Thanksgiving Dinner at the Villas

Dear Guerin Woods Families & Friends:

 

A very generous family has offered to provide side items for their Elder’s Villa on Thanksgiving.  (We will be taking care of the turkeys!)  If you have any interest in doing the same, please contact our Dietary Manager, Linda Nizzi, before Monday.  She is very gracious with her time and will gladly take your calls over the weekend.  Her number is 812-725-6775.  Thank you for your generosity.

 

Susan

 

Susan Gernert

President & CEO

 

 

“People will forget what you said.  People will forget what you did.  People will never forget how you made them feel.”  -Maya Angelou

 

Providence Self Sufficiency Ministries, Inc.

Guerin, Inc.

The Meadows of Guerin, Inc.

 

sgernert@pssmsi.org

502-830-4336 (cell)

 

8037 Unruh Drive

Georgetown, Indiana 47122

 

guerininc.org

 

 

Guerin Woods Daily Update

Dear Guerin Woods Families and Friends

 

As the local positivity rates continue to climb, sadly, so too do our numbers.  One additional elder was confirmed to have COVID-19 today. 

 

Given the Floyd County positivity rate (as measured by CMS) we are now scheduling employees to be tested twice a week, providing all necessary PPE, and doing everything possible to keep our elders safe.  Please keep our employees in your prayers as they cope with ever changing requirements and the need to adapt rapidly to staffing changes necessitated by both potential exposures and positive test results.  Despite these ongoing disruptive changes our dedicated employees are pulling together as a team for the good of all of our elders.

 

I cannot guarantee when construction will be complete, but are purchasing materials for "hug" tents.  I have attached a picture in two different formats and also imbedded a photo in this email.  The frame of these tents will be a canopy tent.  We will be adding "walls" made of transparent, 6 mil polyethylene film, and -- at "hugging height" -- we are securing shoulder length gloves.  Not only will you be able to see your elder, but you will be able to safely hug them.  We were recently able to purchase a "fogger" and approved "COVID-19 killing chemicals" that will allow us to thoroughly decontaminate tents between visits.  The process of providing training to our staff will begin as soon as possible, and I will keep you informed of our progress.

 

1.  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
8*	1	0	0

 *COVID-19 positive test dates: 8/5/20 (1), 10/14/20 (1), 10/21/20 (1), 10/23/20 (2), 10/29/20 (1), 11/16/20 (1; new admission from another facility), 11/19/20 (1)

2. Examples of Facility Infection Mitigation/Prevention/Planning Measures

Visitation Restrictions

Decontamination of all personal items delivered by elder families and friends

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

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

Cohorting of staff (among Villas)

Exclusion of non-essential staff

Staff use of masks and goggles/face shields: 100% of the time 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 and in common areas for respiratory hygiene, cough etiquette, and source control

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

Transition to telephonic/video meetings whenever possible, e.g., Care Plan Meetings

Use of telehealth when appropriate

Creation and use of signage to remind elders and staff re PPE usage, cough etiquette, social distancing, handwashing

Creation of signage in anticipation of positive COVID-19 cases re proper use of PPE, precautions, etc.

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

Pre-shift health assessment/screening of every staff member, including all CDC-defined COVID-19 symptoms

Assessment of elders for CDC-defined COVID-19 symptoms every shift

Cancellation of all non-essential medical appointments, e.g., routine eye exams

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

Conversion of separate on-site facility to staff sleeping quarters, including procurement of beds, linens, etc.

Conversion of separate on-site facility to accommodate COVID-19 positive elders, including but not limited to new flooring, rental of beds, use of donated storage and office furniture, and waiver application

Conversion of separate on-site facility to accommodate COVID-19 supplies, including preparation of individual kits for ease of use

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

Preparation for ability to teach CNA/PCA courses on-site, including but not limited to staff training, licensure, procurement of necessary course materials, etc., in anticipation of potential staffing shortages

Daily meetings among executive and senior clinical staff re newest state and federal COVID-19 regulations & guidance (and changes thereto), associated changes to policies/procedures, education/training, facility changes, etc.

Extensive contingency planning, including adoption of new policies & procedures (and frequent amendment of same as guidelines from federal and state public health authorities change)

Frequent coordination with local and state public health and emergency response authorities

 Guerin Woods Contacts

Contact (Title)	Steve Brian (Administrator)	Susan Gernert (President & CEO)
Cell Phone	812-399-9046	502-830-4336
Email	sbrian@pssmsi.org	sgernert@pssmsi.org

 Guerin Woods Current Visitation Policy.

1. Visitation

1. Indoor and Outdoor Visitation is currently suspended. 
2. Compassionate Care Visitation - Compassionate Care Indoor Visitation is limited primarily to end-of-life situations.  Guerin Woods will also consider Compassionate Care visitation for elders who (a) meet objective, clinical criteria indicating a meaningful decline in their psychosocial wellbeing and (b) have not or cannot benefit from other forms of visitation.  Guerin Woods will proactively contact the POAs of elders who meet these criteria.  If you would like to contact us regarding the possibility of compassionate care visitation, you are welcome to do so by sending an email to guerinwoodsvisitations@pssmsi.org.  Please know that we will assess any such request on a case-by-case basis, based on a set of objective criteria.  Those who are approved will be instructed – as appropriate – regarding visitation scheduling, duration, frequency, location, and other restrictions, such as training, COVID-19 testing, etc.
3. Facilitated Phone Calls & Video Chats - Please call your elder's Villa on the day you wish to have your call or video chat to confirm the availability of staff.  Please know that our staff remain very busy throughout the day, and they may ask that you be flexible regarding the time and length of your call or video chat.  Individual CNAs cannot commit to staff availability other than their own because they do not know what the demands may or may not be on another shift or when they are not working.
4. Closed Window Visits - Please continue your closed window visits!  Risk-free.  Mask-free.  ...and no social distancing required!

2. 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 COVID-19 testing.  If an elder were to test positive for COVID-19 and Guerin Woods was unable to provide the necessary care, the elder would be transferred to a hospital or other appropriate facility.
3. 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.
4. 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

 Susan

 

Susan Gernert

President & CEO

 

 

Providence Self Sufficiency Ministries, Inc.

Guerin, Inc.

The Meadows of Guerin, Inc.

 

sgernert@pssmsi.org

502-830-4336 (cell)

 

8037 Unruh Drive

Georgetown, Indiana 47122

 

guerininc.org

 

 

RE: Guerin Woods Daily Update

Dear Guerin Woods Families and Friends

 

According to the former head of FDA, Scott Gottlieb, "We're right now at the cusp of what's going to be exponential spread in parts of the country.  If we took aggressive steps right now, we could potentially forestall the worst of it, but [it doesn't look likely] we're . . . going to do that [because there is a lot of] policy resistance to taking strong action.  . . .We really have two or three months of the acute phase of this pandemic to get through. This is going to be the hardest phase." In other words, it is likely to get worse before it gets better.

 

Dr. Gottlieb was, however, very optimistic regarding the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. "[These vaccines] could effectively end the . . .the U.S. epidemic in 2021 as we more widely deploy them.   . . .We really should do what we can to try to preserve life over the next two or three months, recognizing that there's really a better future ahead of us."

 

We are all fatigued, both mentally and physically.  Hanging in my office is a replica of a poster designed by the British Ministry of Information in 1939.  It was widely distributed for the purpose of strengthening morale among the British people during wartime.  It reads: "Keep Calm and Carry On."  Other slogans in the "Keep Calm" series are equally relevant today.  "Your courage, your cheerfulness, your resolution will bring us victory." I'm not suggesting we adopt a British "stiff upper lip," but implore you to find within yourself the resolve to purposely and gracefully "carry on," knowing – as Dr. Gottlieb stated – "there is a better future ahead of us."  

 

1.  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
7*	0	0	0

 *COVID-19 positive test dates: 8/5/20 (1), 10/14/20 (1), 10/21/20 (1), 10/23/20 (2), 10/29/20 (1), 11/16/20 (1; new admission from another facility)

2. Examples of Facility Infection Mitigation/Prevention/Planning Measures

Visitation Restrictions

Decontamination of all personal items delivered by elder families and friends

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

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

Cohorting of staff (among Villas)

Exclusion of non-essential staff

Staff use of masks and goggles/face shields: 100% of the time 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 and in common areas for respiratory hygiene, cough etiquette, and source control

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

Transition to telephonic/video meetings whenever possible, e.g., Care Plan Meetings

Use of telehealth when appropriate

Creation and use of signage to remind elders and staff re PPE usage, cough etiquette, social distancing, handwashing

Creation of signage in anticipation of positive COVID-19 cases re proper use of PPE, precautions, etc.

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

Pre-shift health assessment/screening of every staff member, including all CDC-defined COVID-19 symptoms

Assessment of elders for CDC-defined COVID-19 symptoms every shift

Cancellation of all non-essential medical appointments, e.g., routine eye exams

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

Conversion of separate on-site facility to staff sleeping quarters, including procurement of beds, linens, etc.

Conversion of separate on-site facility to accommodate COVID-19 positive elders, including but not limited to new flooring, rental of beds, use of donated storage and office furniture, and waiver application

Conversion of separate on-site facility to accommodate COVID-19 supplies, including preparation of individual kits for ease of use

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

Preparation for ability to teach CNA/PCA courses on-site, including but not limited to staff training, licensure, procurement of necessary course materials, etc., in anticipation of potential staffing shortages

Daily meetings among executive and senior clinical staff re newest state and federal COVID-19 regulations & guidance (and changes thereto), associated changes to policies/procedures, education/training, facility changes, etc.

Extensive contingency planning, including adoption of new policies & procedures (and frequent amendment of same as guidelines from federal and state public health authorities change)

Frequent coordination with local and state public health and emergency response authorities

 Guerin Woods Contacts

Contact (Title)	Steve Brian (Administrator)	Susan Gernert (President & CEO)
Cell Phone	812-399-9046	502-830-4336
Email	sbrian@pssmsi.org	sgernert@pssmsi.org

 Guerin Woods Current Visitation Policy.

1. Visitation

1. Indoor and Outdoor Visitation is currently suspended. 
2. Compassionate Care Visitation - Compassionate Care Indoor Visitation is limited primarily to end-of-life situations.  Guerin Woods will also consider Compassionate Care visitation for elders who (a) meet objective, clinical criteria indicating a meaningful decline in their psychosocial wellbeing and (b) have not or cannot benefit from other forms of visitation.  Guerin Woods will proactively contact the POAs of elders who meet these criteria.  If you would like to contact us regarding the possibility of compassionate care visitation, you are welcome to do so by sending an email to guerinwoodsvisitations@pssmsi.org.  Please know that we will assess any such request on a case-by-case basis, based on a set of objective criteria.  Those who are approved will be instructed – as appropriate – regarding visitation scheduling, duration, frequency, location, and other restrictions, such as training, COVID-19 testing, etc.
3. Facilitated Phone Calls & Video Chats - Please call your elder's Villa on the day you wish to have your call or video chat to confirm the availability of staff.  Please know that our staff remain very busy throughout the day, and they may ask that you be flexible regarding the time and length of your call or video chat.  Individual CNAs cannot commit to staff availability other than their own because they do not know what the demands may or may not be on another shift or when they are not working.
4. Closed Window Visits - Please continue your closed window visits!  Risk-free.  Mask-free.  ...and no social distancing required!

2. 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 COVID-19 testing.  If an elder were to test positive for COVID-19 and Guerin Woods was unable to provide the necessary care, the elder would be transferred to a hospital or other appropriate facility.
3. 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.
4. 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

 Susan

 

Susan Gernert

President & CEO

 

 

Providence Self Sufficiency Ministries, Inc.

Guerin, Inc.

The Meadows of Guerin, Inc.

 

sgernert@pssmsi.org

502-830-4336 (cell)

 

8037 Unruh Drive

Georgetown, Indiana 47122

 

guerininc.org

 

 

Guerin Woods Daily Update

 

1.  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
7*	0	0	0

 *COVID-19 positive test dates: 8/5/20 (1), 10/14/20 (1), 10/21/20 (1), 10/23/20 (2), 10/29/20 (1), 11/16/20 (1; new admission from another facility)

2. Examples of Facility Infection Mitigation/Prevention/Planning Measures

Visitation Restrictions

Decontamination of all personal items delivered by elder families and friends

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

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

Cohorting of staff (among Villas)

Exclusion of non-essential staff

Staff use of masks and goggles/face shields: 100% of the time 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 and in common areas for respiratory hygiene, cough etiquette, and source control

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

Transition to telephonic/video meetings whenever possible, e.g., Care Plan Meetings

Use of telehealth when appropriate

Creation and use of signage to remind elders and staff re PPE usage, cough etiquette, social distancing, handwashing

Creation of signage in anticipation of positive COVID-19 cases re proper use of PPE, precautions, etc.

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

Pre-shift health assessment/screening of every staff member, including all CDC-defined COVID-19 symptoms

Assessment of elders for CDC-defined COVID-19 symptoms every shift

Cancellation of all non-essential medical appointments, e.g., routine eye exams

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

Conversion of separate on-site facility to staff sleeping quarters, including procurement of beds, linens, etc.

Conversion of separate on-site facility to accommodate COVID-19 positive elders, including but not limited to new flooring, rental of beds, use of donated storage and office furniture, and waiver application

Conversion of separate on-site facility to accommodate COVID-19 supplies, including preparation of individual kits for ease of use

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

Preparation for ability to teach CNA/PCA courses on-site, including but not limited to staff training, licensure, procurement of necessary course materials, etc., in anticipation of potential staffing shortages

Daily meetings among executive and senior clinical staff re newest state and federal COVID-19 regulations & guidance (and changes thereto), associated changes to policies/procedures, education/training, facility changes, etc.

Extensive contingency planning, including adoption of new policies & procedures (and frequent amendment of same as guidelines from federal and state public health authorities change)

Frequent coordination with local and state public health and emergency response authorities

 Guerin Woods Contacts

Contact (Title)	Steve Brian (Administrator)	Susan Gernert (President & CEO)
Cell Phone	812-399-9046	502-830-4336
Email	sbrian@pssmsi.org	sgernert@pssmsi.org

 Guerin Woods Current Visitation Policy.

1. Visitation

1. Indoor and Outdoor Visitation is currently suspended. 
2. Compassionate Care Visitation - Compassionate Care Indoor Visitation is limited primarily to end-of-life situations.  Guerin Woods will also consider Compassionate Care visitation for elders who (a) meet objective, clinical criteria indicating a meaningful decline in their psychosocial wellbeing and (b) have not or cannot benefit from other forms of visitation.  Guerin Woods will proactively contact the POAs of elders who meet these criteria.  If you would like to contact us regarding the possibility of compassionate care visitation, you are welcome to do so by sending an email to guerinwoodsvisitations@pssmsi.org.  Please know that we will assess any such request on a case-by-case basis, based on a set of objective criteria.  Those who are approved will be instructed – as appropriate – regarding visitation scheduling, duration, frequency, location, and other restrictions, such as training, COVID-19 testing, etc.
3. Facilitated Phone Calls & Video Chats - Please call your elder's Villa on the day you wish to have your call or video chat to confirm the availability of staff.  Please know that our staff remain very busy throughout the day, and they may ask that you be flexible regarding the time and length of your call or video chat.  Individual CNAs cannot commit to staff availability other than their own because they do not know what the demands may or may not be on another shift or when they are not working.
4. Closed Window Visits - Please continue your closed window visits!  Risk-free.  Mask-free.  ...and no social distancing required!

2. 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 COVID-19 testing.  If an elder were to test positive for COVID-19 and Guerin Woods was unable to provide the necessary care, the elder would be transferred to a hospital or other appropriate facility.
3. 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.
4. 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

 Susan

 

Susan Gernert

President & CEO

 

 

Providence Self Sufficiency Ministries, Inc.

Guerin, Inc.

The Meadows of Guerin, Inc.

 

sgernert@pssmsi.org

502-830-4336 (cell)

 

8037 Unruh Drive

Georgetown, Indiana 47122

 

guerininc.org

 

 

FW: Guerin Woods Daily Update

Dear Guerin Woods Families & Friends:

 

Sadly, I must report that another elder tested positive for COVID-19 today.  There is suspension that this may be a false positive, but the result is nevertheless reflected below. 

 

We do have more good news in relation to a vaccine.  Moderna's Phase 3 trial, which utilized 30,000 participants, found that its vaccine is approximately 94.5% effective.   The Moderna vaccine was also effective in diminishing the severity of COVID-19 in the few trial participants that did acquire COVID-19.  Modern's CEO has indicated that "some people . . . may start getting vaccinated as early as next month."  

 

HHS announced in August it had reached a deal to buy 100 million doses of the Moderna vaccine, and pharmacy chains and vaccine distributors are already studying how to efficiently distribute it.  As with the Pfizer vaccine, there have been serious concerns regarding the logistical problems associated with the need to store the Moderna vaccine at very low temperatures.  Another piece of good news for Moderna is that new data demonstrates that its vaccine can be kept in a standard refrigerator for up to 30 days.

 

Before moving forward, Moderna does need to finalize its Phase 3 clinical trial, provide the data to FDA, and get emergency authorization to distribute the vaccine.   They are optimistically estimating that the Phase 3 trial will meet a key data target within the next two weeks and that they will be able to file for an emergency use authorization in late November or early December.

 

Both Moderna's and Pfizer's vaccines require two shots and are based on new technology.  Unlike prior vaccines, they aren't made with the virus itself.  This means there is no chance anyone vaccinated could acquire COVID-19 from the vaccination itself. 

 

At least two other vaccines, developed by Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca, are also in late-stage trials and could possibly show results in 2020.  The availability of effective vaccines from multiple sources is extraordinarily good news because greater supply will expedite community immunity.   If enough people are immune, the virus will have "nowhere to go" and simply die out. 

 

As always, please let me know if you have any questions.

 

1.  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
7*	0	0	0

 *COVID-19 positive test dates: 8/5/20 (1), 10/14/20 (1), 10/21/20 (1), 10/23/20 (2), 10/29/20 (1), 11/16/20 (1)

2. Examples of Facility Infection Mitigation/Prevention/Planning Measures

Visitation Restrictions

Decontamination of all personal items delivered by elder families and friends

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

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

Cohorting of staff (among Villas)

Exclusion of non-essential staff

Staff use of masks and goggles/face shields: 100% of the time 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 and in common areas for respiratory hygiene, cough etiquette, and source control

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

Transition to telephonic/video meetings whenever possible, e.g., Care Plan Meetings

Use of telehealth when appropriate

Creation and use of signage to remind elders and staff re PPE usage, cough etiquette, social distancing, handwashing

Creation of signage in anticipation of positive COVID-19 cases re proper use of PPE, precautions, etc.

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

Pre-shift health assessment/screening of every staff member, including all CDC-defined COVID-19 symptoms

Assessment of elders for CDC-defined COVID-19 symptoms every shift

Cancellation of all non-essential medical appointments, e.g., routine eye exams

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

Conversion of separate on-site facility to staff sleeping quarters, including procurement of beds, linens, etc.

Conversion of separate on-site facility to accommodate COVID-19 positive elders, including but not limited to new flooring, rental of beds, use of donated storage and office furniture, and waiver application

Conversion of separate on-site facility to accommodate COVID-19 supplies, including preparation of individual kits for ease of use

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

Preparation for ability to teach CNA/PCA courses on-site, including but not limited to staff training, licensure, procurement of necessary course materials, etc., in anticipation of potential staffing shortages

Daily meetings among executive and senior clinical staff re newest state and federal COVID-19 regulations & guidance (and changes thereto), associated changes to policies/procedures, education/training, facility changes, etc.

Extensive contingency planning, including adoption of new policies & procedures (and frequent amendment of same as guidelines from federal and state public health authorities change)

Frequent coordination with local and state public health and emergency response authorities

 Guerin Woods Contacts

Contact (Title)	Steve Brian (Administrator)	Susan Gernert (President & CEO)
Cell Phone	812-399-9046	502-830-4336
Email	sbrian@pssmsi.org	sgernert@pssmsi.org

 Guerin Woods Current Visitation Policy.

1. Visitation

1. Indoor and Outdoor Visitation is currently suspended. 
2. Compassionate Care Visitation - Compassionate Care Indoor Visitation is limited primarily to end-of-life situations.  Guerin Woods will also consider Compassionate Care visitation for elders who (a) meet objective, clinical criteria indicating a meaningful decline in their psychosocial wellbeing and (b) have not or cannot benefit from other forms of visitation.  Guerin Woods will proactively contact the POAs of elders who meet these criteria.  If you would like to contact us regarding the possibility of compassionate care visitation, you are welcome to do so by sending an email to guerinwoodsvisitations@pssmsi.org.  Please know that we will assess any such request on a case-by-case basis, based on a set of objective criteria.  Those who are approved will be instructed – as appropriate – regarding visitation scheduling, duration, frequency, location, and other restrictions, such as training, COVID-19 testing, etc.
3. Facilitated Phone Calls & Video Chats - Please call your elder's Villa on the day you wish to have your call or video chat to confirm the availability of staff.  Please know that our staff remain very busy throughout the day, and they may ask that you be flexible regarding the time and length of your call or video chat.  Individual CNAs cannot commit to staff availability other than their own because they do not know what the demands may or may not be on another shift or when they are not working.
4. Closed Window Visits - Please continue your closed window visits!  Risk-free.  Mask-free.  ...and no social distancing required!

2. 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 COVID-19 testing.  If an elder were to test positive for COVID-19 and Guerin Woods was unable to provide the necessary care, the elder would be transferred to a hospital or other appropriate facility.
3. 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.
4. 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

 Susan

 

Susan Gernert

President & CEO

 

 

Providence Self Sufficiency Ministries, Inc.

Guerin, Inc.

The Meadows of Guerin, Inc.

 

sgernert@pssmsi.org

502-830-4336 (cell)

 

8037 Unruh Drive

Georgetown, Indiana 47122

 

guerininc.org