PARIS, TN – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, (CMS), who license and govern nursing home facilities, announced critical new measures designed to keep America’s nursing home residents safe from the COVID-19 virus.
It is CMS’s latest action to protect America’s seniors, who are at highest risk for complications from COVID-19. They state, “While visitor restrictions may be difficult for residents and families, it is an important temporary measure for their protection.”
These are our four newest directives:
- Restricting all visitors, effective immediately. The exception is hospice end-of-life situations if the family member is equipped with personal protective equipment such as masks and is restricted to one room.
- Restricting all volunteers and nonessential health care personnel.
- Cancelling all group activities and communal dining.
- Implementing active screening of residents and health care personnel for fever and respiratory symptoms.
Please be assured that Henry County Healthcare Center and Plumley Rehab is following all of these restrictions. CMS understands the vital importance of keeping nursing home residents connected with their loved ones. However, the rapid spread of COVID-19 and its transmission through visitors and health care workers – as well as nursing home residents’ high risk – has made it necessary to restrict nonessential visitation in order to protect the health and safety of residents.
HCHC is still continuing with the one point of entry for all staff which is the sliding glass doors at Plumley Rehab. Additionally, all HCHC staff is being assessed every time they enter the facility with questions and their temperature taken.
At HCHC, we understand that connecting with your loved ones is incredibly important, and there are a variety of other ways you might consider communicating with them. These may include telephone, email, text, video chat or social media.
If you have loved ones at HCHC, please make sure we have your most current, emergency contact information. We want to make sure we efficiently communicate with you should there be any new developments. Please reach out to Sean Taylor, LSW at 731-644-8930 or Sandra Ray, Administrator with your updated contact information.
Henry County Healthcare Center is following the recommendations of the CDC on prevention steps, including following strict hand-washing procedures, and in many circumstances, wearing gowns and gloves when interacting with residents who present symptoms. We also are staying up-to-date with the CDC recommendations as they may continue to change. In addition, our facility is in close contact with the local and state health department, and we are following their guidance.
“This is an unprecedented situation and we assure you that we are aware that this is difficult for every resident, family member and healthcare worker,” said Sandra Ray, HCHC Administrator.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our facility. We will direct you to a staff member who can talk with you regarding any concerns. The primary number to the facility is 731-642-5700. For additional information, please visit the CDC’s coronavirus disease information page.
How you can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses such as Coronavirus:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then discard in a trash.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
HCMC is making every effort to educate and inform the public on ways to remain healthy through our website and our social media outlets, including specifically rigorous and frequent handwashing. Please check back often for updates including a section dedicated to COVID-19.
To learn more, go to our website at www.hcmc-tn.org or go to the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html
About Henry County Healthcare Center
Henry County Healthcare Center is a 136-bed facility providing skilled and intermediate care with an emphasis on rehabilitation services through the Plumley Rehabilitation Center located at 239 Hospital Circle in Paris. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.
About Henry County Medical Center
Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Additionally, HCMC owns and operates 8 provider clinics in various specialties. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.