Update from Administrator – September 29, 2020

Update from Administrator – September 29, 2020

Dear Families,

As always, our team and I hope this email finds you safe and healthy.

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! We continue testing our staff and residents at regular intervals as required by CMS, CDC and DPH.

A few quick points:

  • I want to reiterate that this pandemic is still active and while we remain COVID-free, our state continues to report new cases of COVID and as we see in the news, some states continue to surge with new cases. This serves as a reminder that we must all remain vigilant in following all guidelines, recommendations, and best practices to stay safe and fight this pandemic.
  • Although we are following social distance guidelines, handwashing protocols, hygiene recommendations, and wearing masks in our center – it is still STRONGLY encouraged that all staff and residents receive an annual Influenza Vaccine. While the vaccine is not in the center yet, please consider completing a consent form, in advance to ensure you loved one receives their vaccine.

Visitation Updates

Indoor, Compassionate Care Visits

We have updated a new visitation plan and policy for our center that is thoughtful, safe, and compliant with the new state guidance. Our Interdisciplinary Team will review and develop individual, person-centered plans to meet our residents’ needs to address “visitation” for an individualized “compassionate care visit.” These compassionate care visits are limited to two circumstances: end stage of life (which has always been in place) and a significant change of condition. It is only these specific compassionate care visits that can occur inside of the center, at this time. We are aware that the DPH guidance may evolve, and as it does, we will adjust our plans and share them with you.

Should a new case of COVID be identified in the center, all inside visits, except end stage of life, will be temporarily put on hold.

Indoor Visits

As you may have read or seen in the news, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued guidance to states on indoor visits, due to the changing weather. Our latest update from the state Department of Public Health is that we are responsible to develop an indoor visitation plan and policy for our center that is thoughtful, safe, and compliant with the new state guidance. We plan to have something to share with you soon, including designated area for visits, schedules, and guidelines that we all must follow to ensure for everyone’s health and safety. We are as excited as you must be to hear this news and look forward to seeing you!

Outside & “Alternative” Visits

Please know that outside and “alternative” visitations will continue. While the weather is changing, we will work to continue to do outside visits on our patio for as long as possible and window visits are still possible. The weather seems to be holding steady for now. 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.

Below you will also find our department heads email addresses. If you have a particular question, please feel free to email them directly.

Admission Admissmb@meadowbrookofgranby.com

MDS Coordinator: mdscoordinator@meadowbrookofgranby.com

Nursing Supervisor: dns@meadowbrookofgranby.com

Asst Directive of Nursing: adns@meadowbrookofgranby.com

Recreation: recreation@meadowbrookofgranby.com

Rehab Director: therapy@meadowbrookofgranby.com

Long Term Social Worker socialworker@meadowbrookofgranby.com

Short Term & Social Service Director socialwork@meadowbrookofgranby.com

Financial Director  finance@meadowbrookofgranby.com

Administrator administrator@meadowbrookofgranby.com

Sheena Postell, MSW

Social Services Social Worker

September 29, 2020 A Healthier Approach To Caring