COVID-19 – Spring Forked

Spring Oak Assisted Living of Forked River

“Outbreak Plan”

Edited 11/2/2020

In accordance with the Executive Directive No. 20-026, the following is an outline of the facility’s “Outbreak Plan” for initiating a Phased Reopening:

Email, call, and/or mail staff, residents and/or representatives from collected contact information on all changes in standardized community practices, policies and procedures, and operations during infectious disease outbreaks.
Email, call, and/or mail all residents and/or representatives from collected contact information at least once a week regarding resident updates and changes in visitation.
Adjust standard policy and procedures to reflect virtual communication for all resident’s loved ones/representatives in lieu onsite visitation in the event of infectious disease outbreak.
If necessary, we will solidify an agreement with and staffing agency company to assist with replacement staff during an infectious disease outbreak.
Post this “outbreak plan” to out facility’s website for public view.
Post company’s contact telephone number on website and social media sites belonging to the facility.
Include optional virtual visitation choices to all resident families/loved ones or representatives with all monthly invoice distribution.
Continually request any changes to resident, resident family/loved ones and representatives contact information, while keeping an ongoing, updated list on hand for quick access.
We have assigned dedicated staff members to manage all incoming and outgoing calls, and virtual visitation regarding general operation status, changes in visitation, etc.
Provide resident’s family/loved ones and/or representatives with weekly virtual “office hours” through gathered contact information/monthly invoice distribution, enabling them to get all questions or updates regarding the community.
Update facility website and/or social media sites weekly with any pertinent data in accordance with the Executive Directive No. 20-026 .
Facility acknowledges that advancing from one phase to another, staffing must be sufficient with no shortages or currently operating under a contingency or crisis staffing plan as defined by the CDC.
Acknowledge ongoing, weekly testing of Covid-19 for all staff
Retesting for any staff or resident that becomes newly symptomatic consistent with Covid-19.
All newly admitted residents will be quarantine into the appropriate “Transmission- Based” precaution to prevent transmission to others in the facility.
Facility will continue to report testing data through NJHA.
Provide ongoing training to staff and residents about Covid-19, current precautions being taken, and protective actions. Facility will encourage social distancing with physical separation.
Facility acknowledges the requirement to have one individual with training in infection prevention and control employed or contracted on a full-time basis or part-time basis to provide on-site management of IPC program.
Facility has 2 months’ supply PPE in stock.
Facility has an adequate supply cleaning and disinfection supplies.
Facility will continue to screen and log all persons entering the building to include temperature checks, completion of attestation questionnaire, visits to States that appear on the designated list that are under quarantine.
Facility staff will observe anyone entering the facility for any signs or symptoms of Covid-19.
Facility will prohibit any individual that they have assessed as not meeting the “safe” criteria of “Covid-19 free”.
Facility shall only allow essential staff inside the facility unless and a resident’s end of life situation is prevalent.
When the facility enters phase 1, the residents will start communal dining and group activities. Social distancing & strict cleaning procedures will be practiced in accordance with CDC guidelines.
When the facility enters phase 2, the community will begin limited indoor visitation in accordance with executive directive no. 20-026 pgs. 16-19. Infection protection screening, PPE, instruction on hand hygiene, limiting surfaces touched, use of PPE, location of hand hygiene stations will be provided to all visitors prior to visitation.

Social distancing & strict cleaning procedures will be practiced in accordance with CDC guidelines.

EMERGENCY STAFFING CONTINGENCY
In the event of an emergency or when staffing shortages are anticipated, the Administrator or
designee will make the decision to utilize emergency staffing strategies as necessary to provide
for care and treatment of residents.
1. In case of an anticipated or an emergency staffing shortage, administrator or designee will
communicate with local Board of Health.
2. Employees in the facility will be notified of the decision to utilize emergency staffing
strategies.
3. The facility will adjust staff schedules, hiring additional HCP, and rotating HCP to positions
that support patient care activities.
4. Cancel all non-essential procedures and visits.
5. Attempt to address social factors that might prevent HCP from reporting to work such as
transportation or housing if HCP live with vulnerable individuals.
6. Identify additional HCP to work in the facility. Be aware of state-specific emergency waivers
or changes to licensure requirements or renewals for select categories of HCP.
7. Request that HCP postpone elective time off from work.
8. Administrator or designee will contact staffing agencies to secure staff.
9. Remove tasks from the nursing department that does not need to be completed by a CNA or
nurse including but not limited to passing out water, answering call bells, passing out snacks
and designate these tasks to alternate employees such as recreation or housekeeping.
10. Unit Clerks will assist on the unit as well as other staff within the scope of their practice.
11. Nursing Administration (DON, Supervisors) may need to work on the units as needed.
12. Social Services/Activities/Concierge and Administration to assist on the units as necessary
i.e. answering phone calls, call bells, passing out meal trays etc.
13. Dietary may utilize paper goods in order to free staff to assist in other areas.
14. Utilizing agency staff as necessary.
15. Utilizing emergency waivers or changes to licensure requirements as appropriate.
In addition, the following measures will be put in place:
• Facility will contract with healthcare recruiters for low level staff.
• Facility will reach out to schools and colleges for new CNA and nurse graduates.
• Monetary compensation will be in effect as necessary.
• All department heads can be mandated to work 7 days a week for the duration of the crisis.
• Licensed aids and nurses in other departments (i.e. admissions, liaisons etc.) will be mandated
to work on the floors.
• Aggressive recruiting and ads will be placed to attract new staff.
• Any additional measures needed will be considered on a day to day basis.
Crisis capacity strategies include:
a. Implementing regional plans to transfer patients with infectious disease, including COVID-19
to alternate care sites with adequate staffing.
b. Implementing criteria to allow HCP with suspected or confirmed infectious disease, including
COVID-19 who have not met Return to Work Criteria to work, in accordance with CDC guidlines.

In the event that any Resident or Power-of-Attorney should have a pressing concern related to COVID-19, please contact the Facility Executive Director at (609) 242-2661
or email cdifiore@springoak.net