Updated COVID-19 Plan

The health and safety of our patients and personnel is our utmost priority.  Throughout this pandemic, our facility has followed a specific protocol to control the spread of the coronavirus.  Our COVID-19 protocol complies with state and federal guidelines and we deploy additional sanitizing measures on an ongoing basis. Our infection control measures are regularly updated and monitored within the facility.

Visitor restrictions – Visitation is regulated according to the outbreak status of the facility as well as the level of community transmission by the state of Louisiana. When there is not an outbreak and the community transmission rate allows we are having outdoor visitation by appointment. To limit the potential exposure to COVID-19 to our patients, only essential staff and healthcare personnel are allowed entry into the facility. In-person visitation is allowed for instances of compassionate care on a case by case determination. We will notify families and residents as the situation changes.

We know how important it is for families to communicate with their loved ones.  We recommend families work with our staff to schedule virtual visitations via Facetime, Zoom or telephone. 

Entry screenings – Everyone who enters our facility must undergo a temperature check and questionnaire.  Any person with positive symptoms shall be declined entry to the facility. We are providing this protective action in conjunction with the recommendations of the State Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CMS and our Medical Director. Face masks are mandatory for staff at all times at our facility. Patients may remove their face masks while alone in their rooms.

Patient screenings – COVID tests are being administered according to state regulation, also influenced by the level of community transmission.  Patients who test positive are moved to our COVID-19 isolation unit.  Any patients who may have come in contact with a positive individual or may have otherwise been exposed are moved to a dedicated observation unit.  Our staff is trained to detect the early onset of respiratory symptoms.

Employee screenings – All employees submit to daily temperature checks and must complete a daily questionnaire for early detection of symptoms and exposure.  In addition, employees are tested according to state guidelines.

Cancellation of non-emergent appointments – Per the recommendations of the CDC, all non-emergent appointments are canceled. In addition, all off-campus group activities have been cancelled until further notice. We will continue to provide in-house activities to our residents.

Cleaning and Disinfecting – Our facility takes additional steps to disinfect and clean our facility.  These tools go above and beyond what is required of us – it reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting our patients and personnel.

What you can do at home

Everyone in the community also plays a very important role in protecting our residents. Be immunized as soon as the COVID-19 vaccine is available for you. Now and until advised otherwise, continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hands frequently. While elderly people and those with a compromised immune system are especially vulnerable, no one is totally immune from the virus. Taking safety precautions protects everyone.

Research about the transmission of the virus is ongoing. Recent studies suggest that people who are asymptomatic (showing no outward signs of illness) may nonetheless be contagious, making it more important than ever for everyone to take precautions.

To learn more about the symptoms of COVID-19 and how to protect yourself and your family, visit the CDC website.