Coronavirus (COVID-19) Protocol Update
We know many of you are concerned about the spread of COVID-19 (the new coronavirus) and how it may impact us here at The Fountainview Center for Alzheimer’s Disease. Ensuring residents are cared for in a safe and healthy environment is our first priority. At this time, we don’t have any cases in our center. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended a variety of steps that we are implementing to help reduce the potential for the virus to enter our center. However, we need your help in battling COVID-19. Below are some examples of how you can help protect the residents, as well as prevent the spread throughout the community.
At this time, we request that family and friends do not visit the center. Out of an abundance of caution, we are limiting all visitors to our facility unless absolutely necessary. We are posting signs on our entryway doors to notify visitors of this policy and actively screening individuals, including staff, who need to come into the building.
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 calls or emails passed along through a staff member. If you believe a visit to the center is necessary, we request that you contact Julius Freeman, Director of Nursing or Tedd Watts, Executive Director prior to your arrival.
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 Melissa Perry, Director of Resident & Family Services with your updated contact information.
Our center is following the recommendations of the CDC on prevention steps, including following strict handwashing 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 center is in close contact with the local and state health department, and we are following their guidance.
Reason We are Restricting Individuals from Entering our Building
The current COVID-19 outbreak situation means that it is critical that we take every precaution possible. We must prevent this virus from entering our center. Protecting our residents’ health and safety is our top priority.
The CDC has done a careful review of the death rate in the elderly, especially those with dementia or chronic diseases. Experts are recommending we take action to limit individuals from entering our building and to ensure sick employees stay home.
Early data shows that
- The mortality rate for people over 80 in the general population is 15% in China.
- The World Health Organization report estimates the mortality rate at 21.9% for those over 80.
- At the nursing home in Washington state, there have been 50 residents who have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. As of March 9, 2020, 19 of those have died. This is a high death rate.
There is a risk that people who appear healthy will enter nursing homes and infect residents. Studies of past viral epidemics where recommending prevention was delayed were not effective. These studies show that the sooner we limit interactions with each other and wash your hands frequently virus spreads more slowly.
These facts have led many to recommend severe limitations on visitors. This describes why we have taken this action now.
We hope this explains to you why we are asking people to limit their visits. This may prevent you from physically seeing your family member or friend. Our residents’ health and safety are our top concern. We are committed to doing everything we can to protect them.
We will notify you if any residents or staff are diagnosed with COVID-19. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our center at: (404) 325-7994.
For additional information, please visit the CDC’s coronavirus disease information page.