Update from Administrator – October 16, 2020
As always, our team and I hope this email finds you safe and healthy.
We are happy to report that we remain COVID free!
We will continue testing and reporting at regular intervals as required by CMS, CDC and DPH.
Although we are following social distance guidelines, handwashing protocols, hygiene recommendations, and wearing masks in our center – it is still STRONGLY encouraged that all staff and residents receive an annual Influenza Vaccine. We have received our shipment of vaccine, please consider completing a consent form to ensure your loved one receives their vaccine. We will continue to administer flu vaccines with a goal of 100%
I want to reiterate that this pandemic is still active and while Marlborough Hills remains COVID free, the Commonwealth continues to report new cases of COVID and as we see in the news, some States continue to surge with new cases. This serves as a reminder that we must all remain vigilant in following all guidelines, recommendations, and best practices to stay safe and fight this pandemic.
Marlborough Hills follows the Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention
These core principles are consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for nursing homes and should be adhered to at all times
- Screening of all who enter the facility for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., temperature checks, questions or observations about signs or symptoms), and denial of entry of those with signs or symptoms
- Hand hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand rub is preferred)
- Face covering or mask (covering mouth and nose)
- Social distancing at least six feet between persons
- Instructional signage throughout the facility and proper visitor education on COVID-19 signs and symptoms, infection control precautions, other applicable facility practices (e.g., use of face covering or mask, specified entries, exits and routes to designated areas, hand hygiene)
- Cleaning and disinfecting high frequency touched surfaces in the facility often, and designated visitation areas after each visit
- Appropriate staff use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Effective cohorting of residents (e.g., separate areas dedicated COVID-19 care)
- Resident and staff testing conducted as required at 42 CFR 483.80(h) (see QSO-20-38-NH)
Every weekday, I and my administrative team round a different nursing unit and meet with our residents to let them know we’re here for them and give them an opportunity to voice any questions or concerns they may have directly to us. We also use this time during rounds to assess our residents, our environment, and ask our residents specific questions such as satisfaction with meals, preferences, activities being provided, interaction and response from staff, proper operation of all equipment in room and more!
Indoor Visitation – Just as with our outdoor visits there are a number of Federal and State guidelines we need to follow.
Guidelines
–All visits must be scheduled in advance and will take place in a designated area.
–The visitor must have their temperature taken, answer simple questions, and perform hand hygiene prior to the resident entering for the visit.
—The resident and their visitor(s) must always wear a facial mask.
–Social distancing must be maintained throughout the visit.
–No items may be transferred between visitor(s), residents.
–The visits will be scheduled for thirty (30) minutes.
–The maximum number of visitors allowed at one time is two (2).
–A facility staff member will be required to remain with the resident and visitor(s) at all times.
We offer indoor and outdoor supervised social distancing visits 5 times a week. The days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. We will offer after hour’s visits on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and will continue with normal business hours on Saturdays.
The days/hours available are:
Tue 10:00am to 7:00-7:30pm
Wed 10:00am to 2:00-2:30pm
Thu 10:00am to 7:00-7:30pm
Fri 10:00am to 2:00-2:30pm
Sat 10:00am to 2:00pm-2:30pm
Please continue to use our special email address Info@marlboroughhillsrhcc.com to request virtual visits, outdoor social distancing visits, or ask questions.
Thank you,
Ronald Doty
Administrator