That put a new focus on the facilities, where some of the state’s most vulnerable population lives. More than 5,300 residents over a six-week span (April 15 to May 27) contracted the highly contagious virus throughout the state, according to the Ohio Department of Health. More than 1,000 of those residents have died, the state reported.
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In Butler County, 64 residents contracted the virus while at a nursing home or assisted living facility, and 13 have died. There have been 30 staff members at these facilities who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
DeWine said last week the state will boost testing at these facilities with the help of the Ohio National Guard beginning on Monday. As that happens, facility operators throughout the area are focusing on safety while working to contain any cases.
Chamika Poole, administrator of the Butler County Care Facility in Hamilton, said state and federal recommendations have helped her team works to be “diligent” in implementing the protocols and the staff works to stay on top of all the changes as they are announced. Poole said they’ve stressed several protocols, especially the universal precautions like hand-washing, cleaning and disinfection.
The facility has not seen any positive cases, according to state data.
“We are also lucky to have the support from many in Butler County, who have contributed to our safety with donations of supplies, and (personal protection equipment), as well as other agencies that help support us with managing information and resources,” she said. “Additionally, we were able to close the doors to non-essential workers very early on in the national guidance.”
The Care Facility, like other facilities, has implemented a check-in policy, including screening questions, a symptom check and a temperature check. The facility also screens packages.
“As we navigate through this pandemic, it has definitely been a team effort,” Poole said. “I hope that continues and that we will remain cautious, and continue to make great decisions.”
ODH has required long-term care facilities develop their own infectious disease plan to follow. Spokeswoman Melanie Amato said facilities can receive assistance with resources and guidance from the local health department.
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DeWine said addressing safety within long-term care facilities is “a very difficult issue” because officials know the consequences if COVID-19 spread in nursing homes.
“We’re trying to do everything we can to keep COVID out of the nursing homes, but we know people are suffering by not having these visits,” DeWine said Thursday.
Visitation is a common question among those families and guests at long-term care facilities, including StoryPoint, one of Butler County’s newest assisted living facilities on Gilmore Road in Fairfield Twp.
Irina Olgart, StoryPoint director of marketing, said the facility “goes beyond” the protocols called on by the ODH and CDC, including a preventative maintenance process that involves each facility department disinfecting and sanitizing high-traffic areas three times per day with CDC-recommended cleaning products.
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“Early on, we formed a designated internal team that’s dedicated to providing routine updates around COVID,” she said. “We are closely watching the state’s executive orders and building a phased approach into our new reality of the world around the pandemic. We will continue to act with an abundance of caution as we organize activities, experiences, and future visitations to maintain resident safety while keeping them connected to the community.”
The coronavirus has forced many to turn to virtual meetings and events, and nursing homes and assisted living facilities have done the same.
“We have technology set in place for them to connect with their loved ones during this time,” Olgart said.
Chamika Poole, administrator of the Butler County Care Facility in Hamilton, said state and federal recommendations have helped her team works to be “diligent” in implementing the protocols and the staff works to stay on top of all the changes as they are announced. Poole said they’ve stressed several protocols, especially the universal precautions like hand-washing, cleaning and disinfection.
The facility has not seen any positive cases, according to state data.
“We are also lucky to have the support from many in Butler County, who have contributed to our safety with donations of supplies, and (personal protection equipment), as well as other agencies that help support us with managing information and resources,” she said. “Additionally, we were able to close the doors to non-essential workers very early on in the national guidance.”
The Care Facility, like other facilities, has implemented a check-in policy, including screening questions, a symptoms check and a temperature check. The facility also screens packages.
“As we navigate through this pandemic, it has definitely been a team effort,” Poole said. “I hope that continues and that we will remain cautious, and continue to make great decisions.”
ODH has required long-term care facilities develop their own infectious disease plan to follow. Spokeswoman Melanie Amato said facilities can receive assistance with resources and guidance from the local health department.
DeWine said addressing safety within long-term care facilities is “a very difficult issue” because officials know the consequences if COVID-19 spread in nursing homes.
“We’re trying to do everything we can to keep COVID out of the nursing homes, but we know people are suffering by not having these visits,” DeWine said Thursday.
Visitation is a common question among those families and guests at long-term care facilities, including StoryPoint, one of Butler County’s newest assisted living facilities on Gilmore Road in Fairfield Twp.
Irina Olgart, StoryPoint director of marketing, said the facility “goes beyond” the protocols called on by the ODH and CDC, including a preventative maintenance process that involves each facility department disinfecting and sanitizing three times a day high traffic areas with CDC-recommended cleaning products.
“Early on, we formed a designated internal team that’s dedicated to providing routine updates around COVID,” she said. “We are closely watching the state’s executive orders and building a phased approach into our new reality of the world around the pandemic. We will continue to act with an abundance of caution as we organize activities, experiences, and future visitations to maintain resident safety while keeping them connected to the community.”
The coronavirus has forced many to turn to virtual meetings and events, and nursing homes and assisted living facilities have done the same.
“We have technology set in place for them to connect with their loved ones during this time,” Olgart said.
COVID-19 & LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
Out of the 1,073 Ohioans who died in a long-term care facility between April 15 and May 27, 13 were Butler County residents. Over that same time, 5,324 residents and 2,438 staff members were diagnosed with COVID-19 while at an Ohio nursing home and assisted-living facility — 64 and 30, respectively, were in Butler County. Listed are total resident and staff cases as of May 27:
Assisted-living
Barrington of West Chester: 1 total resident case and no staff cases
Fairfield Pavilion: No resident cases and 1 total staff case
Fairfield Place: 5 total resident cases and 3 total staff cases
Garden Maner Care Center: No resident cases and 1 total staff case
StoryPoint: 6 total resident cases and no staff cases.
Nursing homes
Doverwood: 1 total resident case and no staff cases.
Garden Manor Care Center: 13 total resident cases and 8 total staff cases
Heritage Springs: 6 total resident cases and 6 total staff cases
Takoda Trails: 2 total resident cases and no staff cases
The Knolls of Oxford: 1 total resident case and no staff cases
Tri-County Extended Care: 28 total resident cases and 11 total staff cases
Woodridge: 1 total resident case and no staff cases
Source: Ohio Department of Health
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