Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Updates
You’re probably hearing a lot about the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. This page is designed to be a resource to let all of our families know how we’re proactively taking steps to limit the spread of viruses, especially Coronavirus, to our residents, staff, and visitors. Below you will find timely updates of the steps being taken and what you can do to help.
Pursuant to regulatory advice and in order to continue to ensure the well-being of our residents and staff, we have made the decision to restrict all visitation temporarily at this time. This decision comes amid statewide concerns over respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.
Like you, our top priority is the care of your loved one and we want you to feel confident that our patients are continuing to receive the highest level of care. We trust that you will understand this measure is being put in place for their protection. There are interim electronic options for virtual visitation and we will be glad to work to put you in contact with your loved one by one of these methods.
There will be circumstances when an in-person visit is necessary and in these instances we will facilitate a complete screening to appropriately ensure continued safety. Please contact the facility should you need emergency consideration.
We are continuing to follow CDC and CMS infection control protocols in the Centers and are continuously reviewing our internal systems and policies with all staff.
We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding during this time as we take this and all necessary precautions to ensure the health and well-being of everyone at our Centers.
Sophisticated Sanitizing and Disinfecting System
Our centers have invested in unique and highly effective Electrostatic Spraying Systems to combat viruses and bacteria that are typically found in shared living areas, including respiratory illness. Our experience is that this has been highly effective and the technology allows for widespread sanitizing and disinfecting within the environment. In fact, the disinfectant, Noroxycdiff, that we use kills Coronavirus in less than 30 seconds. Our centers were sprayed in their entirety the week of 3/9/2020. We utilize this system routinely and have increased its usage at this time.
Our spraying protocols are based on these schedules:
100% of the center is sprayed once a month, at minimum
All common areas are sprayed once a week, at minimum
Patient rooms are sprayed before every admission, if any isolation precaution occurs and for deep cleaning. All patients’ rooms are sprayed no less than once per month if no new admission or isolation precautions.
Additional Practices Implemented to Protect Residents
At the direction of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, we have implemented the following practices in our centers:
Communal dining and group activities have been temporarily postponed.
Each resident and staff member will receive a temperature scan and respiratory observation during each shift.
Reminders and education will be provided to residents to ensure appropriate social distancing and effective hand washing. Residents unable to perform independent hand washing will receive regular assistance.
All staff will be screened at the beginning of their shift for fever and respiratory symptoms. If they are ill, staff will be asked to self-isolate at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I talk to my loved one?
We know how important it is to remain in contact with your friends and family members during this time. We are encouraging the use of online communication products like FaceTime and Skype for virtual visitation. Family members can call our centers to schedule a video chat appointment today.
What about the case of an emergency or hospice visit?
There will be circumstances when an in-person visit is necessary and in these instances we will facilitate a complete screening to appropriately ensure continued safety. Please contact us should you need emergency consideration.
What if I want to bring food to a resident?
When food is delivered to our centers, we are meeting the deliverer at the main entrance only. We will accept the food, deliver it to the resident and ensure proper hand washing is completed.
How can I take care of laundry for my loved one?
We are happy to work with families that are unable to continue providing laundry support for their loved ones. If you are able to continue to do so, we will meet you at our front entrance and gladly deliver clean garments to your loved one.
If you have further questions please feel free to give us a call or email covidinfo@mfa.net.