COVID-19 FAQ

We have complied a list of some of the most frequently asked questions regarding our response to COVID-19.  If you have any additional questions, please call one of our facilities or email info@lhshealth.com.

New Admission Protocols

What guidelines do you follow to keep all residents and patients safe?

We follow the guidelines that have been developed by the CDC and the local department of health.  We have a dedicated team of corporate nurses who average over 20 years of experience and are continuously reviewing all new guidance in order to incorporate the latest recommendations.  We also participate in a local coalition with hospital leaders from our geographic area.  This zone-based coalition ensures that we have open communication channels with hospital partners regarding local COVID-19 trends and available community resources. 

Will staff be wearing masks and other protective equipment for new admissions?

Yes, when providing direct care to new admissions, our staff wears masks, gowns, face shields and other necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).  We follow the guidance from the CDC regarding PPE use for new admissions, which is designed to keep residents and our staff as safe as possible. 

Isn’t it risky to take new admissions from the hospital or any other location since those patients could have been exposed to COVID-19 prior to the admission?

With the “community spread” that has become prevalent in our area, public places and healthcare institutions could be a potential source of exposure to COVID-19.  We have developed a process to minimize the risk to our long-term residents by limiting exposure to new admissions.  Prior to accepting a new admission, the hospital sends our staff a COVID-19 screen to identify any potential risk factors for that person.  If available, the hospital also performs a COVID-19 test prior to resident admission to our facility.  All new admissions will be monitored for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. New admissions not up to date with vaccinations will be quarantined for the first 10 days of their stay.  Staff providing care in this area follows PPE guidance from the CDC to reduce the risk of cross-contamination to other residents. 

Resident Care & Routines

Do all residents need to wear masks when out of their rooms or during care?

Yes, we encourage all residents to wear masks when out of their rooms or interacting with staff.  We provide surgical masks for those that are able to wear masks safely.  For those residents who are medically confirmed to be unable to wear masks, we encourage them to cover their faces with other safe coverings while receiving care from our staff.  We also encourage all residents to practice social distancing when around other residents.

Cleaning & Disinfection Protocols

How do you clean rooms and areas that have been exposed to COVID-19 and other viruses?

We follow cleaning and sanitation procedures recommended by the CDC.  Our Environmental Services team is dedicated to infection control.  In addition to their regular cleaning schedule, they are more frequently disinfecting high touch areas, like doors, phones and access buttons.
In addition to our regular sanitation procedures, Legacy Health Services has invested in Clorox Total 360 Systems which are available for use after a facility has experienced exposure to COVID-19.  This system features an innovative electrostatic sprayer with a specialized nozzle to evenly disinfect surfaces and objects.  The EPA has identified the Clorox Total 360 as eligible for use against SARS-CoV-2 (the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19) when used properly on hard, nonporous surfaces.  The Clorox Total 360 Disinfectant Cleaner also kills other bacteria and organisms (like influenza, MRSA and norovirus), eliminates odors, sanitizes soft surfaces and inhibits the growth of mold and mildew for up to 7 days.  This one-step disinfecting procedure is a powerful addition to our infection control toolkit.

Limiting the Spread of COVID-19

What measures do you take to try to prevent staff from spreading COVID-19 to residents?

Three of the most important ways that our staff reduces the risk to our residents is by requiring all staff is vaccinated, staying home when they are ill and wearing surgical masks at all times while in the building.  We ask all of our staff to pre-screen before entering the facility to identify whether they are showing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.  Once employees arrive at the facility, they are screened again, including having their temperatures taken.  We have also implemented a screening process for anyone that comes into our facility, like physicians and other healthcare professionals.  Anyone who is showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19, including having a fever, is not permitted to enter our facility.  

Our facility has required all staff to wear medical masks since the middle of March, which is a couple weeks prior to the CDC making it mandatory for nursing homes.  Trying to protect residents from exposure to COVID-19 remains our top infection control priority.

Our Environmental Services team is also dedicated to infection control.  In addition to their regular cleaning schedule, they are disinfecting high touch areas, like doors, phones and access buttons, more frequently.

Our staff participates in regular staff education sessions regarding infection control.  A broad range of topics are covered including how to put on and take off personal protective equipment (PPE), proper handwashing technique and the importance of wearing medical masks at work.  We have also created a staff resource page so they can access accurate, relevant information anytime.

Testing & Treatment for COVID-19

What happens if a resident has symptoms that might be related to COVID-19?

If we have a resident that we suspect may have COVID-19, we have a process that we follow to reduce the risk to other residents.  We immediately isolate that resident and any other potentially exposed residents. We initiate infection control precautions right away, including PPE use that limits the risk of cross-contamination between residents.  These measures help reduce the risk that the virus can be spread to others on the uniforms of our care team. 

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

If a resident tests positive for COVID-19, we follow CDC and the Ohio Department of Health regarding isolation requirements.   

If we have a resident test positive for COVID-19, we begin monitoring all staff and residents more frequently for signs and symptoms of the virus.  We follow the guidance from the local health department on any other necessary control strategies, like further testing, quarantine, or additional PPE use.

What happens if a staff member has symptoms that might be related to COVID-19?

If a staff member has symptoms that may be related to COVID-19 while at work, that person is immediately tested onsite.

What happens if a staff member test positive for COVID-19?

If a staff member tests positive for COVID-19, we follow the guidance of our local health department regarding quarantine.  Our close collaboration with the physicians at the health department help ensure that we are reducing the risk of exposure to our residents. 

If a staff member tests positive for COVID-19, we begin monitoring all staff and residents more frequently for signs and symptoms of the virus.  We follow the guidance from the local health department on any other necessary control strategies, like further testing, quarantine, or additional PPE use.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Do you have personal protective equipment (PPE) for the staff?

Yes.  National personal protective equipment shortages have been highlighted throughout this pandemic.  Legacy Health Services began working very early in the pandemic to secure an adequate supply chain of PPE.  This has been a substantial investment, of both time and financial resources, but has been very beneficial for our staff and residents .  At this time, we have an adequate supply of PPE for our staff to comply with CDC and local health department guidance.  We continue to source new supply chain options so that our supply of PPE remains adequate.

The State of Ohio has created a PPE stockpile to help support congregate living settings, like nursing facilities, who face PPE shortages.  You can read more about this initiative HERE.

Are you accepting cloth mask donations?

Many community members have reached out about donating cloth masks to our facility.  We appreciate all of the support and kindness we have received from our families and the surrounding community.  Our staff is required to wear medical grade masks at all times while in the facility.  If we receive any cloth mask donations, those will be distributed to our residents to wear if they are able. 

Visitation & Drop-offs

When can I visit my loved one?

For information about our outdoor visitation policy, please visit our facility page for the requirements and how to schedule an outdoor visit.  We also offer Skype Virtual Visitation for those who are unable to visit in person.  Details on scheduling a virtual visitation can also be found of our facility page. 

Can I drop things off for my loved one?

We have developed a protocol for deliveries to try to reduce the risk of viral spread.  For more information on our policy regarding drop offs and deliveries, please visit our facility page and look for the Latest News section. 

Other COVID-19 Information

I would like to know how many COVID-19 cases your facility has had- where can I find that information?

As we navigate through this pandemic, we are dedicated to ongoing transparency and communication.  We have created a dedicated page for all Emergency Preparedness Communications, including our current and cumulative COVID-19 case numbers.  You will find a link to that page on our facility landing page- the icon is labeled “Emergency Communications.” On this page, you will also find details about the things we are doing to help reduce the risk of spreading viral illnesses like COVID-19.

Where can I get more information about COVID-19?

There is a lot of information (and misinformation) available about COVID-19 online.  It is important to use trusted sources for COVID-19 information.  For the most accurate, reliable information about COVID-19, please visit the State of Ohio Coronavirus Homepage or the CDC Coronavirus Homepage

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