Dear Family Members and Friends,
Since the beginning of the pandemic, management and staff at Renaissance Care Center have worked tirelessly to take all appropriate measures to protect our residents and staff.
Routinely, many times per week, we review incoming directions about policies and change our procedures, train staff, attend webinars, change our physical plant, conduct screenings and tests, and more. Then, starting the next week we do this all over again. It’s a constantly changing environment and we are pledged to be at the forefront of knowledge and action to prevent the coronavirus from affecting us.
We follow all regulations and guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Fulton County Health Department.
Please note that due to the changing regulatory guidance, Renaissance Care Center often updates procedures. Therefore, we recommend visiting this page often for the most current information.
Our COVID Response: Preventative procedures
Social distancing in effect: Meals are currently being delivered to resident rooms instead of communal dining. Activities will be continued but will be on a one-on-one basis. We are working on alternative ways of engaging residents. The common areas of the building will remain open. Residents have the right to leave their rooms. Social distancing is encouraged, and mask wearing is encouraged. Individual therapy will continue.
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 testing at Renaissance Care Center is conducted regularly for staff and essential workers. Testing is based on Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines and IDPH recommendations, and may be as frequent as twice a week. Based on guidelines residents may be required to test as well. Renaissance Care Center will keep family informed of any changes during this pandemic.
Cleaning /Sanitizing
Our Environmental team cleans the common areas of the home throughout the day. Renaissance Care Center main priority is to keep the residents in a safe environment.
Daily Screenings
Employee health are taking place amongst every employee and essential visitor. A Health Screener is stationed at the Front Desk to check temperature and for symptoms. Residents are being monitored regularly by our nursing staff. Residents that show any new onset of respiratory symptoms are placed in isolation and staff are to take appropriate precautions such as wearing appropriate protective equipment for safety. In the event the resident needs to leave the room, the resident will be asked to wear a mask.
Preparation for an outbreak
While we continue to work hard so that we never experience this, we are also prepared to care for any resident who becomes sick with COVID. We have full stock of personal protective equipment, trained staff who can provide care, and an isolation unit designation and required equipment to establish proper care immediately upon any resident becoming diagnosed with COVID.
Our COVID Response: Keeping families connected
Keeping in touch with your family member: We help residents stay socially connected with phone and video calls. Please let us know if this is something you are interested in. In addition, we will continue with face time calls, window visits and scheduled outside visits.
Visitor Policy
Please see our accompanying Visitor Policy page. This policy changes from time to time due to regulation updates, so please visit often to know our current visitation guidelines.
Delivering items for residents: Dropping off supplies, medication and/or food for residents is welcomed. If you are dropping off items, we ask that you pull up to the front door and drop any items in the foyer. Please do not linger in the foyer. Your cooperation is most appreciated at this time as we know how difficult it can be. If you are unable to shop for items for residents, our staff will get the items for them.
Our COVID Response: Maintaining Residents’ Lifestyle
Daily Resident Wellness Checks
Our nursing team monitors every resident daily for temperature, respiratory pulse, oxygen saturation, pulse rate and for COVID-19 like symptoms. Residents that show any new onset of respiratory symptoms are placed in isolation and staff are to take appropriate precautions such as wearing appropriate protective equipment for safety. In the event the resident needs to leave the room, the resident will be asked to wear a mask.
Meals
Communal dining is not recommended in this current phase and tier by IDPH guidelines. Residents who are able will have meals and snacks delivered directly to their rooms by friendly staff. Communal dining is currently restricted for those with altered diets with safety concerns.
Engagement
Engagement through technology is preferred to minimize opportunity for exposure. Renaissance Care Center is encouraging virtual activities or limited and modified activities in person. Social distancing is followed during these activities. Some activities include crafts, painting and reminiscing.
Essential medical visitors
Essential medical visitors continue to be allowed in the building. Essential medical visitors are being screened for symptoms and having temperatures taken upon entering the building. No exceptions will be made.
Our management team meets daily. We are working together to make sure we are doing everything we can to get through this challenging time. Whether it is conducting trainings or communicating with the staff and residents, we are fully focused on responding to the pandemic. We will keep you informed as things progress. Our priority is ensuring the health and safety of all residents and staff at Renaissance Care Center.
Important information and updates will be shared by email, letter by mail, posted on our website. Calls have also and will continue to be made to families. If you have recently changed your email, address or phone number, please be sure to update us by sending an email to administrator.
As always, Please contact us if you would like more clarification on any of these policies
Sincerely,
Lisa Lockwood
Administrator
llockwood@renaissancecarerehab.com