Senior care facilities, Washington Health System respond to COVID-19
Several senior living facilities around Southwestern Pennsylvania, such as Concordia Lutheran Ministries, St. Barnabas Health System and Presbyterian SeniorCare Network — home to thousands of Pennsylvanians — say they are all taking precautionary measures to protect their residents from the spread of COVID-19.
All three facilities say they are following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines, as well as recommendations from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Many of the guidelines established by the individual facilities — such as restricting visitation and increasing sanitary measures — are similar to the CDC’s.
Among the few exceptions the facilities are making will be allowing families to visit those who are in hospice or end-of-life care. All three senior care facilities say their guidelines are subject to change as more updates on the virus arrive.
Frank Skrip, director of public relations for Concordia, said the company is restricting visitors, though he noted that Concordia’s guidelines have been changing day-to-day and may be subject to change.
Mr. Skrip said Concordia is encouraging families to contact the activities department at its various facilities to discuss alternative methods of visitation such as a video chat.
“Obviously, the safety and well-being of our residents is our top priority,” he said.
In terms of precautionary measures inside the facilities, Mr. Skrip said employees have increased staff education on the virus; posted informative signs around the facility; increased the amount of hand sanitizer stations; and are paying closer attention to public areas, such as handrails and sinks.
Group activities also will be restricted, he said.
Natalie McKay, a nursing administrator for Concordia, said the changing guidelines have generally been met with understanding.
“We’re doing our best to alleviate any fears. For the most part, we’ve heard very positive feedback,” she said. “We’re trying to put [plans] in place without being overly restrictive, without being overly reactive, because there’s a balance between protecting residents and protecting their quality of life.”
Presbyterian SeniorCare Network implemented a “no visitation policy” Friday until further notice for its skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers and its personal care and assisted living communities, according to a statement.
“With a spirit of love for those in our care, we have made the difficult decision to restrict visitation in our care communities,” organization President and CEO Paul Winkler said. “We have taken this action to provide the highest level of protection possible to our patients and residents.”
Presbyterian said it is “implementing a variety of screening measures” for visitors in addition to limiting in-person meetings, canceling large group meetings and providing education on social distancing.
Similar measures have been taken at St. Barnabas. At their multiple living assistant and skilled nursing facilities in Allegheny, Beaver and Butler counties, visitors will be restricted. However, Presbyterian will make exceptions for people visiting hospice patients.
Jim Lauteri, marketing director at St. Barnabas, said the organization has increased informative flyers, boosted access to hand sanitizer and postponed large social events. Residents feeling ill will have in home access to doctors and nurse practitioners.
“That’s a big benefit because residents don’t have to worry about how to get to their doctors,” Mr. Lauteri said. “We’ve been caring for this community for 120 years, so we go the extra mile to make sure our residents are safe.”
Kane Community Living Centers, the Allegheny County-run assisted and senior living facilities, stated in a news release Friday that new visitor policies have also been adopted there.
“We are implementing a no visitor policy except in instances of end-of-life or when a resident’s life becomes severely critical and visitation from immediate family members, friends and religious leaders become necessary,” the statement reads. “In those cases, visitors will be subjected to a brief health assessment and will only have access to their specific resident.”
The visit may also take place in a separate room outside of the resident’s room. Kane also stated that it is canceling all resident trips outside the center, except those necessary for the resident’s health, such as trips to a doctor’s office that can’t be postponed.
“These are precautionary measures only,” the statement said. “There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our facility.”
Washington Health System also is restricting visitors.
Starting Friday, Washington and WHS-Greene hospitals limited visiting hours to noon to 7 p.m. daily, except for the emergency room. Visitors will be screened for fever, cough or flu-like symptoms by hospital staff and asked to leave if illness is suspected.
WHS is limiting visitors to no more than one per adult patient; visitors under age 18 will not be allowed in the system’s hospitals in Washington and Greene counties.
How to help support older adults
According to the CDC, family members and caregivers can help older adults who are at risk by:
• Knowing what medications they are taking and help them.
• Monitoring and creating a backup plan on necessary food and medical supplies (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care).
• Stock up on nonperishable food items to minimize trips to the store.
• If they are living in a care facility, monitoring the situation, asking about the health of other residents frequently and knowing the protocol if there is an outbreak.