Park Manor continues in outbreak status this week. The good news is we have had no additional employees that tested positive for COVID. We also have had no residents test positive for COVID since the outbreak began. Park Manor will be testing residents and staff two times per week for at least the next two weeks. If we have no further positive test results, the outbreak could be discontinued as soon as May 3rd.
Price County’s COVID positivity rate rose to 5.6% this week with 18 positive cases as of April 22nd. We encourage everyone to continue following appropriate COVID infection prevention.
PARK MANOR PASSES HEALTH RECERTIFICATION INSPECTION WITH FLYING COLORS!
Park Manor had its annual health recertification inspection by the state of Wisconsin this week. The six-member survey team from the Eau Claire office of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reviewed all aspects of the care provided to the residents at Park Manor, including resident medical record review, on floor observation, interviews with residents and families and review of policies and procedures that direct Park Manor operations. Park Manor received one minor correction for a system change in our investigation protocol. The survey team was greatly impressed by the infection control system followed by Park Manor and the knowledge each employee has of the residents they care for each day. Thank you to the residents, family members and employees for participating with us in this process!
CHANGE IN EMPLOYEE PPE USE DURING PRICE COUNTY COVID SURGE
Residents and visitors will note a change in staff PPE in the coming weeks. The CDC, CMS and state of Wisconsin now require the use of face shields by staff during periods of COVID surge in their surrounding community. With Price County entering its 4th week of COVID surge (the county is considered at a high level for community transmissions) this change must be implemented. At any level more than a low level, staff will be required to wear face shields, along with their normal facemasks, in all resident areas. This practice will continue until Price County returns to a low level or have no COVID in the county.
VISITOR’S PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT
With the need to follow the core principles of infection prevention at Park Manor, we continue to ask visitors to call ahead and set up a time to visit. We have opened up additional areas at Park Manor and Rivers Edge to allow for three residents at a time to have visitors. Individuals who visit without a pre-scheduled appointment will be able to wait for the next available visit time if there is one available. Please be patient with our nursing staff in the evening and on weekends. They are providing care to your family member, as well as answering the phone and doing visitor health screening and monitoring.
SUPPORT ADDITIONAL FUNDING IN THE STATE BUDGET-SIGN A PETITION
COVID has taken its toll on nursing homes in the last year. That, along with the chronic state underfunding of Medical Assistance (which provides payment for 80% of Park Manor’s resident population) is starting to cripple our industry and threaten the availability of nursing home and rehab care in many communities. This year’s state budget includes an 11% increase in funding for nursing homes. Please show your support for Park Manor by signing a petition to increase the state nursing home budget as proposed. The petition is available when you visit at Park Manor and will be given to residents and family members for support. Thank you!
Feel free to contact Park Manor administration should you have any questions. Also, continue to watch for routine updates at www.parkmanorwi.com or our Facebook page Park Manor Ltd.
