE A RISK OF EXPOSURE. 

D.                Infection Control

a.                    Hand hygiene – Visitors must adhere to hand hygiene requirements upon entry and during their visit, with the use of alcohol-based hand rub being preferred.  You must continue to clean your hands frequently with either alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water, both of which are readily available in the Villas.  Visitors should clean their hands after touching potentially contaminated surfaces, using soap and water after using the restroom. 

b.                    Surgical Mask (covering BOTH mouth and nose) – All visitors must wear a surgical mask at all times while on the Guerin Woods campus.  (EFC Visitors in a "YELLOW" Villa must wear an N95 respirator, surgical gown, goggles, and glove.)

c.                     Social Distancing – All visits are limited to Elders' rooms and visitors may not be present in common areas other than to make their way to an Elder's room.  Visitors are not permitted to interact with other Elders and must maintain social distancing when communicating with staff.  Unvaccinated visitors must maintain social distancing at all times, both in the common areas and their Elder's room.

E.                 Hours – Daily, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

F.                 Location – Visitation is restricted to Elders' rooms.  Families and friends may also use the Villas' garden areas, but only when visiting a "GREEN" Villa.  If a visitor wishes to speak with a staff member, the visitor must use their Elder's call button and may not – under any circumstance -- wander through the common areas.

G.                Number of Visitors – If appropriate social distancing is maintained, Elders may have up to 4 visitors at a time.

H.                Age Restrictions – Because all visitors must be able to comply with infection prevention protocols, Guerin Woods strongly discourages any visitor under the age of 12.  EFC visitors must be 18 or older.

*Please note that end-of-life and compassionate care visitation follow different protocols.  To make arrangements, simply contact Chelsea Wild, Social Services Director (812-951-9088; cwild@pssmsi.org) or Kim Smith, Administrator (812-820-6433; 812-399-9046; ksmith@pssmsi.org).

I.                  GUERIN WOODS COVID-19 STATISTICS

Total # of Elder Cases	New Elder Cases in Last 24 Hrs	Elder Deaths in Last 24 Hrs	Instances of 3 or More Elders/Staff w/ New Onset of Respiratory Symptoms w/in 72 hours of Each Other
35*	0	0	0

II.                 EXAMPLES OF FACILITY INFECTION MITIGATION/PREVENTION/PLANNING MEASURES

Visitation restrictions

Visitor screening

Staff Competency Reinforcement/Training: Infection Control; COVID-19; Proper PPE Use; Handwashing; Social Distancing, etc.

Staff reminders to self-monitor for fever and symptoms of COVID-19 and to stay home if unwell

Staff use of masks in Villas

Increased cleaning frequency & use of COVID-19/EPA approved sanitizing solutions for equipment, frequently touched surfaces and common areas

Placement of alcohol-based hand sanitizer throughout the Villas and in elders' rooms

Placement of tissues and trash cans in elder's rooms

Elder social distancing and use of masks (for those willing and able) when in common areas

Use of telephonic/video meetings whenever required

Use of telehealth when appropriate

Creation and use of signage to remind elders and staff re: source control, cough etiquette, social distancing, handwashing

Adoption of pharmacy policies & practices that ensure availability of all necessary medications

Pre-shift screening of every staff member

Assessment of elders for CDC-defined COVID-19 symptoms

Acquisition of additional/excess supplies, e.g., ABHS, soap, paper towels, sanitizing solutions, PPE, oxygen concentrators

Acquisition of COVID-19 testing equipment/kits and testing of staff, vendors, third-party providers, elders, and others as required

Conversion of separate on-site facility to staff sleeping quarters

Staging of COVID-19 materials in anticipation of providing immediate response

Meetings among executive and senior clinical staff re: state and federal COVID-19 guidelines (and changes thereto), associated changes to policies/procedures, education/training, facility changes, etc.

Contingency planning, including adoption of new policies & procedures

Coordination with local and state public health and emergency response authorities

Exclusion of COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 exposed employees in compliance with CDC guidelines

Isolation of elders who may have had an exposure per IDH and CDC guidelines

III.                GUERIN WOODS CONTACTS

Contact (Title)	Kim Smith (Administrator)	Susan Gernert (President & CEO)
Cell Phone	812-820-6433; 812-399-9046	502-830-4336
Email	ksmith@pssmsi.org	sgernert@pssmsi.org

IV.               ELDER TESTING & TRANSFERS: Guerin Woods is following the guidance and directives of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), and Floyd County Health Department regarding Elder testing.  If an Elder were to test positive for COVID-19, the Elder would be transferred to a hospital or other appropriate facility.

V.                GENERAL INFORMATION:  For more information about COVID-19, please refer to: https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/2400.htm; https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.  You can also address general questions about COVID-19 to the ISDH COVID-19 Call Center, available 24/7, at 877-826-0011.

VI.               INDIANA LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN: The Ombudsman is NOT a representative of the facility, ISDH, or any other organization. However, we do want to provide accurate information to ensure families are comfortable that their loved ones are as safe as possible and are able to make informed decisions.

Physical Address	Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman 402 West Washington Street, Room W451 Post Office Box 7083, MS 27 Indianapolis, Indiana 46207-7083
Phone Number	800-622-4484 or 317-232-7134
Fax Number	317-972-3285
Email	LongTermCareOmbudsman@ombudsman.IN.gov
Website	https://www.in.gov/ombudsman/2347.htm

 

--

Kimberly Smith, RN, HFA

Healthcare Administrator

Email: ksmith@pssmsi.org

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Covid and Pharmacy

Good evening.  I apologize for  the weekend email.  As you can imagine, there are a lot of things going on in regards to transitioning to the new company.  My goal is to keep you informed, as timely as possible, while being completely transparent.  

Pharmacy- Priority Healthcare has partnered with Williams Brother Pharmacy with a goal of supporting smaller, more local vendors.  They will be our primary pharmacy beginning January 1, 2022.  

If you currently use a preferred, outside pharmacy and choose to continue with that pharmacy, no problem, simply "reply" to this email with the Elder's name and pharmacy of choice.  

The pharmacy will have all of the insurance/Medicare/Medicaid information on the Elders record and will continue the same billing process that is currently in place with Omnicare Pharmacy.  This should streamline the process and prevent any work on your end.  ATTACHED IS A LETTER OF NOTIFICATION. 

Therapy- I am pleased to announce that our therapists that currently provide wonderful services to our Elder's will remain the same.  I understand there were a lot of speculation and questions surrounding this matter.  The new operators met with the team of therapists last week and it was decided that they will be employees of the company.  Wonderful news for us and the Elder's.  We love our therapy team!

As always, our goal of providing quality care will NOT change.  Our mission will NOT change.  Thank you, in advance, for continuing to allow us to take care of your loved one.  We are truly blessed and humbled that you choose us.  

Belows are the Covid updates.  As you will notice, we did have a staff member test positive a few days ago.  We have started the guided testing for the Elder's cared for by this employee.  

The CDC has announced its concerns with the massive outbreaks of this virus, in recent days.  They are anticipating a continued spiking of numbers for the next few months.  With that being said, PLEASE be mindful and cautious as the holidays approach.  If you plan to take your loved one out for the holidays, please take all precautions necessary to protect them.  Masks, handwashing and social distancing are three recommended approaches to remember.  

Lastly, the Floyd County Health Department will be here Tuesday, December 21st around 9am, to administer the Covid booster shot to the Elder's that haven't received it (with your consent).  I pray that this will protect them during this uncertain and unpredictable time in healthcare.  

All Villas are still a GREEN ZONE.  As we do the outbreak testing, we will closely monitor the results and change this as indicated and per guidelines.  

Employees:

Positive Covid Test- 1 

Elders:

Positive Covid Test- 0

1.                 EXCURSIONS & APPOINTMENTS – 

•             Medical Appointments / Excursions Greater Than 24 Hours:  For all medical appointments and for excursions greater than 24 hours, elders must be screened and tested with a point-of-care (POC) test immediately upon return and must also be tested with a POC test 3-5 days following the elder's return. 

•             Excursions Less Than 24 Hours:  If the excursion is less than 24 hours and is not a medical appointment, the elder must be screened upon return and only needs to be tested with a POC test immediately and within 3-5 days if the elder experienced a high-risk exposure.

Excursions and non-essential appointments put elders at significant risk, regardless of your elder's vaccination status.  Please consider refraining from taking your elder on excursions altogether.  Likewise, please consider turning over to Guerin Woods the task of making all of your elder's appointments, medical or otherwise.  This will allow us to minimize their exposure to infection by arranging telehealth or in-room treatment, as appropriate. 

a.      If – despite the risk – you take your elder out for an excursion or appointment, please provide Guerin Woods advance notice, if at all possible, via our scheduling application, Simply Book ME.  Click Here to Schedule Elder Excursion or Appointment

b.      When elders return from an excursion or appointment, we are now required to screen and test them before they return to their room per the guidelines set forth above. 

c.       If an elder is required to be tested upon their return to campus, they will be required to wait with you in the parking lot until:

i.        A nurse is available to perform screening and a COVID-19 test;

ii.      The results of the COVID-19 test are available (15 – 30 minutes); and

iii.     The nurse establishes that the COVID-19 test result is negative.

d.      Elders who leave campus for an excursion or appointment will also be required to undergo a second test between the third and fifth day after their return.

e.      Unvaccinated elders who are away from campus for 24 hours or more are now required to be in isolation for no fewer than 14 days upon their return, even if COVID-19 testing is negative and the elder has no symptoms.

2.                 VISITOR SCREENING: ALL VISITORS MUST COMPLETE A SCREENING FORM AND THE FORM MUST BE SIGNED BY A STAFF MEMBER.  YOU MAY NOT PROCEED TO YOUR ELDER'S ROOM UNTIL A STAFF MEMBER REVIEWS AND SIGNS YOUR SCREENING FORM! 

3.                 EFC PROGRAM: You no longer have to be considered and EFC to visit an Elder.  Screening is still required, along with appropriate PPE.  During outbreak situations (Red Zone) or taking precautions (Yellow Zone), you may still visit, however please be advised that you are putting yourself at high risk of 1) Covid exposure 2) Being a carrier/spreading the virus to others (post-exposure) 3) contracting the virus yourself.

5.              VISITATION

A.                RESTRICTIONS- none 

B.                 Notification Requirement – NONE, unless requesting alternative methods of visitation, e.g., window and video visits.  

C.                 Visitor Screening Form – Prior to moving to an elder's room, ALL VISITORS MUST COMPLETE A SCREENING FORM AND THE FORM MUST BE SIGNED BY A STAFF MEMBER.  DO NOT PROCEED TO YOUR ELDER'S ROOM UNTIL A STAFF MEMBER REVIEWS AND SIGNS YOUR SCREENING FORM!  WE CANNOT ALLOW VISITATION IF A VISITOR'S SCREENING RESPONSES OR SYMPTOMS INDICATE A RISK OF EXPOSURE. 

D.                Infection Control

a.                    Hand hygiene – Visitors must adhere to hand hygiene requirements upon entry and during their visit, with the use of alcohol-based hand rub being preferred.  You must continue to clean your hands frequently with either alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water, both of which are readily available in the Villas.  Visitors should clean their hands after touching potentially contaminated surfaces, using soap and water after using the restroom. 

b.                    Surgical Mask (covering BOTH mouth and nose) – All visitors must wear a surgical mask at all times while on the Guerin Woods campus.  (EFC Visitors in a "YELLOW" Villa must wear an N95 respirator, surgical gown, goggles, and glove.)

c.                     Social Distancing – All visits are limited to Elders' rooms and visitors may not be present in common areas other than to make their way to an Elder's room.  Visitors are not permitted to interact with other Elders and must maintain social distancing when communicating with staff.  Unvaccinated visitors must maintain social distancing at all times, both in the common areas and their Elder's room.

E.                 Hours – Daily, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

F.                 Location – Visitation is restricted to Elders' rooms.  Families and friends may also use the Villas' garden areas, but only when visiting a "GREEN" Villa.  If a visitor wishes to speak with a staff member, the visitor must use their Elder's call button and may not – under any circumstance -- wander through the common areas.

G.                Number of Visitors – No limit.  We continue to encourage the number of visitors to allow for social distancing in the space provided

H.                Age Restrictions – No age restriction, however all visitors must abide by the PPE and other infection control guidelines

I.                  GUERIN WOODS COVID-19 STATISTICS

Total # of Elder Cases	New Elder Cases in Last 24 Hrs	Elder Deaths in Last 24 Hrs	Instances of 3 or More Elders/Staff w/ New Onset of Respiratory Symptoms w/in 72 hours of Each Other
26*	1	0	0

II.                 EXAMPLES OF FACILITY INFECTION MITIGATION/PREVENTION/PLANNING MEASURES

Visitation restrictions

Visitor screening

Staff Competency Reinforcement/Training: Infection Control; COVID-19; Proper PPE Use; Handwashing; Social Distancing, etc.

Staff reminders to self-monitor for fever and symptoms of COVID-19 and to stay home if unwell

Staff use of masks in Villas

Increased cleaning frequency & use of COVID-19/EPA approved sanitizing solutions for equipment, frequently touched surfaces and common areas

Placement of alcohol-based hand sanitizer throughout the Villas and in elders' rooms

Placement of tissues and trash cans in elder's rooms

Elder social distancing and use of masks (for those willing and able) when in common areas

Use of telephonic/video meetings whenever required

Use of telehealth when appropriate

Creation and use of signage to remind elders and staff re: source control, cough etiquette, social distancing, handwashing

Adoption of pharmacy policies & practices that ensure availability of all necessary medications

Pre-shift screening of every staff member

Assessment of elders for CDC-defined COVID-19 symptoms

Acquisition of additional/excess supplies, e.g., ABHS, soap, paper towels, sanitizing solutions, PPE, oxygen concentrators

Acquisition of COVID-19 testing equipment/kits and testing of staff, vendors, third-party providers, elders, and others as required

Conversion of separate on-site facility to staff sleeping quarters

Staging of COVID-19 materials in anticipation of providing immediate response

Meetings among executive and senior clinical staff re: state and federal COVID-19 guidelines (and changes thereto), associated changes to policies/procedures, education/training, facility changes, etc.

Contingency planning, including adoption of new policies & procedures

Coordination with local and state public health and emergency response authorities

Exclusion of COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 exposed employees in compliance with CDC guidelines

Isolation of elders who may have had an exposure per IDH and CDC guidelines

III.                GUERIN WOODS CONTACTS

Contact (Title)	Kim Smith (Administrator)	Susan Gernert (President & CEO)
Cell Phone	812-820-6433; 812-399-9046	502-830-4336
Email	ksmith@pssmsi.org	sgernert@pssmsi.org

IV.               ELDER TESTING & TRANSFERS: Guerin Woods is following the guidance and directives of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), and Floyd County Health Department regarding Elder testing.  If an Elder were to test positive for COVID-19, the Elder would be transferred to a hospital or other appropriate facility.

V.                GENERAL INFORMATION:  For more information about COVID-19, please refer to: https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/2400.htm; https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.  You can also address general questions about COVID-19 to the ISDH COVID-19 Call Center, available 24/7, at 877-826-0011.

VI.               INDIANA LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN: The Ombudsman is NOT a representative of the facility, ISDH, or any other organization. However, we do want to provide accurate information to ensure families are comfortable that their loved ones are as safe as possible and are able to make informed decisions.

Physical Address	Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman 402 West Washington Street, Room W451 Post Office Box 7083, MS 27 Indianapolis, Indiana 46207-7083
Phone Number	800-622-4484 or 317-232-7134
Fax Number	317-972-3285
Email	LongTermCareOmbudsman@ombudsman.IN.gov
Website	https://www.in.gov/ombudsman/2347.htm

 

--

Kimberly Smith, RN, HFA

Healthcare Administrator

Email: ksmith@pssmsi.org

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Covid and Christmas

Good morning!  Just a friendly reminder that Santa will be here this Friday, December 17th at 10am to give Elders their gift.  If you would like to bring a gift for your loved one, please drop it off at the Administration Building or Villa 6 (1006) before Friday.  

Also, there are a few updates on the Essential Family Caregiver (EFC) Section of the Covid information.  Please be aware that you no longer have to be an EFC to visit an Elder, even during an outbreak situation.  If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.  

All Villas are still a GREEN ZONE!  

With Holidays approaching, it is important to continue to make every attempt to protect our Elders from the Covid Virus.  Please follow guidance while visiting, during excursions, etc.  We are excited that the restrictions are beginning to lighten up a bit, but want to keep their health and safety on the forefront of our minds.  

1.                 EXCURSIONS & APPOINTMENTS – 

•             Medical Appointments / Excursions Greater Than 24 Hours:  For all medical appointments and for excursions greater than 24 hours, elders must be screened and tested with a point-of-care (POC) test immediately upon return and must also be tested with a POC test 3-5 days following the elder's return. 

•             Excursions Less Than 24 Hours:  If the excursion is less than 24 hours and is not a medical appointment, the elder must be screened upon return and only needs to be tested with a POC test immediately and within 3-5 days if the elder experienced a high-risk exposure.

Excursions and non-essential appointments put elders at significant risk, regardless of your elder's vaccination status.  Please consider refraining from taking your elder on excursions altogether.  Likewise, please consider turning over to Guerin Woods the task of making all of your elder's appointments, medical or otherwise.  This will allow us to minimize their exposure to infection by arranging telehealth or in-room treatment, as appropriate. 

a.      If – despite the risk – you take your elder out for an excursion or appointment, please provide Guerin Woods advance notice, if at all possible, via our scheduling application, Simply Book ME.  Click Here to Schedule Elder Excursion or Appointment

b.      When elders return from an excursion or appointment, we are now required to screen and test them before they return to their room per the guidelines set forth above. 

c.       If an elder is required to be tested upon their return to campus, they will be required to wait with you in the parking lot until:

i.        A nurse is available to perform screening and a COVID-19 test;

ii.      The results of the COVID-19 test are available (15 – 30 minutes); and

iii.     The nurse establishes that the COVID-19 test result is negative.

d.      Elders who leave campus for an excursion or appointment will also be required to undergo a second test between the third and fifth day after their return.

e.      Unvaccinated elders who are away from campus for 24 hours or more are now required to be in isolation for no fewer than 14 days upon their return, even if COVID-19 testing is negative and the elder has no symptoms.

2.                 VISITOR SCREENING: ALL VISITORS MUST COMPLETE A SCREENING FORM AND THE FORM MUST BE SIGNED BY A STAFF MEMBER.  YOU MAY NOT PROCEED TO YOUR ELDER'S ROOM UNTIL A STAFF MEMBER REVIEWS AND SIGNS YOUR SCREENING FORM! 

3.                 EFC PROGRAM: You no longer have to be considered and EFC to visit an Elder.  Screening is still required, along with appropriate PPE.  During outbreak situations (Red Zone) or taking precautions (Yellow Zone), you may still visit, however please be advised that you are putting yourself at high risk of 1) Covid exposure 2) Being a carrier/spreading the virus to others (post-exposure) 3) contracting the virus yourself.

5.              VISITATION

A.                RESTRICTIONS- none 

B.                 Notification Requirement – NONE, unless requesting alternative methods of visitation, e.g., window and video visits.  

C.                 Visitor Screening Form – Prior to moving to an elder's room, ALL VISITORS MUST COMPLETE A SCREENING FORM AND THE FORM MUST BE SIGNED BY A STAFF MEMBER.  DO NOT PROCEED TO YOUR ELDER'S ROOM UNTIL A STAFF MEMBER REVIEWS AND SIGNS YOUR SCREENING FORM!  WE CANNOT ALLOW VISITATION IF A VISITOR'S SCREENING RESPONSES OR SYMPTOMS INDICATE A RISK OF EXPOSURE. 

D.                Infection Control

a.                    Hand hygiene – Visitors must adhere to hand hygiene requirements upon entry and during their visit, with the use of alcohol-based hand rub being preferred.  You must continue to clean your hands frequently with either alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water, both of which are readily available in the Villas.  Visitors should clean their hands after touching potentially contaminated surfaces, using soap and water after using the restroom. 

b.                    Surgical Mask (covering BOTH mouth and nose) – All visitors must wear a surgical mask at all times while on the Guerin Woods campus.  (EFC Visitors in a "YELLOW" Villa must wear an N95 respirator, surgical gown, goggles, and glove.)

c.                     Social Distancing – All visits are limited to Elders' rooms and visitors may not be present in common areas other than to make their way to an Elder's room.  Visitors are not permitted to interact with other Elders and must maintain social distancing when communicating with staff.  Unvaccinated visitors must maintain social distancing at all times, both in the common areas and their Elder's room.

E.                 Hours – Daily, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

F.                 Location – Visitation is restricted to Elders' rooms.  Families and friends may also use the Villas' garden areas, but only when visiting a "GREEN" Villa.  If a visitor wishes to speak with a staff member, the visitor must use their Elder's call button and may not – under any circumstance -- wander through the common areas.

G.                Number of Visitors – No limit.  We continue to encourage the number of visitors to allow for social distancing in the space provided

H.                Age Restrictions – No age restriction, however all visitors must abide by the PPE and other infection control guidelines

I.                  GUERIN WOODS COVID-19 STATISTICS

Total # of Elder Cases	New Elder Cases in Last 24 Hrs	Elder Deaths in Last 24 Hrs	Instances of 3 or More Elders/Staff w/ New Onset of Respiratory Symptoms w/in 72 hours of Each Other
26*	0	0	0

II.                 EXAMPLES OF FACILITY INFECTION MITIGATION/PREVENTION/PLANNING MEASURES

Visitation restrictions

Visitor screening

Staff Competency Reinforcement/Training: Infection Control; COVID-19; Proper PPE Use; Handwashing; Social Distancing, etc.

Staff reminders to self-monitor for fever and symptoms of COVID-19 and to stay home if unwell

Staff use of masks in Villas

Increased cleaning frequency & use of COVID-19/EPA approved sanitizing solutions for equipment, frequently touched surfaces and common areas

Placement of alcohol-based hand sanitizer throughout the Villas and in elders' rooms

Placement of tissues and trash cans in elder's rooms

Elder social distancing and use of masks (for those willing and able) when in common areas

Use of telephonic/video meetings whenever required

Use of telehealth when appropriate

Creation and use of signage to remind elders and staff re: source control, cough etiquette, social distancing, handwashing

Adoption of pharmacy policies & practices that ensure availability of all necessary medications

Pre-shift screening of every staff member

Assessment of elders for CDC-defined COVID-19 symptoms

Acquisition of additional/excess supplies, e.g., ABHS, soap, paper towels, sanitizing solutions, PPE, oxygen concentrators

Acquisition of COVID-19 testing equipment/kits and testing of staff, vendors, third-party providers, elders, and others as required

Conversion of separate on-site facility to staff sleeping quarters

Staging of COVID-19 materials in anticipation of providing immediate response

Meetings among executive and senior clinical staff re: state and federal COVID-19 guidelines (and changes thereto), associated changes to policies/procedures, education/training, facility changes, etc.

Contingency planning, including adoption of new policies & procedures

Coordination with local and state public health and emergency response authorities

Exclusion of COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 exposed employees in compliance with CDC guidelines

Isolation of elders who may have had an exposure per IDH and CDC guidelines

III.                GUERIN WOODS CONTACTS

Contact (Title)	Kim Smith (Administrator)	Susan Gernert (President & CEO)
Cell Phone	812-820-6433; 812-399-9046	502-830-4336
Email	ksmith@pssmsi.org	sgernert@pssmsi.org

IV.               ELDER TESTING & TRANSFERS: Guerin Woods is following the guidance and directives of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), and Floyd County Health Department regarding Elder testing.  If an Elder were to test positive for COVID-19, the Elder would be transferred to a hospital or other appropriate facility.

V.                GENERAL INFORMATION:  For more information about COVID-19, please refer to: https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/2400.htm; https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.  You can also address general questions about COVID-19 to the ISDH COVID-19 Call Center, available 24/7, at 877-826-0011.

VI.               INDIANA LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN: The Ombudsman is NOT a representative of the facility, ISDH, or any other organization. However, we do want to provide accurate information to ensure families are comfortable that their loved ones are as safe as possible and are able to make informed decisions.

Physical Address	Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman 402 West Washington Street, Room W451 Post Office Box 7083, MS 27 Indianapolis, Indiana 46207-7083
Phone Number	800-622-4484 or 317-232-7134
Fax Number	317-972-3285
Email	LongTermCareOmbudsman@ombudsman.IN.gov
Website	https://www.in.gov/ombudsman/2347.htm

 

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Kimberly Smith, RN, HFA

Healthcare Administrator

Email: ksmith@pssmsi.org

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