I’m hopeful that this update finds you and your family healthy, well and COVID free.

As you are likely aware, the COVID-19 virus continues to surge across the nation and specifically here within Mercer County PA.  The Mercer County “positivity rate” has risen above 9% according to the most recent Center for Medicare Services (CMS) data.  Our community is dealing with an outbreak and the surge on hospitals, nursing homes and testing sites is at an alarming rate.  It is redundant but please wear a mask, wash your hands, social distance and stay home if possible.  We ask that you minimize coming to Saint John XXIII Home unless the visit is imperative.

We have received the results of our required weekly testing of staff, which was conducted on 11/16/20.  We had 5 new positive tests amongst staff members from the 11/16/20 testing cycle.  We have completed “contact tracing” for all 5 staff members.  The 5 positive staff members are at home in isolation.  In addition, we identified 2 staff members who were identified as “possible exposures”, these individuals are at home in quarantine.  In an attempt to mitigate the spread, we determined that 46 residents within the Nursing Home portion of the facility had sufficient contact with our positive staff members to enter a quarantine (yellow zone) situation.  Those nursing home residents deemed “unexposed”, remains in normal precautions or “Green Zone”.  We have also tested ALL residents within the nursing home and had zero positive cases identified.  While this is fantastic news, we need to understand that this “immediate testing upon exposure” was completed within the first couple days of possible exposure.  Again, we should all be elated that our residents all tested negative, yet, realize the risks remains.  Please continue to pray for everyone.

Contact tracing revealed that those individuals residing within the Personal Care and Special Needs unit were UNEXPOSED as a result of these positive tests.  Due to non-exposure, Personal Care and Special Needs residents were not tested at this time.  We continue to monitor all residents and staff throughout the entire facility each shift.

At this time, we have reverted to “phase 1” of reopening, which means we have returned to “lock down” status.  The Roncalli Center visitation, Mass, group programming, barber/beauty services, etc. have been placed on hold until further notice.  All staff will be tested again on 11/23 and 11/30.  The nursing home residents will all be tested again on 11/25 and 12/2.  If we are fortunate enough to have no additional positive test results for all testing done on the above dates, it is possible to return to Phase 2 of re-opening, which includes scheduled visitation and barber/beauty services.  Please keep in mind that should Mercer County rise to the 10%+ “positivity rate”, all Mercer County facilities will be required to return to Phase 1 (Lock Down).

With Thanksgiving and Christmas rapidly approaching, we understand that this inability to visit with your loved one is more difficult to accept than at any time over the past 8 months.  We encourage everyone to feel free to call and utilize the virtual visits.  These are difficult times, pandemic times, but please know that our entire staff is committed to the safety of your loved one.  Thank you so much for your cooperation, encouragement, trust and prayers during these challenging times.  We will get through this together.

To:  Residents, Family Members and Staff

From:  Kirk Hawthorne, Administrator

Date:  11/18/2020

I hope this update finds you healthy and well.

We have experienced a positive COVID test amongst 2 staff members as a result of our testing on Monday (11/16/20).  As part of our contact tracing process, we will be testing all NURSING HOME residents today (11/18/20) to rule out any possible exposure.  These tests will be conducted here at the facility with the Point of Care rapid testing device.  We will reach out to you with the results of your loved ones COVID test.  At this time, the contact tracing determined that residents within the Personal Care and Special Needs units have not been exposed.

Through the contact tracing process, we have implemented the required safety measures.  COVID positive staff and staff meeting the exposed criteria will remain off work to quarantine.  We have created a “yellow zone” for residents who may have been exposed.  Staff members have been educated regarding the need for PPE use.  We will continue to test staff on a weekly basis until further notice.  We will also test all NURSING HOME residents on a weekly basis for at least two additional weeks.  All residents and staff will continue to be monitored closely each shift.  Residents exhibiting signs/symptoms of COVID will be tested immediately.

Unfortunately, with this positive staff case and possible resident exposure, we will return to a “lock down” status effective immediately.  Our family visitations, barber/beauty, group programs, Mass, etc., will be placed on hold until further notice.  I ask that you continue to pray for everyone at Saint John XXIII Home.   Please monitor the facility website for further updates.

Hoping this update finds you healthy and well.  As you are likely aware, COVID numbers continue to increase in Mercer County and the impact is being felt within the healthcare facilities in our area.  The results of our weekly STAFF testing (11/9 and 11/10/20 testing), revealed that 129 of 130 staff members were NEGATIVE for COVID-19.  The new positive staff case has been reported to the required State/Federal agencies.  With the assistance of the PA Department of Health AND the Regional Response Health Collaboration Program (RRHCP), contact tracing has been completed.  Based on this employee’s role, responsibilities and actions, at Saint John XXIII Home, it has been determined that this is a “non-exposure” situation related to residents and staff members.  Due to HIPAA restrictions, we are unable to divulge the employee’s name.  The employee is asymptomatic and isolating at home.  We continue to diligently monitor staff and residents for signs and symptoms, each shift daily.  We remain in weekly testing protocols, thus, another round of staff testing will be completed on 11/16/2020, at which time an update will be provided.

As the COVID numbers increase in Mercer County, we ask that you use extra pre-cautions, social distance, wear masks and wash your hands frequently.  Please use good judgement related to entering Saint John XXIII Home.  If you are not feeling well, please help us protect your loved one and stay home.  We ask that you continue to pray for our residents and staff.

• Kirk Hawthorne, Administrator/CEO, Saint John XXIII Home

Today marks the eight (8) month “anniversary” since Saint John XXIII Home entered “COVID Precautions”.   Thank you for your continued support, understanding, cooperation and prayer.

According to the Center for Medicare Service (CMS) data, Mercer County Pennsylvania has risen above the 5% “Covid Positivity rate” threshold as of the November 2^nd, 2020 data posting.  The counties “positivity rate” triggers weekly surveillance testing of staff, here at Saint John XXIII Home until further notice.  This week, we will be testing on 11/9 and 11/10/20.  Testing results are typically received within 48 hours, at which time an update will be provided. 

Please keep in mind that surveillance testing of residents will only occur if a positive staff case is identified.  Residents continue to be monitored for signs/symptoms of COVID on each shift.  Any resident displaying signs, symptoms or possible exposure would be tested immediately.

Over the past 8 months, we have been able to mitigate the effects of this virus within the walls of Saint John XXIII Home.  As the county numbers continue to rise, the risk of exposure increases significantly.  We continue to be diligent related to mask wearing, hand washing and social distancing and we ask that you continue to do the same for the well-being of those we so passionately serve. 

Please participate in the #iGiveCatholic giving day on December 1st to support Saint John XXIII Home. Visit https://erie.igivecatholic.org/, search for Saint John XXIII Home and make a $25.00 or more gift.

The Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania is coordinating our participation in #iGiveCatholic and will be offering cash prizes! Help us win a prize! Prizes are listed here: https://erie.igivecatholic.org/.

From the hearts of our Residents, Family Members, Board of Directors, Auxiliary Members and the entire staff of Saint John XXIII Home we love you and thank you for your generous offering.

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COVID UPDATE:  9/28/2020

We are now in month #7 of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

We continue to strive to remain “COVID Free” here at Saint John XXIII Home.  As mentioned in the last update, we have initiated monthly testing of all staff.  Our September 2020 testing was completed last week and I’m pleased to report that we had zero “positive” cases amongst our staff.  Unfortunately, the Mercer County COVID positivity rate has increased to 5.1%, which requires us to begin testing of all staff on a weekly basis.  Weekly testing will be required until the Mercer County rate drops below 5%.  Resident testing continues to be required for signs/symptoms of COVID, possible exposure and/or a positive case amongst staff.  Routine or surveillance testing of residents is NOT recommended.

Our outside patio visits continue on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  We have measures in place to move indoors, into Roncalli Center, on days in which the weather doesn’t permit a comfortable visit outside.  The process will remain consistent with the process used for patio visits.  We ask that everyone continue to follow the rules which have been established to protect the well-being of our residents and staff.

In addition, we recognize the connection between mental and emotional and physical health, and that the effects of prolonged isolation may have significant mental and emotional health impacts that a resident’s physical health becomes impaired.  In such instances, our staff will work WITH the resident and family to provide the resident with access to care needed to maintain or improve their health status.  These visits are referred to as a “Compassionate Caregiver” situation.  Please understand that there is specific criteria that must be met to achieve “Compassionate Caregiver” status, including COVID testing consistent with our facility required testing (weekly at present).  The full Compassionate Caregiver Policy and standards related to such, can be reviewed on our website at www.saintjohnxxiiihome.org.  

In conclusion, I thank you for your continued trust and on-going prayers for our residents and staff.  Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have questions.

Sincerely,

Kirk Hawthorne

Administrator/CEO

Saint John XXIII Home

UPDATED:  9/28/20

In compliance with the PA Secretary of Health’s updated standards on 9/3/20, Saint John XXIII Home has implemented a “Compassionate Caregiver Policy”.  This “Compassionate Caregiver” terminology should NOT be used interchangeably with “End of Life visitations”.  Compassionate Care visitation will be allowed in LIMITED situations per the Center of Medicare Services (CMS).

BACKGROUND:

At Saint John XXIII Home, we recognize the connection between mental and emotional health and physical health, and that the effects of prolonged isolation may have significant mental and emotional health impacts that a resident’s physical health becomes impaired.  In such instances, our staff will work WITH the resident and family to provide the resident with access to care needed to maintain or improve their health status.

STANDARDS to RECEIVE COMPASSIONATE CAREGIVER ACCESS:

Compassionate Caregiver access may be considered ONLY if there are two or more documented “SIGNIFICANT CHANGES”, in a resident’s condition. 

SIGNIFICANT CHANGE is defined as:  a MAJOR decline or improvement in a resident’s status that:

1. Will not normally resolve itself without intervention by staff or by implementing standard clinical intervention.

2. The decline is not considered “self limiting”.

3. Impacts two or more areas of the residents health status

4. Requires interdisciplinary review and/or revision of the care plan

(all 4 of the above criteria must be met)

* Interested individuals will call the facility Administrator at  (724-981-3200) to request an Interdisciplinary  Compassionate Caregiver status review.  This conference will be scheduled as soon as reasonably possible via conference call.

COMPASSIONATE CAREGIVER REQUIRED STANDARDS: (Upon Approval)

* Caregivers will show proof of a NEGATIVE COVID-19 test that was administered within the past 7 days, preferably 72 hours if testing turnaround times allow, BEFORE initiating Caregiver duties.

* The Caregiver is subject to all ongoing testing requirements that apply to Saint John XXIII Home staff pursuant to all guidance and Orders. (ie- weekly or monthly testing)

* Caregivers are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their initial and ongoing testing.

* Caregivers who do NOT remain in good standing with (or refuse) the COVID testing requirements, will NOT be permitted to participate in the Caregiver program/process.

* Caregivers are to be screened prior to entering the facility, adhere to universal masking at all times, frequently practice hand sanitization, and social distance from ALL STAFF and OTHER RESIDENTS.

* Social distancing from the resident receiving Caregiving is strongly preferred but not required if distancing would NOT achieve the intended health outcomes of the visit.

* Caregivers are permitted to visit a maximum of 2 hours per day, and there should be no more than 2 Caregivers per resident at a time.

* Caregivers will be screen for COVID symptoms at EACH visit.  In addition, they must provide the following on the Compassionate Caregiver log:  Name, date, time in, time out, address, phone number and email address, in the event that contact tracing is necessary.

* If a Caregiver does not comply with 1 or more of these public health practices, they will be asked to leave the facility and their Caregiver status will be reassessed by facility Administration in order to protect staff and other residents.

FACILITY STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Interdisciplinary Team will participate in the Caregiver Request determination conference call.

* Nursing staff will complete a review to determine the need for Compassionate Caregiver

* The Residents Care Plan/RASP will be updated with measurable objectives and timeframes for action related to Compassionate Caregiving.

* Care plan decision makers will determine:  number of days per week (frequency) the visits are needed to maintain or improve the resident’s health status WITHOUT introducing unnecessary risk posed by increased number of individuals entering Saint John XXIII Home

* The FIRST Compassionate Caregiver visit for each Caregiver will be observed by facility staff in the setting deemed appropriate for the visits to orient Caregivers to specific safety measures the Caregivers need to take to protect residents and staff.

(Hand sanitizer areas, proper hand hygiene, proper mask compliance, demarcation requirements, social distancing, etc.  Visits will be restricted to the designated resident ONLY.

* Staff should correct any deficiencies.  Staff only need to observe the visit until the Caregiver is fully oriented and any deficiencies resolved.

* SUBSEQUENT VISITS: staff should check in, as possible, to ensure adherence to the universal masking, hand sanitizer has been recently used, distancing from other residents is being practiced, etc.

* Screen Caregivers with EACH visit.  A log of visit must be maintained including:  Name, Date, Time in, Time out, address, phone number and email address, in the event contact tracing is necessary.

COMPASSIONATE CAREGIVER ASSESSMENT FORM:

Resident Name:____________________________________   Date:_________________

Caregiver Request Name:____________________________________________________

Reason for the Request:

Staff Assessment of Area(s) of Decline:

Requested Frequency/Time of Visits:

Objective of visits:__________________________________________________________

Careplan / RASP update:  DATE:___________________  by  ________________________

Compassionate Caregiver:     Approved:___________     Denied:_______________

Frequency/Days/Times approved to meet objective:_____________________________

Administrator Signature:____________________________________________________

Reassessment Date:  _______________________________________________________

COMMENTS

At Saint John XXIII Home, we remain in Step #2 of “re-opening”.  Progressing to “Step 2” has allowed us to start the process of creating a new normal.  This includes patio visits with family/friends, return of beauty shop staff and increasing group activity size as permitted.  We are also increasing resident outside group opportunities.  We ask that families do not make this an additional visit opportunity, as this would violate our re-opening policy/process. 

In addition, we continue to take measures to progress to Step 3, which would yet again increase group activity size and allow us to reincorporate MASS a few days weekly.  Step 3 also has provisions of allowing inside visits within Roncalli Center instead of using the patio, which is the plan for inclement weather situations (fall/winter weather).  If you have not already done so, I encourage you to read the “Plan to Re-open” found on our website at www.saintjohnxxiiihome.org.  Please understand per direction from the PA Department of Health that there are no plans, in the immediate future, to return to prior (pre-COVID) visitation processes.  This step will not be implemented until it is deemed to be a safe practice.  Please understand that we are trying to strike a reasonable balance between safety and mental health, during these unprecedented times.

To date, we have experience two (2) COVID positive cases amongst staff, which were unrelated cases.  No additional staff and/or residents were found to be positive from either case.  We remain FREE of positive resident cases.  Previous updates have mentioned the involvement of the PADOH and the recently formed Regional Response Health Collaboration Program (RRHCP).  The PADOH conducted an Infection Control focused survey at the facility from July 8^th – July 13^th and results determined the facility was in Full Compliance with COVID standards.  In addition,  on August 20^th, we had our initial on-site review with the RRHCP to review policies and procedures related to COVID-19. 

On September 1^st, 2020, Saint John XXIII Home received a “Rapid COVID testing device”, known as the BD Veritor System from the PA Department of Health.  This is an antigen testing system that uses nasal swab (dual nares collection method) for detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen.  THIS TEST GIVES US RESULTS IN APPROXIMATELY 15 MINTUES!  We are only permitted to test residents of Saint John XXIII Home and all employees of the facility, including contracted service personnel.  The facility has an updated CLIA certificate and tests will be administered by our facility Registered Nurses, on site.  With this device, new standards of testing must be implemented as follows:

• All residents and/or staff who display COVID symptoms will be tested immediately.
• A NEW positive case amongst staff or residents would require that ALL residents and staff are tested every 3-7 days for a minimum of 14 days.
• Routine/Surveillance Testing:  Facility staff will be testing based on the Mercer County “COVID POSTIVITY RATE”, starting in September.
• Mercer County Rate  <5% = monthly testing
• Mercer County Rate 5-10% = weekly testing
• Mercer County Rate >10% = 2x/week testing
• Mercer County Rate as of 9/2/20 = 3.7%
• **Routine/Surveillance testing of Residents is NOT recommended.
• We will continue to utilize molecular testing should the situation dictate such.
• Please understand that these are the testing standards as of today, should the recommendations from the PADOH, CDC and/or RRHCP change, we will respond accordingly.

The BD Veritor device will allow us to make more timely decisions to help mitigate the spread of the virus.  Of course, our priority is prevention through handwashing, social distancing and mask utilization.

In conclusion, I want to thank everyone for their incredible support and understanding throughout this pandemic.  Rest assured that we will do everything in our control to keep your loved one AND our staff as safe as possible.  Please continue to schedule patio visits and utilize any/all forms to communicate with your loved one.  Please know that we are ALL in this together.

Sincerely,

Kirk Hawthorne

Administrator/CEO

Saint John XXIII Home

I’m hopeful that this update finds you healthy and well.  Here at Saint John XXIII Home, we are making progress toward creation of a “new normal”.  I’m thrilled to report that we have had no further cases in relationship to our initial baseline testing.  All residents have tested negative at this time.   With that in mind, as explained in the last update, we are approaching a time in which we will be able to implement a “scheduled visit” process for family members.  As you can imagine, for the health and safety of our residents, staff and family members, we will implement the process in stages.  This is a very exciting time for everyone involved but we must remember that there are risks associated with increased exposure.

The requirements to re-open are NOT yet complete, however, we have the plan in place, anticipating that we can begin scheduled visits on 7/29/2020.  We will begin accepting appointments today.  To schedule a visit, please call the Front Desk (724-981-3200) between the hours of 9am-9pm.  Initially, we can accommodate visits on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  Visitation will be scheduled in half hour blocks of time and will be LIMITED TO the covered front porch/patio.  We have established 5 meeting tables in this area for each time slot.   Visitation slots will be as follows:  (5 time slots x 5 tables = 25 slots per day)

                        Start Time                   End Time

                          1:00pm                       1:30pm

                          2:00pm                       2:30pm

                          3:00pm                       3:30pm

                          4:00pm                       4:30pm

                          5:00pm                       5:30pm

EXPECTED STANDARDS OF VISIT:

• We request that you arrive for your visit no earlier than 15 minutes PRIOR to your scheduled visit, to maximize social distancing, allow time for cleaning between visit slots and “wellness checks”.
• Visitors will be required to wear a mask at all times.  Residents will be offered a facility supplied face mask.
• Visitors and residents will be required to sanitize their hands before/after the visit.
• Visitors will be required to have their temperature taken and complete a wellness questionnaire.  If you have been COVID exposed, traveled to a “hot spot” state in the past 14 days and/or have signs/symptoms of COVID, the visit will be rescheduled.  A screening log will be maintained by the facility staff.
• Each visitation slot will be restricted to 2 visitors, per resident, per visit on a weekly basis.
• Each visit will be restricted to half hour visits.  Visitors arriving late will not be granted an extension of visit time.
• Visits will be limited to the outdoor porch in the designated social distancing area(s).  This covered porch will allow for visitation even during inclement weather.  Appropriate seating will be provided for both resident and visitors.  Visitors will not enter the facility.
• No food/beverage/tobacco shall be permitted during visitation.  All items brought from home shall follow the facility practice related to sanitization and delivery.
• Facility staff will oversee any required cleaning and disinfecting of visitation areas.  Surfaces in the visitation area will be sanitized according to CDC guidelines between EACH visit.  This includes: seating, tabletops and other surfaces likely to be touched during the visit.  Facility has spaced visitation slots to allow ample time for proper cleaning, as well as, visitor screening.
• At the conclusion of your visit, we ask that you do not linger.  We need everyone to practice social distancing. 
• Please understand that should MERCER COUNTY PA, revert to a “Red Zone/Red Phase”, we will be required to return to a no visitation policy.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this transition.

Sincerely,

Kirk Hawthorne

Administrator/CEO

Saint John XXIII Home

Please continue to watch our website (www.saintjohn23home.org) and follow us on Face Book for further updates.  A hard copy of this letter was provided to all residents and will be mailed to the resident responsible party on Tuesday 7/21/20.