Learn How One Nursing Home Has Navigated the Many Chapters of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Executive Summary:

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the most vulnerable populations residing in congregate settings, nursing homes. As of January 2021, there have been more than 570,626 cumulative resident confirmed cases and 112,388 deaths in nursing homes reported, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Vernon Manor Health Care Center, a 5-Star rated 120-bed skilled nursing facility located in a suburban area in Connecticut, was not exempt from being affected by the COVID-19 virus. However, early pandemic planning in February 2020 ahead of the first detected case in Connecticut was key to early preparedness, which led to nine months of being a COVID-naïve facility. Analyzing the infection trends from a global market and the first known cases at a nursing home in Seattle was important to stay current with data that would impact a congregate setting. Although little was known about the transmission of the virus and how to mitigate spread early in the pandemic, it was clear that having a plan was vital to ensure the safety of the residents and staff. Developing a SWOT analysis, collaborating with stakeholders and vendors for resources, monitoring local and national related metrics, and education were key measures. Emergency preparedness resulted in minimal casualties and ensuring safety measures were maintained during this period. Vaccinations and herd immunity will eventually provide an invisible safety net to ensure residents and staff are protected and transitioning to the path of a new normalcy. This White Paper will review Vernon Manor’s COVID-19 “chapters” and best practices for Quarter 1 of 2021.