Yes, this truly is a “non-COVID-19” blog! It has been a long time since we posted something like this and we are truly excited to do so! We have all taken care of residents with uncontrolled, type II diabetes, right? We adjust the oral medications unsuccessfully for as long as we can and then the physician writes orders for insulin. …
OSHA Recordkeeping Requirements
Recently OSHA posted revised enforcement for recording cases of COVID-19. Effective May 26, 2020, this time-limited guidance will be in place for the current COVID-19 public health crisis. Under OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements, COVID-19 is a recordable illness. Employers are responsible for recording cases of COVID-19 if the case: Is confirmed as defined by the CDC; Is work-related; and Involves one …
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Guidance for Memory Care Units
Strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are especially challenging to implement in dedicated memory care units where numerous residents with cognitive impairment reside together. For example, residents can have a difficult time following recommended infection prevention practices such as social distancing, washing their hands, avoiding touching their face, and wearing a cloth face covering for source control. Changes to …
EEOC – COVID-19 Antibody Testing
Cannot Be Used to Determine if Employees Can Return to Work On June 17, 2020 the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) released information regarding an employer requiring antibody testing before allowing employees to re-enter the workplace. The EEOC said that “an antibody test constitutes a medical exam under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and explained that in light of …
To Open Or Not?
Assessing COVID-19 Risk Amid Confusion With Reopening It is thought that 60-70% of the population will get infected with COVID-19 and develop immunity before the transmission of the virus will slow down, and to date only 5-7% of the US population has been infected. Dr. Michael Osterholm, the founder of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the …
Spotlight on HealthCap Heroes:
Blissfield Place Assisted Living During our search for HealthCap Heroes, we recently received a note from Maureen Smith from Blissfield Place Assisted Living, wanting to recognize her amazing leader, Amy Hoffman. She shared how much her work, attitude, and effort has affected both residents and staff, and explained the effect such a positive attitude has had. Aside from initiating fun …
Methanol Contamination in Hand Sanitizers
FDA warns of risk of methanol contamination in certain hand santitizers: A sharp increase in methanol contamination in hand sanitizers has led the FDA to issue a warning to consumers and health care providers about the toxic substance. Whether absorbed through the skin or ingested, methanol can cause a host of problems with varied severity, from mild effects such as …
Recovery – What Now?
As the nation begins the journey to a “new normal” we are celebrating and grieving at the same time. Many people are struggling with the loss of loved ones, loss of employment, restrictions in activities and the freedom to move about. During this challenging page in history, we need to be mindful that people respond differently to stressful situations and …
Social Distancing Activities
This is a challenging time for our Activities and Life Enrichment teams as well as our caregivers/frontline healthcare workers. In an effort to assist with preventing isolation, maintaining activity pursuits and preventing boredom, here are a few ideas to get some fun and energy back in our days! Hallway Bingo – set residents up in their doorways in chairs/wheelchairs with …
FAQs on Nursing Home Visitation
What steps should nursing homes take before reopening to visitors? Nursing homes should continue to follow CMS and CDC guidance for preventing the transmission of COVID-19, and follow state and local direction. Because nursing home residents are especially vulnerable, CMS does not recommend reopening facilities to visitors (except for compassionate care situations) until phase three when: There have been no …