Update: December 15

Written by kishmish_admin on December 15, 2020

*1st & 2nd floor

COVID Vaccination Status: Phase 1: Nursing Home Residents Given First Priority – NEXT WEEK
We are rapidly preparing for the deployment of the COVID-19 Vaccine and our pharmacy partner, HealthDirect Pharmacy Services, will be supporting us in managing this through on-site vaccination clinics. These clinics are expected to start early next week. The vaccines will be administered by trained, licensed professionals (including Pharmacists and Registered Nurses) and will be closely monitored by clinical leadership from both our organization as well as HealthDirect.

This week our nursing staff is reaching out to request your consent for us to provide this vaccine to your loved one. The purpose of this is that everyone receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is required by law to have, on file, signed (or documented verbally) evidence of informed-consent being provided. This consent must be obtained before a vaccine can be given to an individual. Pfizer and Moderna are going to be the first two products receiving approval from the Federal Government – you will know which product your loved one will receive in advance of giving consent.

At the current time, these vaccines are not required or mandatory, so you are not obligated to give consent. We do ask that you strongly consider this option, however, given the limited supply of the vaccine in these early months.

We understand that you may have questions about this process as well as the vaccines themselves. Please see the following links to the CDC, Pfizer, and Moderna’s websites to help answer some of your questions.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits/facts.htm
https://www.pfizer.com/health/coronavirus
https://www.modernatx.com/modernas-work-potential-vaccine-against-covid-19

If you have any questions regarding our vaccination plan, please email Courtney Stevenson, Assistant Director of Nursing/Infection Control at [email protected]

“No Visitor” policy remains in place
The fact that residents will be receiving this vaccine does not change the current status of visitation. Until we receive a revised directive, we will continue to adhere to the NYSDOH’s requirement that the facility remains closed to outside visitors. Please do not tell your loved one that receiving a vaccine permits you and your family to come inside the facility to visit. This is inaccurate and it only causes more confusion and exacerbates an already challenging and stressful situation.

Virtual Visits
SJFS will continue to work with families to assist with video chats or phone calls to the best of their ability. They can also help you to determine how best to make the most of the virtual visit ( i.e. coordinating with 2 or 3 family members for one call or having a 1:1 call with your loved one.) For more information, please contact Ellen Somers at [email protected] or (315) 446-9111, ext. 225.

We have recently been having more difficulty with the connection for FaceTime. If you are able to use Zoom, please let your assigned person know so this can be set up as it seems to have a consistently good connection.

EXCEPTION: Family Visitation of Resident Who Is Actively Dying or Deceased
Our policy applies to any resident who has been designated by the Menorah Park medical staff as being in an actively dying stage.

• 9am-to 9pm – 7 days a week for actively dying residents
• Only 2 family members are permitted at one time so any additional family must wait outside (outdoors or in car) for their turn.
• All visitors must complete screening process and have their temperature taken.
• They DO NOT need to provide a negative COVID test result.
• Once they enter the facility, following the screening, they are to go directly to the resident’s room and remain in the room until they leave the facility.
• They are not permitted to be in shared spaces ( common areas, dining rooms or other residents’ rooms, etc.)
• They are required to wear a mask over their nose and mouth at all times
• Under 18 allowed accompanied by an adult over 18.

Dropping Items Off for Residents
Families are still welcome to drop off items for their loved ones at our main entrance.

Questions Regarding Resident Care
If you have questions regarding the care of your loved one or want a status update, please contact your nurse manager. If you do not hear back from nursing within 24-48 hours, please contact your assigned caseworker or call the front desk and ask them to connect you to the social work department.

The teamis as follows:

• Terrace
  Gillian Riggall, MSW
  Days: Monday, Thursday, and Fridays
  Phone: 315-446-9111, ext. 124*
  [email protected]

• 1^st Floor & Short Term Rehab
  Jocelyn Perrault
  (315) 446-9111, x118
  [email protected]
• 2^nd Floor
  Jacki O’Brien-Gerace
  (315) 446-9111., x124
  [email protected]

Posted Under: COVID-19