November 1, 2022
The CDC and CMS have made recent changes to the expectations related to Covid-19 screening, testing and PPE in senior living settings. Employees and visitors are no longer required to sign-in at the Accushield. We do ask that all visitors sign-in at either the Communication Center or Maplewood front desk prior to continuing into resident areas. We have also suspended weekly Covid-19 testing. We continue to test individuals who present with symptoms and will follow required quarantine and exposure protocols based on outcome. Lastly, N95 masks and goggles are no longer needed in Maplewood unless specifically indicated on isolation signage. Hospital grade, masks continue to be required throughout the community.
We continue to uphold high levels of infection prevention. Frequent hand washing is highly encouraged. Staying home if you are feeling ill or under the weather is also requested.
Any additional specific information related to visiting your loved one can be directed to our Infection Preventionist at 414-607-4137 or their specific Nurse Manager.
Currently expectation of CMS is that all healthcare employees are “up to date” with initial vaccine series. Our Infection Preventionist is tracking this and working with each individual employee to ensure we meet this expectation. Use of anti-viral medication is being reviewed and will follow the direction of state and federal health officials.
As always, we are continuing to closely monitor guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), as well as, state and local health officials to ensure we are taking all the appropriate steps.
As new variants of the COVID-19 arise, we continue to work to protect our community and the broader community. Key components of the action plan are:
- Continuing to monitor and screen residents for symptoms. We continue to actively screen residents for fever and respiratory symptoms. Residents are asked to wash their hands often, avoid touching their face, cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and to wear a mask. Residents know to notify the staff immediately if they feel ill. When ill residents are identified, they are monitored closely, isolated in their rooms, and reminded to wear a mask. Medical providers are consulted as appropriate. Residents have been reminded that social distancing remains extremely important. We’ve shared that they should take everyday precautions to keep space between themselves and others (i.e., stay 6 feet away, which is about two arm lengths).
We encourage you to review the CDC website for information about COVID-19, including its symptoms, how it spreads, actions that you and your loved ones can take to protect your health, and how to manage stress and anxiety. See the following links for additional information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html.
- Any staff who exhibit symptoms at work are given a rapid Covid-19 test, asked to isolate at home until negative PCR results are obtained and/or symptoms resolve. Additionally, our staff is following CDC guidelines for hand and other related hygiene requirements.
- Advising affected staff to take all appropriate measures. For their health and well-being, staff members with a COVID-19 diagnosis are asked to quarantine at home, and contact their medical provider to guide their care. We will follow all CDC guidance on the return to work criteria for health care professionals with confirmed COVID-19.
- Continuing to implement environmental safety precautions. Housekeeping staff continue to take extra measures to clean and disinfect all high-touch areas throughout the building. This includes countertops and tables, faucet handles, toilet flush handles, door knobs, crash bars, door handles, bathroom and kitchen areas, elevator call buttons, and hand rails.
- Utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE) when interacting with residents, as directed by CMS guidelines.