Woman at Window with Cabin Fever

Going Stir Crazy? Suffering from Cabin Fever?

Angie SzumlinskiHealth

During the pandemic, every state is affected differently – some are in lockdown per Executive Orders while others are maintaining social distancing and limit their exposure on their own terms, but what about our residents? Our staff are observed coming and going from the building, so how do you explain to residents the importance of sheltering in place? Maintaining some …

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CMS requirements for notification of confirmed COVID-19

Angie SzumlinskiCompliance

On April 19, 2020, the Director and the Quality, Safety and Oversight Group at CMS released a memo (Ref: QSO-20-26-NH) regarding upcoming requirements for notification of confirmed COVID-19 (or COVID-19 persons under investigation) among residents and staff in nursing homes. The information is a “heads up” as the final requirements have not been made public to date. In fairness, reading …

Nurse wearing mask

Communication: Behind the Mask

Angie SzumlinskiHealth

Non-verbal communication often assists in forming a bond with those who may speak a different language, are unable to speak, have hearing loss, etc. Think about it, when you smile at someone, chances are they will smile back. Our facial expressions also express sadness, anxiety, pain or fear. During this time of uncertainty, it is even more important that we …

Is it COVID-19?

Angie SzumlinskiHealth

Recent research on the COVID-19 virus identified that new symptoms have evolved since original cases were reported. The first signs/symptoms reported by the majority of people diagnosed with COVID-19 were fever over 100.3 degrees, extreme fatigue, dry cough, body aches, very similar to the seasonal flu. Most recent symptoms being reported are a loss of smell and taste, GI symptoms …

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Transmission of COVID-19 to Health Care Personnel During Exposures to a Hospitalized Patient

Angie SzumlinskiCase Study, News

Solano County, CaliforniaFebruary 2020 A summary of the CDC’s April 14 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report What is already known about this topic? Health care personnel (HCP) are at heightened risk of acquiring COVID-19 infection, but limited information exists about transmission in health care settings. What is added by this report? Among 121 HCP exposed to a patient with unrecognized …

Shot of a landline telephone receiver with copy space for indivi

What happens when the call-ins start?

Angie SzumlinskiNews

As an employer during a pandemic situation, you are able to ask if the staff member is exhibiting those symptoms reflective of the current pandemic, in this case, COVID-19. Does the staff member have complaints of shortness of breath, a dry cough, fever or sore throat? Have they been tested? This information is to remain confidential and maintained in the …

Reduce Transmission Among Employees

Angie SzumlinskiHealth

If a staff member is not feeling well; fever, cough, shortness of breath, they should call their supervisor and stay home The staff members should not return to work until they have been cleared with a physician note; or emergency state orders allow them back sooner If a staff member becomes ill or symptomatic during their shift, they should be …

Palliative Care During a Pandemic

Angie SzumlinskiHealth

The world is experiencing insurmountable illness related to COVID-19. The virus originated in Asia and spread through surrounding countries and eventually presented here in the United States. This illness has taken the lives of so many of our frail/elderly and those with underlying health conditions (cardiac conditions, COPD, cancer, etc.). As the virus continues to spread, hospitals are beginning to …

Depression in Dementia with Lewy Body

Residents Living with Dementia, Our Staff and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Lisa O'NeillHealth

Residents living with Dementia. These residents may require more supervision than the traditional assisted living resident. They may need to be reminded frequently to wash their hands with soap and water (this should be supervised), to stay in the common area and/or their own room/apartment (wandering can be an issue as the resident doesn’t understand why they cant move about …

ADA & EEOC Requirement Cheat Sheet

Angie SzumlinskiNews

As providers under siege with the COVID-19 Pandemic, the last thing you need to worry about is being sure you are meeting ADA and EEOC requirements. Here is a “reader’s digest” cheat sheet from the most recent postings on how to manage day-to-day operations! Be well, stay safe and as always, please be sure to contact HealthCap if you need …