Update from Administrator – December 11, 2020
December 11 , 2020
Dear Families,
As always, our team and I hope this email finds you safe and healthy. We continue to have no new positive resident or staff cases. We have two very important updates to share with you today:
Vaccine Update
As you may have seen in the news, some exciting updates have taken place regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Our pharmacy providers are working to schedule several dates to visit our center to hold “vaccine clinics” to administer the vaccine. To plan for this, we need consents from families to administer the vaccine to their loved ones. The consent process is similar to that of the yearly flu vaccine that we strongly recommend everyone receive.
As soon as we have the consent forms, we will get them out to you to fill-out and return. Unlike the flu vaccine which we order, administer, and maintain for a period of time in the center, the COVID-19 vaccine will be administered on a specific date(s) and only those date(s). The tentative dates for Cherry Brook are December 21st and January 11th.
If we do not have the signed consent form in advance, they may not administer the vaccine. Therefore, it is imperative that we receive the consent back ASAP in order to include your loved one in the order.
Given the nature of the pandemic thus far, we strongly recommend everyone participate. Below are a few links to websites with additional information on the vaccine that may answer your questions.
- AMDA: FAQs about the COVID-19 Vaccine for PALTC Staff, Patients, Residents and Family Members http://paltc.org/sites/default/files/QA%20about%20the%20COVID-19%20Vaccine%20for%20PALTC%20Patients%20Family%20Member%20and%20Staff%20_%2012_1_20%20FINAL.pdf
- CDC: About COVID-19 vaccines. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/about-vaccines.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/covid-conversations/answering-questions.html
- CDC: Understanding the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program and Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/long-term-care/pharmacy-partnerships.html
Indoor Visits
As a reminder, our indoor visitation policy and procedures follow state and federal requirements. Based on that, nursing homes and visitors must adhere to many conditions that we listed in previous emails. Some are listed below:
- We must limit the number of visitors per patient at one time and limit the total number of visitors in the center at a time. This will be based on the amount of physical space we have available for our designated visitation area, which is our Recreation room.
- Screening for anyone who enters our center – temperature and health screen questionnaire – will take place by a member of our team.
- We cannot allow visitors to move freely throughout our center; visitors will go directly to the back door and to the recreation room.
- Hand hygiene must be followed and personal protection equipment (PPE) must be worn by visitors.
Outside & “Alternative” Visits
Although the weather is changing, we will continue to offer window visits in the lobby area as an alternative for as long as possible. Remember that we do offer iPads for our residents to use for video visits, phone calls, etc. to ensure that you and your loved ones remain in contact, as best as you can during these very uncertain times.
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. We still ask you to do your part while in your community and PLEASE wear your mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance. And please promote these very simple precautions with your extended family and friends.
As always, thank you for your patience and please stay safe and healthy!
Don Davanzo
Administrator