Nursing Homes and Coronavirus - what should the facility be doing to protect your loved one?

The Coronavirus seems to be dominating our headlines. New cases are popping up every day in the U.S.By now, we know that the most vulnerable to the virus are the elderly and specifically those with underlying medical conditions.

The Coronavirus seems to be dominating our headlines. New cases are popping up every day in the U.S.

By now, we know that the most vulnerable to the virus are the elderly and specifically those with underlying medical conditions.

My grandmother is currently in a facility. Her children visit her at least twice daily.

As Coronavirus started to multiply in the U.S. my mom noticed it was just business as usual at the facility. Even though we seemed to be waking up to more and more cases of people infected with Coronavirus all over the country, the facility was not doing anything differently to address the spread of the virus. My mom asked several nurses and staff members and there was no response. Then, over the weekend, we heard the virus spread to Florida.

The CDC and CMS have issued guidelines to facilities to prevent the spread of the virus. Nursing homes are, and have been, required to have a plan in place for emergencies. The spread of infection is included in the definition of emergencies. So, every facility should already have a plan in place on what procedures to follow in case of a virus outbreak and how to prevent the spread of infection and viruses.

Here are some steps for nursing homes to follow:*

Some tips…

  • Screen visitors, staff, and vendors for international travel from certain countries in the last 14 days, signs of a respiratory infection like a cough, sneezing or fever, or if a person has had contact with someone who has Covid 19;

  • Increase availability of hand sanitizers and no touch receptacles for disposal;

  • Properly disinfect medical supplies and try to limit sharing of medical supplies;

  • Provide extra materials, like pens and papers, to discourage sharing of the same;

  • Monitor the CDC website for frequent updates;

  • Frequently monitor residents, staff, and visitors for signs of potential symptoms of respiratory infection - this should be done multiple times a day;

  • Increase signage for vigilant infection prevention like hand hygiene and cough etiquette;

The Trump administration and local governments are working together to provide guidance and information to facilities. They have also increased inspections to make sure facilities are doing their best to protect their residents.

The Trump administration and local governments are working together to provide guidance and information to facilities. They have also increased inspections to make sure facilities are doing their best to protect their residents.

Although government agencies are working to provide information and to combat the spread of infection, we all must use common sense. We owe it to our loved ones, especially our older loved ones who are the most vulnerable.

We all have a part to play. Even if you are young and not part of the demographic most seriously affected by this virus, you must take steps so that you do not become infected and potentially pass the virus to someone more vulnerable.

Keep calm - we are in this together

And we will get through it.

*This list is not exhaustive. Please refer to the following sources for more complete information :

cdc.gov

cms.gov