Individuals, companies, and government institutions around the world have responded to the rising concern relating to the spread of COVID-19. It is of particular concern for the residents of nursing homes in areas where COVID-19 has been confirmed. Paradigm associated communities are taking steps to ensure that the residents are cared for in a safe and healthy environment. The actions taken by these communities are precautionary and there are no current cases of COVID-19 in any Paradigm community.
The communities are following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and local and state health organizations. The leadership at these communities are monitoring the latest recommendations from these health organizations and updating their responses as new information and guidance comes forth.
The communities have provided training to their staff based on the recommendations of the CDC and CMS. This includes protocols for infection control, handwashing, disinfectant cleaning, and gown and glove use. The staff are also monitoring residents for signs of upper respiratory symptoms based on the risk criteria provided by the CDC and CMS.
Based on guidance from CMS and for the health and wellbeing of the residents, the communities have made the following restrictions:
- Entry to the communities are restricted for all individuals except health care personnel and staff. The communities will facilitate voice and video conferencing between residents and family members and friends. If there is a serious matter (e.g. compassionate situations involving end-of-life care) concerning a resident, the communities will discuss the matter with the resident and/or family members and make appropriate arrangements pursuant to guidance from the CDC, CMS, and local health organizations.
- Entry to the communities will be restricted for health care personnel and staff based on screening criteria from CMS. All health care personnel and staff entering the communities will be actively screened for symptoms and risk of exposure to COVID-19, pursuant to CMS guidance.
- The communities will be limiting resident outpatient appointments to life sustaining treatments. The communities are working with providers to reschedule all non-essential appointments.
- The communities have cancelled communal dining and group activities. The communities are encouraging individual activities for residents to stay engaged in lieu of regular group activities as well as increased electronic communication with family and friends outside of the community.
The communities recognize that resident communication with others is important. Residents may continue to communicate using telephone, email, text, Skype, Facebook, and other video conferencing platforms. To allow for communication between residents and their loved ones, the communities will facilitate voice and video conferencing so that residents will have contact with individuals outside of the community. The communities have ordered additional tablets and are working with an IT company to facilitate this process.