COVID-19 Update From Administrator – March 27, 2020
Dear Family Member/ Guardian,
I hope you are all well and following the guidance from our Governor and regulatory agencies. As I mentioned last week, we will be communicating with you to try and keep you up to date as to what is going on at Waterview Villa. Hopefully, through this communication, we will touch upon areas that you have questions about and will be able to alleviate some concerns.
I. Our Residents:
Per a new recommendation from the CDC, we have now implemented taking a full set of resident vitals on every shift, including O2 (oxygen) saturation levels. We are also observing subtle changes, such as an increase in weakness, confusion, agitation. Anyone with a sudden onset of symptoms will be placed on droplet precautions until their case can be reviewed. Droplet precautions are precautions taken when a patient has an infection with germs that can be spread to others by speaking, sneezing, or coughing. Anyone coming into contact with a patient on droplet precautions, will be asked to wear a mask, gown, and gloves to prevent the spread of germs to themselves and/or others.
Also, to better distance residents sharing a room, we have moved the furniture and put both bedside cabinets together to ensure that beds are further apart and maintain a 6-foot space.
If you feel you want to drop off food or personal items, please call us and let us know your intent. We will ask you to leave your package on the provided table inside the double doors and notify us when you arrive. We will be sure your loved one receives it.
II. Dining Services:
As of March 1st, we introduced new menus for our residents. These menus have a new assortment of meals and seem to be received very well. Should you have any specific questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
III. Recreation:
Since any visitor, including outside entertainers have been restricted from entering our nursing center, we are doing as best as can be expected. Currently, activities are still taking place, however, on an individual level. The Recreation Department is conducting activities by going room to room and offering services based on each resident’s personal interests. They also are continuing to reach out to families via FaceTime and telephone calls. If you or someone in your family is interested in utilizing one of these methods, feel free to contact Recreation at Extension 210.
IV. Staffing Policies & Procedures:
To alleviate any concerns about our current staffing policies and procedures, at the beginning of every shift, each staff member is being asked to sign-in and answer a series of questions on their health. We are also recording their temperature along with their oxygen saturation level. If they do not meet the criteria set by the RI Department of Health, they are being sent home or to be evaluated by their healthcare provider.
At this time, I would like to take a moment to commend our staff. All Departments have been working together to create a calm environment for all. It is great and I am proud to be a part of such a caring team. They are here to provide the best care to your loved ones while we get through this day by day.
I encourage you to contact our center should you have any concerns regarding your loved one’s health. Our main phone number is (401) 438-7020 and ask to speak to the charge nurse involved in their care. And as I have mentioned previously, our Recreation Department is more than happy to assist you in getting in contact with your relative or schedule a “virtual visit”.
Lastly, I wish you all good health and thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we try to move forward through this. We will continue to update you as new information is received.
Sincerely,
Marc Neustadt
Administrator