Family members of residents in a New Jersey nursing home who died from COVID-19 expressed outrage and said they were appalled at a sign the facility recently posted that declared, “We beat COVID-19.”
The Coronavirus caused the deaths of about 25 residents in the nursing home, and two other neighboring facilities reportedly had 195 residents and 53 employees who contracted the virus, and 27 of those residents died.
A spokeswoman for the company operating the nursing homes reported that the facility posting the sign had been asked to remove it and extend apologies to those who were offended and hurt.
The facilities, while currently free of COVID-19 cases, are continuing to admit new residents into a quarantine unit where they are tested on admission day, day four, and day 12 of their 14-day monitoring quarantine. They are also screened for symptoms every eight hours during their quarantine.
Compliance Perspective
Issue: While it is understandable for a facility to feel a sense of triumph after becoming COVID-19 free, exuberant outward expressions and posted signs may seem insensitive and inappropriate to the family members and friends of residents who have died as a result of COVID-19. This may actually be misleading considering facilities are still having to deal with the potential of COVID-19 infections and the continued requirement to follow the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
Discussion Points:
- Review policies and procedures involving communication with families and signage, particularly in the midst of a serious outbreak like COVID-19 where residents in nursing homes represent the most vulnerable population segment.
- Train staff regarding effective communication across all shifts and between staff, residents, family, and representatives.
- Periodically audit to ensure that the facility is following required guidelines for communicating and reporting of COVID-19 infections to the CDC and to the residents, families, and representatives.
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