We are pleased to announce that revised federal regulations regarding visitation guidelines for nursing homes have been issued by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS). As you know, visitation has slowly been opening up to pre-COVID practices. Based on the new federal guidelines that we received, we will now be allowing visitation for all Residents.
The federally issued Core Principles of COVID Infection Prevention are still in place, and must be followed by anyone entering the facility, including families and visitors. These principles are found below and are posted throughout our facility. These principles must be adhered to at all times. Visitors who are unable or unwilling to adhere to these core principles of infection prevention will not be allowed to visit and will be asked to leave should they be found in violation of these practices.
Visits no longer must be scheduled in advance or limited in duration. Large gatherings should be avoided including when a large number of visitors are in the same space and the physical distancing principle cannot be maintained. Residents may go out on pass with family members but are cautioned to avoid gatherings or other activities that pose an elevated risk of disease transmission.
While we are excited to offer the newly approved open visitation, we want to proceed with educated caution, maintaining the priority of resident and staff safety. We are asking you to partner with us to provide visitation in the safest manner possible. Please call the facility should you have any questions regarding the newest visitation regulations.
Bedford Care Centers thank you for the privilege of caring for your loved one.
Core Principals of COVID-19 Infection Prevention If you are POSITIVE for COVID-19 you CANNOT VISIT or if you are experiencing any signs or symptoms related to COVID-19 you will not be allowed to visit.
• Screening of all who enter the center for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., temperature checks, questions about and observations of signs or symptoms), and denial of entry of those with signs or symptoms or those who have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 infection in the prior 14 days (regardless of the visitor’s vaccination status) • Hand hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand rub is preferred) • Face covering or mask (covering mouth and nose) • Social distancing at least six feet between persons • Instructional signage throughout the center and proper visitor education on COVID19 signs and symptoms (cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, severe headache nausea, loss of smell or taste, fever of over 100 degrees) infection control precautions which are sanitizing hands before and after visits, limit any contact, remain 6ft apart, keep face mask on at all times, and other applicable center practices which are below. • Cleaning and disinfecting high-frequency touched surfaces in the center often • Appropriate use from all persons of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) • Effective cohorting of residents (e.g., separate areas dedicated to COVID-19 care) • Resident and staff testing conducted as required at 42 CFR § 483.80(h) (see QSO20- 38-NH) These core principles are consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for nursing homes, and should be adheredto at all times.
Visitors who are unable or unwilling to adhere to the core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention as stated above will not be permitted to visit and will be asked to leave if they fail to comply with these principles.
MONROE HALL STATEMENT IN REGARD TO PRESS RELEASE BY MSDH RE: Variant Strains of COVID found in Forrest County
Earlier this week, the Mississippi Department of Health issued a statement regarding the discovery of a variant strain of COVID-19 in local nursing homes, including Bedford Care Center – Monroe Hall. In following the strict state and federal regulations regarding the testing of nursing facilities, all employees and Residents of this home are routinely tested for COVID -19. During testing several vaccinated persons were found to be positive for COVID-19. The Administrator, in collaboration with the Medical Director, determined that this was an extremely unusual situation and needed further investigation. The facility promptly notified the Mississippi Department of Epidemiology as well as the Mississippi Department of Health to alert them of their findings.
The facility took immediate action and was able to assess, isolate and contain this situation effectively in a matter of just a few days. The majority of these cases exhibited minimal or no symptoms and were able to be managed within the nursing facility. Residents have since transitioned to the recovery phase.
Continued testing has revealed no further positive cases in the past nine days.
As a result of these positive cases, Bedford Care Center – Monroe Hall has undergone an infection control survey by the Mississippi Department of Health. This inspection revealed the facility was compliant in all areas of infection control and there were NO deficient practices found within the center. In addition, the facility was visited by a federal CMS representative who is an infection control specialist who was very complimentary of how the facility managed this situation. Robert Perry, Administrator of Bedford Care Center Monroe Hall stated, “I am very proud of how our staff has utilized their training and knowledge to manage this situation in a very effective manner.”
Bedford Care would like to thank this center, and all of our centers, for being proactive and knowledgeable regarding Coronavirus. Bedford Care Centers have taken every known precaution to safeguard our Residents and our staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are proud of the fearless dedication shown by all of our employees at each of our Bedford Care Centers. We also thank our Residents and their families for the support and the trust they have shown us over the past 25 years and especially during the recent unprecedented pandemic.
Each of our centers has been directly impacted by COVID-19. We know that everyone in the community has felt the devastating effects as well. Our goal is to go forward stronger and smarter than before. We know that COVID will not go away but is rather something that we will have to manage, combat, and control. However, our mission to Honor, Nurture and Care for our elders will not waiver.
National Skilled Nursing Home Week
May 9-15, 2021 is National Skilled Nursing Week and we are celebrating all week long. For more information about National Skilled Nursing Home Week please visit www.ahcancal.org/Education-Events/Pages/NSNCW.aspx
March 24, 2021
INDOOR VISITATION IS NOW OPEN
We are so excited to announce that our Centers are now open for indoor visitation. In an effort to keep our Residents Covid-Free, we have implemented visitation guidelines that are posted below for your convenience. Call your Bedford Care Center to schedule a visit today!
January 26th, 2021
Many of our Bedford Care Center Staff and Residents began receiving the 2nd dose of the Coronavirus Vaccine. Our Bedford Staff have done a wonderful job organizing our "Vaccine Clinics" in order to get everyone vaccinated safely and effectively. We are looking forward to seeing the results of these efforts and hopefully transitioning to a more normal day to day life soon!
January 19th, 2021
Bedford Care Center have officially started receiving Covid- 19 Vaccinations today! Our clinics began at Bedford Alzheimers Care and Administrator Pam Kelly was the very first in the Center to be vaccinated!
March 17, 2020 Press Release Bedford Care Centers Our Response to Covid19
As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak continues to evolve, Bedford Care Centers would like to keep our Residents’ families, loved ones and the general public informed of our efforts during this difficult time . According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the health risk of COVID-19 for the general public in the United States is currently low. However, just as with influenza and other viral infections, older adults and some individuals with preexisting medical conditions are at an increased risk for more severe illness . Due to the increased risk for our population, and in compliance with guidance from Centers for Disease Control, Mississippi State Department of Health, and the Mississippi State Health Officer, Bedford Care Centers are restricting visitors to all centers until further notice. Each Center has been equipped with additional computers and iPads offering alternative visitation opportunities including FaceTime and Skype. You may also schedule appointments with your center to deliver personal items at the door for your Resident. In addition to these precautions, essential employees and vendors are being screened for illness prior to entering the building. As of March 17th, 2020 there are no cases of Covid-19 in any of our eight Bedford Care Centers among Residents or employees. Director of Long-Term Care Operations, Lisa Bean stated “Our Centers are dedicated to the health and wellness of our Residents and are working diligently to keep Covid-19 at bay. While we realize that our no-visitation policy creates a hardship for our Residents and their families, it is a necessary reality. We encourage all of our Residents’ families and loved ones to take advantage of our alternative visitation opportunities at this time.”
BCC Administrators recently received awards from the Mississippi Nursing Home Association for their years of service in long-term care. Congratulations to our wonderful BCC Administrators on a job well done!