July 8, 2020
To Our Residents and Family Members:
We want to provide you with an update on the situation at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home regarding the coronavirus or COVID-19, including the efforts we are undertaking to remain COVID Free. The safety and well-being of our residents is our top priority. We are doing what we can to restrict and limit the spread of COVID-19 within St. Helena Parish Nursing Home.
Since May 8, 2020 (when the federal government issued reporting requirements), we have had NO Resident or Staff with confirmed cases of COVID-19, and we have had NO residents/staff with new onset of respiratory symptoms within 72 hours of each other.
Here is a more detailed update regarding the prevalence of COVID-19 in our Facility;
As of July 8, 2020:
- None: Residents or staff that have confirmed COVID-19. If and when a resident tests positive, we will notify residents and their representative(s) of their condition and implement protocols for their care and treatment. We also follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), including return to work guidance, for staff who test positive.
- None: Residents and staff have recovered from COVID-19.
- All Residents and staff have tested negative for COVID-19.
- As of July 8, 2020, we have conducted 5 continuous weeks of Resident Testing with ALL Negative results. As such, WE HAVE RECEIVED GUIDANCE FROM THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO DISCONTINUE RESIDENT TESTING and only test those residents which are receiving Dialysis.
St. Helena Parish Nursing Home is staying in very close communication with local and state health officials to ensure we are taking all the appropriate steps under current circumstances. We are also following guidance from the CDC and CMS to reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19, such as:
- Enhanced infection control precautions
- Screening residents, staff, and essential visitors for symptoms
- Restricting visitation and entry of people to the building
- Testing staff and Dialysis residents for COVID-19 based on current protocols and availability of tests
- Postponing or carefully limiting communal activities including social distancing and other infection control precautions
Due to government privacy requirements, we cannot divulge specific information about the individuals who test positive with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19, unless they are your family member and you have the necessary permissions to receive such information.
We know you are concerned about your loved one, but it is crucial that we continue restrict visitation to reduce the spread of this virus to others. We will contact you directly if your loved one is suspected or diagnosed with COVID-19.
We have a new communication module that will assist us in keeping the families updated on the COVID-19 status of the nursing home. Beginning Wednesday, July 22nd, we will be sending out a mass communication via call, text and/or email. The number you will be receiving the call from will be (225)396-5728. Please, make note of this number and accept the call when received.
We also understand that connecting with family members is incredibly important to our residents. Family members are encouraged to connect with their loved ones through video chat, calling, texting, or on social media. You can contact Michaela Worley @ 1-225-222-4102 and she can assist with setting up “Face Time” / “Google DUO” or other applications on your cell phone which will allow for direct visual visitation with the use of 8 new iPads. In addition, Family members may wish to visit their loved one at the front entrance and visit thru our “Visitors Window”.
We need your help in battling COVID-19. Please visit the CDC website (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus) to learn how you can help prevent the spread in our community, since continued spread in the larger community increases the chance the virus will work its way into our building.
This is a difficult time for everyone. We will continue to provide you with updates. Please know that we are adhering to guidelines from the local and state health departments, which continue to evolve as we learn more about this virus.
We know that you may have questions and we encourage you to contact our facility. Please call us at 1-225-222-4102, email us at ckennedy@shhosp.org, or visit our website @ http://sthelenaparishhospital.org/ for updates.
Stay safe and thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Casey Kennedy, NFA
St. Helena Parish Nursing Home
32 North Second Street