COVID-19 Resources

Our facility is taking appropriate measures, consistent with the guidelines and directives from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), for the prevention and control of Coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 is a viral infection that is caused by a distinct Coronavirus. The incubation period is two to fourteen (2-14) days, with the average being four (4) to five (5) days. This virus may be mild, moderate, or severe, and can be potentially life threatening.

This facility endeavors to follow CDC and CMS guidance and to collaborate with State and Local health departments in its mitigating actions as we work through the necessary response to this unprecedented pandemic together.

Visitation and Family Communications Efforts

As of March 13, 2020, visits to all skilled nursing centers – ours included – have been restricted by the federal government, with the exception of certain compassionate care circumstances such as an end-of-life situation. We apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

The facility has taken measures to provide virtual visits with loved ones, virtual family council meetings, and an enhanced facility website for increased communications during this period of restricted visits.

Screening Efforts

All associates, essential health care vendors and emergent visitors will be screened and documented as directed by CDC and CMS guidance.

Our staff is monitoring residents daily for change in condition, including the presence of elevated temperatures and respiratory illness in our facility. Any residents showing signs consistent with the virus are monitored each shift or more frequently as needed.

Staff are being screened for elevated temperature and respiratory illness prior to and after each shift, and we are requiring staff to stay home if they are sick or display symptoms of the virus.

Mitigating Actions Implemented to Prevent or Reduce the Risk of Transmission

The facility has several measures in place to prevent or reduce the risk of transmission, including, but not all-inclusive, as follows:

• Taking temperature readings for all associates, residents, and essential visitors per CDC guidelines.
• Monitoring for symptoms including respiratory symptoms which may include cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing.
• Suspending non-essential group outings.
• Limiting communal dining as needed.
• Reviewing resident activities on a case-by-case basis to safely provide socialization and engagement opportunities.
• Applying social distancing of six feet for any required group engagement. 
• Consideration to room placement for a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, per CDC guidance.
• Source control for residents to include wearing a facemask or cloth covering per CDC guidance.
• The use of PPE according to CDC guidelines.
• Environmental/cleaning standard facility procedures followed per regulation and guidance.

Reminding those in our facility that they must:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Observe "social distancing" whenever possible.
• Use of a mask as indicated or appropriate.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when sick or when a loved one is sick.
• Cover their cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash hands.

Last updated: May 8, 2020

How has The Laurels worked to stop the potential spread of COVID-19?

• Our facility has been implementing and acting on guidance from external agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Department of Health and Human Services at the state and local level since February 28, 2020.
• We have restricted visitors from entering our facility since the national advisement in mid-March, ceased group activities within the building, and have continually monitored residents and screened staff members and essential external personnel for symptoms according to CDC guidance.
• We are continually monitoring ALL residents for symptoms and changes in conditions.

What happens if a resident tests positive for COVID-19?

• Residents who have tested positive receive supportive care in an appropriate care setting per CDC guidance. If additional treatment for a resident is required, we will transfer to the local hospital and communicate with loved ones accordingly.

Will the facility update me on the status of my loved one during visitation restrictions?

• If you have a loved one who has tested positive, we will communicate with you regularly and keep you apprised of any changes to his or her health. You are also welcome to call or email the facility at any time.
• If you have a loved one who has NOT tested positive, we will contact you if he or she is suspected or diagnosed with COVID-19.

How can I stay in contact with my loved one during visitation restrictions?

• You can send non-urgent messages – photos, updates, letters – to connecttolaurelhealth@laurelhealth.com. A member of our staff checks this email daily and will relay your message to your loved one.
• We also encourage you to contact our facility to set up FaceTime, Zoom and Skype sessions with your loved one.

Why hasn't the facility tested my loved one for COVID-19?

• The attending physician, in conjunction with the county health department, is given ultimate decision authority by CDC and makes the decision on who and who not to test. It is not a decision made by administrative staff at the facility.
• It is important that we share our belief that skilled nursing facilities should be a higher priority for testing; that is, "universal testing" of both residents and staff to truly know the extent of COVID-19 in our community and throughout the state. Testing only those who are symptomatic, as we understand now, is not enough as many people who have the virus can spread it without showing symptoms (asymptomatic).

Does The Laurels have PPE?

• You probably have heard about PPE shortages in the news. PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment. Early on, PPE was in drastic shortages. We have been fortunate that our company has been able to secure PPE, though we have had to wait for what has seemed like a very long time to receive our supplies. With conservative practices in place as identified by CDC, we have PPE. Of course, it never feels like enough, but we have what we need today.
• That being said, we are in support of the goal to make skilled nursing facilities a higher priority for PPE. In lieu of PPE, items like homemade masks, aprons, lab coats, open-back gowns, coveralls, and ponchos – to name a few – can be used as alternatives to provide some level of protection, with CDC guidance and recommendations. We continue to accept donations of these items in the event future PPE shortages arise.

Why are skilled nursing facilities like The Laurels continually in the news?

• Unfortunately, much of what you hear about skilled nursing facilities (or "nursing homes") in the media today is negative. By and large, news outlets are not familiar with our health care setting or the services we provide, and it is reflected in how they report and cover our facilities. Rest assured, our team is full of caring and compassionate individuals who are working day and night to care for our residents and that is our priority.
• We encourage you to follow us on Facebook to see the many positive things happening in our facilities that often go unreported. Our employees remain committed to "exceeding expectations" even in an unprecedented time like this. Please feel free to leave a positive comment of encouragement or even share the positive vibes.

How can I stay informed of what is happening at the facility?

• Please be sure your contact information, including email address, is current. If you need to make changes or confirm your information, please call the facility.
• Periodically visit the facility website to see if there has been new information posted.
• Watch for opportunities to attend virtual gatherings, such as care plan meetings, family council meetings or other activities, some of which may be held by platforms such as Zoom.
• Schedule a window visit or virtual visit with your loved one. Our staff will be happy to assist you.

Last updated: May 8, 2020

At The Laurels, there is nothing we take more seriously than the safety and well being of our guests and our dedicated associates who care for them. We are doing everything in our power to keep your loved ones safe and healthy during this crisis.

Connect with Your Loved One!

• You can send non-urgent messages – photos, updates, letters – to connecttolaurelhealth@laurelhealth.com. A member of our staff checks this email daily and will relay your message to your loved one.
• We also encourage you to contact our facility to set up FaceTime, Zoom and Skype sessions with your loved one.

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LETTER - From CEO M Qazi - 3-15-2020

LETTER - Laurel to Hospital Partners Clarification of Admit Re-Admit Protocol - 4-7-2020

LETTER - The Laurels - Family Communications - 5-8-2020

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Additional Resources

#CareNotCOVID - Share a message of support to our nursing home and assisted living residents

How to Protect Yourself and Others

Medicare Scam Alert - CMS warning to Medicare beneficiaries

Media Statements

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Additional Resources

American Health Care Association COVID-19 Page

Center for Disease Control & Prevention COVID-19 Information

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid COVID-19 Page

Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Page

New York Times COVID-19 Tracker

Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 Page

Ohio Health Care Association COVID-19 Page