I’m hopeful this update finds you and your family safe and well.  Our family here at Saint John XXIII Home continues to be “COVID FREE”, as our staff remain diligent related to mitigation of the virus.  Our entire staff is grateful for your cooperation, patience, efforts to mitigate the virus and for on-going prayer for our residents, staff and facility.

As you know, Mercer County moved into the “Green phase”, on June 5^th, 2020.  At that time, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) determined that standards for PA nursing homes would not change “for at least 28 days” after their county moved to the Green Phase.  A few days later, the PADOH announced that they would release further “re-opening” standards in early July.  We anticipate that these “re-opening” standards will include; resuming activity programming to some degree, barber/beauty services, visitation allowances, etc.

In addition to the upcoming July standards, the PADOH has already issued new/revised standards related to COVID-19 mitigation.  These revisions include BASELINE TESTING of ALL residents and staff for COVID-19.  Baseline testing will begin the week of June 15^th, here at Saint John XXIII Home.  We will notify residents/responsible party PRIOR to the test administration, as well as, upon receipt of test results.  We are hopeful that tests results will be negative for all residents/staff.  However, an additional standard is for the facility to have a plan to handle current positive cases and/or possible exposure.  This plan requires a plan to create; “green”, “yellow”, “Red” zones within the facility.  As you can imagine, this is a monumental task and by nature will need to be a fluid process.  Certainly our goal is to have a facility wide “Green Zone” but be prepared should the need dictate such.

Please know that we are doing everything possible to keep our residents and staff safe.  We are approaching a time of creation of a “new normal” related to care, services and visitation in healthcare facilities.  In the meantime, please continue to reach out to your loved one via telephone, email, Skype, Facebook, common area window visits or mail.  We ask that you do NOT conduct window visits at your loved ones “room window”, due to dignity, privacy and COVID prevention purposes.

As we approach this time of baseline testing, we ask that you continue to pray for our residents and staff.  Mercer County has gone “Green” but please remember that the risks for those who work and reside in nursing homes remain.  With that in mind, please continue to social distance, wash your hands, wear a mask and do your part to prevent the spread. 

Sincerely,

Kirk Hawthorne

Administrator/CEO

Saint John XXIII Home

TO:  Residents / Family Members

FROM:  Kirk Hawthorne, Administrator

DATE:  6/4/2020

RE:  Universal (BASELINE) COVID-19 Testing

As you know, we’ve been dealing with the consequences of the CORONAVIRUS for approximately 13+ weeks now in Pennsylvania and more specifically at Saint John XXIII Home.  I want to say “Thank You” to everyone for your patience, cooperation, understanding, support and prayers throughout this pandemic.

Mercer County has entered the Green Phase of Governor Wolf’s “process to reopen Pennsylvania”, however, congregate care (nursing homes/personal care homes) restrictions remain in place.  The Center for Medicare Services (CMS) has released “reopening recommendations for State/Local officials”.  Due to the nature of the vulnerable population living in nursing homes, the PA Dept of Health has announced that the current restrictions shall remain in effect for at least 28 more days after the beginning of the Green Phase in each county.

The PA Department of Health announced: “to develop a well-informed, manageable plan that ensures a measured approach for the safe return to activities, visitation, and other events for residents in skilled nursing facilities, the Department conferring with stakeholders that include the state’s ombudsman, SNF representative, nursing home associations, other government agencies, and academia”.  Upon completion of that process, the Department will issue guidance that amends the restrictions currently in place.

With this in mind, BASELINE TESTING of RESIDENTS and STAFF will be required to some degree.  This could be weekly testing of residents & staff or a percentage of resident and staff weekly.  The above final rule will clarify testing requirements, which I anxiously await.

In an attempt to be as prepared as possible to meet the “re-open” standards, next week, Saint John XXIII Home staff will be contacting each Responsible Party to secure COVID-19 TESTING CONSENT.  This consent shows agreement to participate in the Baseline testing.  Once testing starts, you will be notified by nursing staff BEFORE the actual test is conducted, as well as, with results. 

We are prepared and anticipate testing to begin Mid-June.  The “FINAL RULE” from the PA Dept of Health will dictate the frequency and duration of the baseline testing.  The “Final Rule”, as well as, the results of the baseline tests, will determine our next step related to; a new normal, activities, dining services, beauty shop, visitation, etc.  As we wait for further rule clarification, please continue to wear a mask, wash your hands frequently and social distance.

Thank you.

QUESTION & ANSWER:

QUESTION:

How many residents/staff have tested positive for COVID-19?

ANSWER:

As of today, we have been fortunate to have zero cases of COVID-19, amongst our residents and staff.  We continue to be diligent regarding our infection control process, mask use, handwashing and implementation of “Best Practice” processes related to visitation, admissions, etc.

QUESTION:

It’s been reported on the news that Pennsylvania is requiring testing of all residents/staff who work in Nursing Homes and Personal Care Homes.  When will this be done at Saint John?

ANSWER:

GREAT QUESTION!  Federal and State governments (including Pennsylvania) are beginning to push for universal testing in LONG TERM CARE facilities.  On May 12^th, Secretary Levine of the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) announced plans to begin universal testing for long term care residents and staff. 

The guidance suggests that Pennsylvania, in addition to its ongoing efforts to prevent and mitigate outbreaks in facilities, will implement universal testing of staff and residents as part of a statewide testing strategy.  The Overview also references guidance issued to hospitals that require a resident who is being discharged from a hospital to a nursing home or personal care home be tested for COVID-19, even if they were not hospitalized due to the virus.

The DOH is recommending facility-wide testing of all residents at any facilities with CONFIRMED or SUSPECTED cases of COVID-19 to identify potential exposed and asymptomatic carriers among residents or staff that could lead to further spread of the infection.  At facilities with zero confirmed cases (ie- Saint John XXIII Home), DOH is recommending weekly facility-wide testing of 20% of staff and residents.

The above recommendations are dependent on adequate testing supplies and laboratory services to complete the testing.  At this time, facilities that report zero COVID positive cases among staff/residents will NOT be prioritized for mass testing at the Pennsylvania Department of Health Bureau of Labs (BOL).  With this in mind, Saint John XXIII Home has secured testing abilities through a relationship with Sharon Regional Hospital.  Current testing supplies and Laboratory availability/response times, are inadequate for us to implement universal testing at this time. We will continue to pursue the possibility of universal testing.  Pennsylvania’s long term care facilities are awaiting further guidance from DOH on this issue, including whether and when the recommendation will become a mandate, and how to ensure that adequate tests are available.

QUESTION:

When Governor Wolf transitions MERCER COUNTY to the “GREEN PHASE”, will family visitation resume as Saint John XXIII Home?

ANSWER:

As much as we ALL want family visitation to resume, a transition to the “GREEN PHASE” will NOT impact visitation immediately.  However, a transition to the “Green Phase” is a step in the right direction for health care providers to resume a NEW NORMAL related to visitation.  I understand, acknowledge and accept that this virus has created significant challenges.  We await direction from the Governor and/or PA DOH related to resuming visitation in Mercer County and here at Saint John XXIII Home.  Please continue to pray.

QUESTION:

If someone was identified as being symptomatic, do you have the ability to test for COVID-19?

ANSWER:

Yes, we have 20 Swab test kits on hand, should such a situation occur.  The test would be administered by our staff then sent to Sharon Regional (Lab).  The tests results would be returned in 3-5 days.  In the meantime, the individual being tested would be placed in Isolation Precautions for everyone’s safety.  Before a test would be administered, our staff would need to obtain a physician’s order, as well as, signed consent from the resident/responsible party. 

Symptomatic staff members would not be tested on site here, but rather through their own medical provider. 

QUESTION:

When will the “beauty shop” re-open?

ANSWER:

This is probably the most frequently asked question by our residents.  The beauty shop will re-open AS SOON AS we are permitted by the PA DOH.  Moving to the “Green Phase” as per the Governor’s plan, permits barber/beauty shop re-opening in the community.  However, similar to the visitation process, this does NOT mean that nursing homes/personal care homes follow the same guidelines.  At this point, we have no timeline to resume barber/beauty services, however, I do anticipate a move in this direction in the near future.  Again, these decisions are based on the direction of the DOH.

CONCLUSION:

I want to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation during this pandemic. 

RESIDENTS:  Our residents are managing a difficult situation better than most would have anticipated.  Sure, like most of us, they are anxious to see their family members, resume group activities and “get on with life”.  Please know that the phone calls, Face Time/Skype visits, letters and window visits are greatly appreciated.  If you would like to Face Time, Skype or have a window visit, we ask that you call and schedule such with our Activities Dept.  We ask that you schedule window visits to help limit the congregation of groups on our campus. 

STAFF:  I can not put into words the appreciation and respect I have for each and every one of our staff members.  Throughout this pandemic, on a daily basis, I have been humbled by the love, care and compassion our staff have for those residing here.  It sounds cliché but our staff, have been amazing and are truly HERO’s in my eyes.

FAMILY MEMBERS: I simply want/need to say “Thank You”.  Thank you for the TRUST you have shown in our staff to care for your loved one.   Thank you for following the rules imposed upon all of us to keep residents safe.  Thank you for being SUPPORTIVE of both your loved one(s) and our facility.  Thank you for your PATIENCE during these unprecedented times.  Thank you for UNDERSTANDING that we don’t have all the answers and are learning as we go.  Thank you for anxiously awaiting the times when we can visit again.

5/8/2020:   COVID-19 UPDATE:  There is very little to report related to COVID-19 updates, at this time.  I’m very happy to report that we continue to be free of COVID-19 cases and symptoms at Saint John XXIII Home.   Rest assured that we are doing everything possible to keep your loved one safe, as well as, meet the mental, physical, spiritual and psycho-social well-being of all entrusted to our care.   By now, I’m sure you have heard about the tragic situations that have occurred in nursing homes/personal care homes across the United States related to COVID19.   The nature of this virus creates never before seen challenges for us as healthcare workers, especially those who care for senior citizens, the chronically ill and individuals inflicted with Alzheimer’s/Dementia.  Our effort to mitigate the virus from “entering our doors” is extensive and the entire Saint John XXIII Home family appreciates your compliance and understanding related to visitation restrictions.  Despite our precautions, the risks remain real.   We have systems in place “anticipating the worst but praying for the best”.   I ask that you continue to do your part to “flatten the curve”, as well as, pray for our residents, staff and facility.  Governor Wolf’s plan to “Re-open Pennsylvania” is underway.  Please understand that this “yellow phase” does not alter the no visitation policy here at Saint John XXIII Home, at this time.  We are all hopeful that the “curve continues to flatten” and the efforts to Re-open Pennsylvania will soon lead to visitation opportunities, at Saint John XXIII Home.  Help us by doing your part; wash hands frequently, wear a mask, maintain social distancing, stay home if possible, absolutely stay home if you don’t feel well and make good decisions.  Be safe and continue to pray.  It sounds cliché but “we are all in this together”.

 “FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS”:

QUESTION: “It was announced recently that there is a Nursing Home in Mercer County that has a positive case of COVID-19. Is it Saint John XXIII Home?”

ANSWER: No, there are no positive cases at Saint John XXIII Home. Should a case occur here, we would notify all residents and call the residents’ responsible party for each resident.. We will follow HIPAA requirements, so, resident specific information would not be shared. ———————————

QUESTION: “The news, frequently reports there are not enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers. Does your facility have supplies?”

ANSWER: We have adequate supplies of gloves, gowns, shields and N-95 masks on hand at this time. There are systems in place to monitor our supplies and communicate our supply and “needs” to the PA Dept of Health, on a daily basis. ———————————–

QUESTION: “My mother reports that a resident who went “out” was quarantined in her room when she returned. Is this true?”

ANSWER: In an attempt to keep residents and staff as safe as possible, we have implemented an isolation standard for residents who must “go out” (ie- medical services). Upon return to SJ23, the resident is placed in isolation and must wear a mask during care. They remain in isolation for a minimum of 72 hours (up to 14 days) to monitor for signs/symptoms of the virus. Fortunately, we have zero cases at this time but all “potential exposure”, increases risk for everyone. The standard is intentionally stringent in an attempt to prevent/discourage potential “exposure” situations and protect everyone. This standard would also be applied for new admissions. ———————————–

QUESTION: “I have been thinking about bringing my mother home for an afternoon, is this permitted?”

ANSWER: We strongly discourage “going out” unless it is a true medical necessity. Please keep in mind that the above isolation precautions would be required upon return, for everyone’s safety. Please help us and don’t do this!!

QUESTION: “I would like to donate cloth masks. Do you need them and how should I go about donating them?”

ANSWER: We have had numerous friends and family members donate cloth masks. We are eternally grateful for the donations. Yes, additional cloth masks would be put to good use. To donate, please call the facility to let us know you are dropping off masks. We ask that you do not enter the facility to drop them off. The masks can be placed outside the Main Entrance and we will retrieve them when appropriate. (please let us know who made the donation) ———————————

QUESTION: “Our family is grateful for everything your staff is doing to protect our mother and all of the residents. What can we do to help?”

ANSWER: Do your part to help “flatten the curve”. Follow the Governor’s order to social distance, wear a mask, wash your hands frequently and stay at home as much as possible. Refrain from coming to SJ23. Frequency of possible exposure episodes, increases the probability of the virus entering our building. Please help flatten the curve so we can get back to a “new normal” AND continue to PRAY for our residents and staff. ———————————-

QUESTION: “Your Activity Department has always been wonderful at offering group activities, performances and socialization. Is socialization still happening?” ANSWER: The harsh reality is that group activities such as Mass, performers, parties, etc. have been postponed until further notice. Our Activity Department continues to provide socialization opportunities, typically, on a one to one basis. Many residents/family members are utilizing our Activity staff for phone calls, Skype, Face Time and reading letters/cards. This has been a fun and new experience for many of our residents. Residents continue to communicate with one another and our entire TEAM at Saint John XXIII Home is providing socialization opportunities. To be perfectly honest, everyone is tired of the situation but we continue to try to make the best out of a bad situation. —————————

QUESTION: (2nd most frequently asked question) When will Beth/Cindy be back in the “Beauty Shop”? “My mother NEEDS her hair cut/colored”.

ANSWER: Rest assured, that as soon as we are permitted to resume “beauty shop” services, we will do so. This is BY FAR the biggest concern expressed by our residents.

QUESTION: (Most frequently asked question) Is there any insight, as to when families might be allowed to visit? Can you implement a visitor: Mask, wash hands, take temperature visitation policy?

ANSWER: We continue to follow the directives from Governor Wolf and the PA Department of Health related to healthcare visitation, until further notice. These are NOT decisions made by Kirk or Saint John XXIII Home but rather firm directives to help mitigate the situation. Gov. Wolf has announced a plan to “re-open Pennsylvania” in a step by step process. This is a several week(s) process, which places nursing homes/personal care homes on the “final phase in” of resuming a new normal. I do not anticipate visitation changes over the next month. Implementation of a “mask, hand washing and temperature taken” process for visitors is LIKELY a phase that will be required at some point, but not at this time. Please know, the rules are in place to protect you, your loved one, all residents and all staff. I encourage you to read Governor Wolf’s “plan to re-open Pennsylvania”, if you have not yet done so. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer, providing we ALL CONTINUE to “flatten the curve”.

Take Care, Be Safe and God Bless,

Kirk Hawthorne

Administrator/CEO Saint John XXIII Home

DATE: 4/13/2020

Dear Friends and Family of Saint John XXIII Home:

As our nation, Pennsylvania and local communities deal with the coronavirus pandemic, we want to provide you with an update on how it has impacted our community and the steps we’re taking to address it.

We currently have ZERO COVID-19 cases, though we continue to monitor all residents closely. Should a resident test positive for COVID-19, we will take great care to ensure they’re made comfortable in an isolated setting and are under constant supervision. While caring for residents in isolation, staff will wear full protective equipment, including medical gowns, gloves, eye protection and masks, and are restricted to working solely in their units.

In addition, we are happy to report that we have ZERO COVID-19 cases amongst staff/team. We are following the “Criteria for Return to Work for Health Care Personnel with Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19” guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Should a positive case arrive, we will contact all people who have come into contact with these employees, to determine additional testing needs. As the number of overall cases in our country, Pennsylvania and Mercer County increase exponentially, we anticipate the potential for cases at our facility because this disease especially impacts people who live in communal settings.

Please know that we have followed, and will continue to do so, all guidance set forth for privacy, patient care, employee safety, and efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 as provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

These guidelines can be found here:

https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Nursing-Homes.aspx, and we remain in constant contact with DOH and CMS.

While we strive for transparency in everything we do, please know that we are bound by federal guidelines under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which protect the privacy of our residents, who may not want their condition known. Our Team follows all established federal laws in notifying families of any change in the medical condition of their loved ones.

Our residents are our first priority. Prior to each shift, staff are required to wash their hands, take their temperature and answer a series of questions to ensure they are not exhibiting any known COVID-19 symptoms. Any employees who develop symptoms during a shift are immediately sent home. At that point, they are directed to isolate at home. This process is also followed for outside agency workers and vendors, though these visits have been curtailed.

We also conduct a rigorous sanitation regimen that follows, and in some cases exceeds, all state and federal guidelines. We have increased the daily volume of cleaning done in common, medical and residential areas. All protective and medical equipment are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Although this can be a challenge at times when providing medical care, our facility continues to practice safe distancing guidelines by limiting the number of people in one area and maintaining 6 feet of separation.

Saint John XXIII Home appreciates your understanding as we continue to vigorously enforce the commonwealth’s decision to restrict all visits into the facility at this time. This is certainly frustrating when wanting to see loved ones, but we want to do everything in our power to keep our residents healthy.

We continue to encourage family members to communicate regularly through FaceTime or Skype calls, phone calls, and emails.

For more information on scheduling virtual visitation, please contact a member of our activities departments at 724-981-3200.

We will continue to provide you with periodic updates with as much information as we can on our efforts to combat COVID-19.

On behalf of the entire Saint John XXIII Home Family, I want to thank each of you for your continued patience and prayers. It means a great deal to us.

Sincerely,

Kirk Hawthorne

Administrator/CEO Saint John XXIII Home

MASKS EFFECTIVE:

4/3/20 (4PM)

ALL INDIVIDUALS (NON-RESIDENTS) ENTERING J23 WILL BE REQUIRED TO USE A CLOTH MASK, WHILE INSIDE THE FACILITY. THE MASKS WILL BE PROVIDED/ STORED AT THE EMPLOYEE TIME CLOCK (DIETARY HALLWAY).

OUR LAUNDRY STAFF WILL ENSURE THEY ARE PROPERLY WASHED!!

PLEASE USE THESE MASKS FOR YOUR SAFETY AND RESIDENT SAFETY.

WE HAVE N-95 RESPIRATOR MASKS AND DISPOSABLE MASKS IN STOCK, TO BE USED ONLY SHOULD THE SITUATION DICTATE USE OF SUCH (NOT ROUTINE CARE SITUATIONS).

Thank you to those who have donated these cloth masks!!!

EMERGENCY ACCESS ONLY.      

In an attempt to protect the health & safety of those we serve and our staff, we have implemented an “Emergency Access policy”.

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, access is limited to: Saint John XXIII Home staff, medical personnel and “emergency resident visitations” (ie- end of life care situations)

In the meantime, updates regarding your loved one can be provided by calling the facility. Opportunities to communicate with your loved one via phone, skype and face time are also available.

Watch for updates on Face Book and/or the facility website (“News” tab) Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. (updated 3/31/2020)

3/25/20: UPDATE: SAINT JOHN XXIII HOME: UPDATES RELATED TO COVID-19.

We continue to “stay the course” and have implemented all of the recommendations by the Department of Health and Center for Disease Control. Daily communication with/from both agencies continues. I’m pleased to report that we have no confirmed and/or presumptive cases of COVID-19 at this time. We are working diligently to assess/reassess every piece of our daily activities to maintain such. I have been amazed daily by the ideas, approach and flexibility of our staff. Our residents and staff continue to work together to make the best of a difficult situation. Those inside our facility are more “family” than EVER before. Operationally, we have implemented a few changes over the past week, which will be outlined below.

VISITATIONS:

Our BAN on visitation remains in effect. Originally, we indicated that we would reassess the visitation policy on 4/1/2020. Given the increase in CONFIRMED cases in Mercer County, we will extend the BAN “until further notice”. At this point, the Visitation Ban is no longer a facility based decision but rather a directive from the Department of Health. End of Life (Emergency visits) remain an option at this time. We are strongly discouraging unnecessary out of facility trips for residents, for the safety of everyone. We ask everyone to rethink entering our facility, even to drop off items. The less traffic flow the better.

COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR LOVED ONE:

Please know that we have your loved ones best interests at heart. We will continue to provide regular updates should conditions change. PLEASE do not hesitate to call to check on your loved one. MANY of our families have started utilizing our Skype or Face Time availability. Feel free to reach out to our Activities Team, they are ready and willing to help with this process.

SOCIALIZATION:

Perhaps the most frustrating issue related to the virus is similar to the challenges you’re all likely facing in your own lives, socialization. We are practicing social distancing, yes, this is a major challenge given our population. As mentioned in the last update, we have ceased group activity opportunities including daily Mass. We are doing our best to keep residents occupied, with some creative thinking. So far, so good!

DINING SERVICES:

The vast majority of residents are now enjoying their meals in their rooms. Social distancing is being followed for those individuals who continue to eat in the dining rooms. We are monitoring meal/fluid intake CLOSELY for each meal.

ISOLATION / MEDICAL SUPPLIES:

By now, I’m sure everyone is aware that there is dire concern related to adequate supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Our supply of PPE is adequate, for now! We are working with our vendors in an effort to maintain “par levels”. This remains a national, state and federal issue and does impact us here.

STAFF:

We continue to monitor all staff for signs/symptoms, illness, temperature and exposure to the virus prior to the start of each shift. Staff members who are ill are staying home, staff who are healthy are coming to work. The medical field is being challenged by this virus. Caring for the caregivers is a must. Please keep our staff in your prayers.

CONFIRMED CASES:

The 10 Step process listed below, approved by the Department of Health & CDC, has been adopted as the Saint John XXIII Home process should a CONFIRMED CASE be identified in-house.

TEN STEP APPROACH (Confirmed Case):

1. BREATH: Take a deep breath and stay calm; do not spread fear or confidential information.

2. ISOLATE:  Utilize private rooms when possible  

3. PROTECT: Wear PPE (gown, gloves, goggles, masks)

4. CONTAIN: Restrict all residents to their rooms.

5. NOTIFY: Contact regulatory agency / Dept of Health

6. INFORM: Communicate to all staff, residents and family members. (Web, Face Book,  Phone) – Confidential information maintained.

7. TRACK: Use the COVID-19 symptom tracker template to track symptomatic residents & staff.

8. SCREEN: Active screening of all residents every 8 hours. Use the Active Screening tool.

9. ASSESS: Assess PPE supply, hand hygiene products and cleaning supplies. Report  immediate needs to our healthcare coalition.

10. PLAN: Activate Incident Command Structure.

CONCLUSION:

We will continue to provide updates on Face Book and the Facility website. Please do not hesitate to reach out to speak with your loved one and/or should you have questions. I encourage everyone to utilize our Activity staff to Skype / Face Time if you desire. These technology opportunities are new to many of our residents and the responses have been fantastic. In the meantime, rest assured that our team is doing everything in our control to keep everyone safe and healthy. Your continued thoughts and Prayer is appreciated.

* Kirk Hawthorne Administrator/CEO

============================================================================ 3/19/2020: UPDATE: SAINT JOHN XXIII HOME: UPDATES RELATED TO COVID-19 Responding to the coronavirus, Saint John XXII Home is actively preparing to prevent and contain cases of COVID-19. The health and wellbeing of our residents and the caregiving teams who support them is our top priority. Our team is concerned, we are informed, and we are providing education and resources. This is a fast-changing situation, and we are committed to ensuring residents, their families, our dedicated staff, and our community, are aware of our efforts and the precautions required for COVID-19 prevention and containment. Saint John XXIII Home leadership is in regular communication with local and state public health officials, including the Pennsylvania Department of Health, as well as, with officials at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. These calls, emails, conference calls are occurring daily and often times multiple times daily. The direction from the Dept of Health, CDC and LeadingAge PA has been incredible. We have implemented our emergency preparedness plan, which incorporates situations like we are presently encountering. We currently meet and/or exceed the recommendations made for Nursing Home/Personal Care Homes by the PA Dept of Health (PA-DOH) and Center for Disease Control (CDC). While it is impossible to list all measures that have been taken, below will touch on a few frequently asked questions: VISITATION: We are not permitting resident visitation at this time, unless the visitation is related to imminent End of Life Care. Should a visit of this nature occur, approved visitors would be screened for symptoms, temperature taken and proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required. STAFF: Our staff, are prepared and educated related to the expectations regarding working vs illness. All Staff, including daily contracted services (therapy/agency) are screened for signs/symptoms and temperature taken before the start of each shift. CONTRACTED SERVICES: We continue to permit contracted medical providers to enter the facility (with proper screening/temp). These include: hospice workers, laboratory services, x-ray and pharmacy, as these are essential services for the well-being of our residents. Non-essential services have been postponed at this time, for example; audiology services, optometry services, barber/beauty, etc. While we understand these services are valuable and enhance resident quality of life, the risk out weights the benefit, at this time. ACTIVITIES / SOCIALIZATION: As you are well aware, we have a fantastic activities program. Unfortunately, with the restricted access we have implemented, we are not permitting outside entertainment that our residents, have grown to thoroughly enjoy. Activities continue, however, we are keeping group events to a maximum of 10 residents and/or utilizing social distancing. Increased frequency of small group activities and 1:1 visitation has been implemented. We are also able to offer: phone calls, Skype and Face Time to permit you to “connect” with your loved one. If you would like to utilize these services, please contact our Activities Department to schedule a time. We anticipate a high volume utilization of this “new approach”. OUTSIDE RESIDENT TRIPS / APPOINTMENTS: The facility has cancelled the scheduled out of facility Activity Events (bus trips). Each resident/family must decide if scheduled appointments outside of the facility will take place. While we STRONGLY DISCOURAGE unnecessary OUT OF FACILITY trips, we can not DEMAND such, at this time. PLEASE for the safety of everyone involved restrict outside trips whenever possible. CLEANING: We have verified that all cleaning supplies in use meet the CDC requirements for cleaning and all products in use are on the CDC approved list. Cleaning cycles have increased in frequency and additional measure taken to keep us safe. NURSING SERVICES: While it is impossible to list all of the measures that have been implemented, I will touch on a few. All residents are being monitored for signs/symptoms and temperature taken, each shift at a minimum. We have reeducated staff related to the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). We have protocols in place to deal with sign/symptoms of COVID-19, should they present. We have protocols in place should we see a presumptive or positive case. Of course, these standards are ever changing and as stated above, we are working closely with the PA Dept of Health and CDC. CARE PLAN / CARE CONFERENCES: We will continue to provide quarterly Care Conference / Care Plan meetings. You will be notified by facility staff, as in the past. However, these meeting will need to take place via conference call. EMERGENCY PHONE: This past weekend, our telephone system “crashed”. The issue has been resolved. We have implemented a new process, should a telephone system failure occur. For years, we have had facility cellphones at the nurses station to call OUT in an emergency situation. These phones are ONLY utilized in a telephone failure situation. The telephone number is: 724-301-1449, should a telephone failure occur and you desire an update on your loved one. PRAYER: These are unprecedented times and we are as prepared as humanly possible based on the information/direction we have received. Our mantra is; “We are taking every measure possible to prevent the virus from entering our doors, but we are operating as though it is already here”. Future updates will be posted on the facility website (under NEWS tab) and follow us on Facebook. I thank everyone for their efforts, patience and prayer. * Kirk Hawthorne Administrator/CEO Saint John XXIII Home 724-981-3200 klhawthorne@stjohn23home.org HELPFUL SITES: www.saintjohnxxiiihome.org (look under NEWS tab) www.health.pa.gov www.cdc.gov