“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