Update from Administrator – November 9, 2020
November 9, 2020
Dear Families,
We continue testing our staff and residents at regular intervals as required by CMS, CDC and DPH. We are happy to report that we remain COVID free! Testing for this week has begun and we look forward to remaining COVID free.
Last week, more than 35 nursing homes across the state reported staff and/or new resident cases of COVID-19 in their centers. Due to these numbers, CT DPH has ordered weekly testing of all staff to further safeguard against COVID entering our center, effective November 1. We are reminding our staff to not only practice safeguards against COVID in our center, but to be vigilant outside of our center and share these practices with their friends and loved ones. As you know Maefair has did have exposure last week due to a provider and staff member both testing positive. Contact tracing was completed and there was limited exposure to residents and staff.
PLEASE wear your mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance. These are simple things we must continue to do, not just in our centers, but in our personal lives to keep COVID out!
Due to the increase in the number of COVID cases in the community and communities across the state, we need to prepare for the inevitable – accepting COVID-19 positive patients into our center for their post-hospital recovery. Our partner hospitals in the community have begun asking us to take admissions and making referrals to us as well as other nursing homes.
Our center does have the capacity and capability to care for these recovering individuals, including ample PPE. If these residents are positive for the virus they will remain in quarantine. We are strongly advocating for the state to re-open the COVID-Recovery Facilities in Meriden and Torrington (and elsewhere) to ease the pressure on all nursing homes. Many nursing homes across the state are also supporting this effort.
Because these individuals would arrive in recovery, their admission to our center will NOT trigger a suspension of visitation plans, either indoor or outdoor, per the state DPH.
Some updates / Reminders
- FLU VACCINE: We STRONGLY encourage 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 if you have not done so already. Our goal is 100% participation of staff and residents.
- Each nursing unit has tablets assigned for resident use such as virtual visits, games, etc. and many of our residents are enjoying learning how to use this technology and having the world at their fingertips.
- Our outdoor social distancing activities programming continues to expand and evolve. Given the great forecast for the coming days, we are in good shape to be outside as much as possible.
- We have set up two Zoom meetings for this week, our first meeting will be held tomorrow at 4pm. The second meeting will be Friday at 11 am.
Visits (Window and zoom or skype): Due to the exposure from last week Maefair remains on a 2-week quarantine. Currently, we are not able to offer indoor or patio visits to keep all healthy and safe. To schedule a window visit or a skype visit please reach out recreation department by calling 203.459.5152 or recreation@maefairhcc.com
As always, thank you for your patience and please stay safe and healthy!
I look forward to meeting with you tomorrow!
Rita Lynch, and the Maefair Team