MN Department of Health Updates

Attached is an update on further guidance from the MN Dept of Health regarding visitation to Rakhma homes during Covid-19 for all non-essential personnel. To date Rakhma has not had any confirmed cases of Covid due in large part to the measures put in place to protect each resident including visitor restrictions. 

file:///C:/Users/brand/Downloads/ltcwindow%20visit.pdf

 The following updates have been made or remain in effect: 

1. Indoor and outdoor visitation with residents is still restricted 

2. Window visitation now allowed by appointment (see attached)

3. Hospice nurses are essential personnel and allowed to make rounds

4. Hospice aids will be evaluated on a case by case basis, in consultation with the affected resident, resident's family, Rakhma RN, and Site Director 

5. All visitors and other individuals (see essential personnel) allowed to enter will be restricted to entering the home through one door

6. Family visitation during and end-of-life situation (actively dying) will be evaluated and approved when appropriate. Precautions will be taken to conduct such visits safely, including following practices for hand hygiene and use of PPE. Individuals with symptoms of a respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat) will not be permitted to enter the home at any time, even in end-of-life situations.

7.  Individuals who are allowed to enter the home will complete Rakhma’s screening process prior to   entering the home.

  Screening includes:

1. Individuals will complete hand hygiene upon entrance to the home.

   1. Individuals will have a temperature taken.

   2. Individuals will be screened for current signs and symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, fever, or any other signs of illness.

   3. Individuals will be asked if they have traveled in the last 14-days. 

   4. If an individual has a temperature of greater than 100.0 degrees F or signs and symptoms of a respiratory infection the individual will be asked to refrain from visiting.

   5. The facility will make an exception to screening for emergency medical services personnel, so they may attend to an emergency without delay.

      Individuals who are allowed to enter the building will:

1. Wear a facemask or facemask alternative while in the home. Rakhma may require individuals to use additional PPE in appropriate situations.

   1. Will be escorted to/from the resident’s room or location in the home.

   2. Limit their access to the resident’s room or Rakhma designated location.

   3. Be reminded to maintain social distancing / refrain from physical contact with residents and others, and to complete hand hygiene frequently while in the home.
      

8.   Rakhma will advise individuals who enter the facility to monitor for signs and symptoms of respiratory infection for at least 14 days after exiting the facility, and to do the following if symptoms occur - self-isolate at home, contact their healthcare provider, and immediately notify Rakhma of the date they were in the facility, the individuals they were in contact with, and the locations within the home they visited. Rakhma will take appropriate actions if it receives such a notification.