If you have more questions please email us at questions@ warroadseniorlivingcenter.com
What is Warroad Senior Living Center’s plan for dealing with COVID-19?
A. WSLC maintains standard protocols and procedures to prevent or limit the spread of infectious disease in our senior living communities. Every WSLC staff member is trained annually on these procedures and our employees have demonstrated excellent infection control practices over the years.
To specifically address COVID-19:
- An interdisciplinary team is receiving and reviewing information from the CDC and state departments of health daily. The team will evaluate the risks and determine appropriate actions as needed, including updating standard plans.
- WSLC staff are receiving additional training to recognize and report symptoms of COVID-19 or respiratory illness experienced by residents, volunteers or themselves.
- While maintaining standard practices for good hygiene and infection control, WSLC is increasing disinfection of frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Clinical care staff are monitoring the health of residents in our care.
- Signs are posted throughout the community reminding everyone to be vigilant about infection control practices.
- Hand sanitizer dispensers are at all WSLC site entrances.
- Employees are screened every day as they come to work and any who are ill are being encouraged to stay home.
- We are working with our suppliers for needed supplies while avoiding stockpiling that could make overall shortages worse.
- Reliable information is being communicated by WSLC to staff, residents and the public through our website, social media, email and/or print notifications.
Q. Can I still visit my loved one?
A. Following the guidance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), we are limiting visitors except for special circumstances, such as end-of-life, when a visitor is essential for a resident’s emotional well-being and care, and even those visits are limited to minimize exposure beyond the family member. We have removed the snow from around our building, so visits through the glass are encouraged.
Q. Are vendors allowed in?
A. We have been coordinating with vendors to minimize their travel within our communities. This includes common drop off location for packages / items, limited internal distribution of items like newspapers or packages, and an expectation of hand washing and other infection control practices when entering the building.
Q. Will I be notified if there is an outbreak at a WSLC community?
A. At this time, no one at WSLC has been diagnosed with COVID-19. In the event of a localized outbreak, we will notify residents, staff, volunteers and family. We will post signs at the entrance to the building letting anyone who comes to the building know if there are widespread respiratory symptoms. We will also utilize our community website and social media channels to inform the public as to the accessibility of the community.
Q. Do you have enough supplies and staff to care for residents in the case of an outbreak?
Supplies will be available and distributed when the need arises. We are working with our suppliers for needed supplies while avoiding stockpiling that will make shortages even more likely. Our current business contracts ensure that we will receive the necessary medications and supplies to care for our residents even in an emergency. Please note that at this time there is no medication (antibiotic or antiviral) that is effective against the Coronavirus.
Q. What can I do to help?
You can be helpful in the following ways:
- Stay healthy and prevent spreading germs by following recommended actions: frequent handwashing; avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose all used tissues; avoid contact with people who are ill.
- Stay in touch with your loved one by phone, text, email or other means that do not require physical proximity.
- Be in prayer with us for those who have already been impacted by this disease; for the wellbeing of our residents and staff; for those working diligently to provide means of prevention, treatment and cure; and for calm, wisdom and mutual respect to prevail in our greater communities.
Where can I find more information about COVID-19?
- Here are a couple of spots you can access.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control; https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- Minnesota Department of Health
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html