Author: Amy Lhotka

COVID Update

Good Afternoon –

Please see the results from this week below. You will be notified if any tests return positive.

  • RenVilla – 0 residents and 0 staff tested positive. Conducting surveillance testing only due to no new positives in over 6 weeks.
  • Meadows on Main – 0 tenants and 0 staff tested positive. Conducting surveillance testing only due to no new positives in over 10 weeks.
  • Prairie View – 0 tenants and 0 staff tested positive. Conducting surveillance testing only due to no new positives in over 8 weeks.

We continue to follow recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). As of today, the MDH is not recommending any changes to our visitation process.

Currently, vaccines are being distributed to adults 65 and older, educators, school staff, child care workers, health care workers, and residents and staff of long-term care facilities. We have received many calls requesting information about vaccinations. If you qualify in one of the above categories, please check the state’s online vaccine locations map (https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp) or contact your health care provider about appointment availability. Our staff and residents continue to have opportunities for on-site vaccinations through our pharmacy partnership. Our next clinic dates will be early/mid March.

Minnesota continues to see new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations as MN lessons the restrictions in public areas.  The numbers of cases and attributable deaths are declining as vaccinations roll out. State and local health officials continue to stress social distancing, mask use, and frequent hand washing or sanitizing.

With vaccinations becoming more prevalent, and knowledge that vaccinations are providing a positive impact in reduction of active outbreaks; it is frustrating that use of PPE and visitation constraints must continue within our care centers.  Until the CDC and MDH have supporting science to assure the spread of COVID-19 is reduced with vaccinations, we are required to maintain the same infection control protocol.  

We continue to work with Cami Peterson-DeVries, AGNP on our infection control practices, policies, and emergency management. If you have any questions on this, she can be reached at CPeterson-DeVries@sfhs.org or 320.287.0313.

Thank you,

COVID Update

Good Afternoon –

Please see the results from this week below. You will be notified if any tests return positive.

  • RenVilla – 0 residents and 0 staff tested positive. Conducting surveillance testing only due to no new positives in over 5 weeks.
  • Meadows on Main – 0 tenants and 0 staff tested positive. Conducting surveillance testing only due to no new positives in over 9 weeks.
  • Prairie View – 0 tenants and 0 staff tested positive. Conducting surveillance testing only due to no new positives in over 7 weeks.

We continue to follow recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). As of today, the MDH is not recommending any changes to our visitation process.

MOM, PV, and RenVilla are conducting indoor visits. These visits must be prescheduled. For the safety of our residents and staff we ask that any visitors have a negative COVID test prior to their visit. If you would like to be tested during our routine testing, please reach out to: Deb Vizecky 320.329.4374 (RenVilla), Deb Wertish 320.329.4377 (MOM), Amy Klawitter 320.848.2093 (PV).

Since the start of the pandemic, 3,977 residents of Minnesota’s long term care facilities have died from COVID-19, accounting for 63% of the deaths from the virus statewide. However, last week, Minnesota recorded an average of just 64 new coronavirus cases per day in long-term care settings; the lowest the state has experienced since September! On Tuesday, MDH released more data showing that overall trends are improving, and not just in senior services communities. The state’s positivity rate of testing has fallen to 4%, the lowest rate since June! The rate had peaked at 15.5% in November amid an upsurge in cases.

The drop in new cases is a hopeful sign that the vaccines are starting to provide the protection we need and the infection control protocols put in place are working. Our staff continue to find creative ways to ensure social distancing does not stop social interaction. This week we plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day by various activities per building. Please stay tuned on Facebook to see pictures and updates of events. Please remember with any holiday, we see an increase in virtual visits and indoor visits. Please schedule your visit by Friday with Deb Vizecky 320.329.4374 (RenVilla), Deb Wertish 320.329.4377 (MOM), Amy Klawitter 320.848.2093 (PV).

This week, the Minnesota Association for Geriatrics Inspired Clinicians (MAGIC) launched a new video resource to help providers in our community to address hesitations and misinformation related to the COVID vaccine. MAGIC COVID Vaccination Video was developed to provide accurate and up to date information and dispel myths regarding the vaccine. The goal is to increase vaccination rates, specifically among frontline health care workers, by providing meaningful information from a trusted source that allows them to make an educated decision. Our buildings have all completed the 2nd vaccination clinic. The 3rd clinic will be in early March.

We continue to work with Cami Peterson-DeVries, AGNP on our infection control practices, policies, and emergency management. If you have any questions on this, she can be reached at CPeterson-DeVries@sfhs.org or 320.287.0313.

Thank you

Adopt a Resident :)

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 Delivery of Love this Valentine’s Day ❤️💐💐

A special gift, filled with the love of a community, the heart of a small business, and the passion of employees, will be delivered to residents of Heritage Manor Health Center in Chisholm this Valentine’s Day.

Within 48 hours of the start of “Adopt a Resident” Valentine’s event all residents were adopted and will each receive a beautiful floral arrangement, designed by Mary’s Lake Street Floral of Chisholm, for Valentine’s Day.

“We hope our residents feel the outpouring of love and support from our families, friends, and community during this uncertain time and to know that they are thought of each and every day,” said Tina Janezich, activity director / HR specialist at Heritage Manor.

During a recent marketing meeting, Janezich got the idea to deliver joy in the form of flowers from a facility in southern Minnesota that had done a similar event around Christmas.

“I really wanted to do something special for our residents since COVID has restricted their physical connection with family members and friends and thought this was the perfect way to spread some love throughout our facility and brighten their day,” said Janezich.

“I knew immediately I wanted to team up with Mary (Pogorelc) from Mary’s Lake Street Floral here in Chisholm, but I was unsure if Mary would be able to pull something like this off so close to the holiday, as I know this is a busy time of year for floral shops,” she explained.

However, as soon as Janezich called Pogorelc and shared this idea, she loved it and wanted to collaborate.

For Pogorelc, it means a lot to be part this event and to help bring smiles to people in the community. “When Tina contacted me about this I loved the idea,” said Pogorelc, owner / designer of Lake Street Floral.

Pogorelc wanted to do this because of the impact she knew it could have. She shared a story from a couple years ago when her granddaughters were visiting. They wanted to do something nice, so they created little bouquets and hand delivered them to residents of Guardian Angels of Hibbing where their grandpa is a resident.

“It brought so many smiles and hugs for my granddaughters,” said Pogorelc. “I jumped at this opportunity, knowing how a small gesture could make someone so happy, especially now.”

Another heartwarming aspect is the amazing support from community members who purchased the arrangements to be sent to residents.

After the duo talked about the vision and costs, Pogorelc set up a system for those who wanted to share love this February to call and donate.

Janezich wanted to get the information out on Facebook as soon as possible so they would have adequate time to share this event with families and the community, so she posted as soon as the system was in place.

“By that evening, we had close to 100 shares and over 10,000 views,” said Janezich. “I am just so grateful for the heartwarming support we have received.”

Janezich feels it’s extremely important to give back and support each other. “It’s imperative that we bridge a connection between our residents and the community, especially during these difficult and uncertain times,” she said.

Pogorelc shared similar sentiments. “ (I) would love to do this more during the year,” she said. “It’s very well received by residents.”*

Written by MelissaCox2009@yahoo.con.

97% of Residents have Received At Least 1 Dose of the Moderna Vaccine!

Good Afternoon –

Please see the results from this week below. You will be notified if any tests return positive.

  • RenVilla – 0 residents and 0 staff tested positive. Conducting surveillance testing only due to no new positives in over 4 weeks.
  • Meadows on Main – 0 tenants and 0 staff tested positive. Conducting surveillance testing only due to no new positives in over 8 weeks.
  • Prairie View – 0 tenants and 0 staff tested positive. Conducting surveillance testing only due to no new positives in over 6 weeks.

We continue to follow recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

MOM, PV, and RenVilla are conducting indoor visits. For the safety of our residents and staff we ask that any visitors have a negative COVID test prior to their visit. If you would like to be tested during our routine testing, please reach out to: Deb Vizecky 320.329.4374 (RenVilla), Deb Wertish 320.329.4377 (MOM), Amy Klawitter 320.848.2093 (PV). These visits must be prescheduled.

The CDC released a report that indicates a national average vaccination rate for care center residents of 77.8% and of care center staff, 37.5%. Minnesota is in a category with higher rates for both, with more than 80% of residents and more than 40% of staff. As of Wednesday of this week, 70,049 residents and staff of Minnesota’s long term care centers have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. We are excited to announce that the RenVilla has conducted their second vaccine clinic giving many residents and staff their second dose of the Moderna vaccine! We will be hosting our 2nd clinic at MOM and PV next week. As of today, 97% of RenVilla residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine and RenVilla employees 70%.

This weekend we plan to celebrate Super Bowl Sunday by special activities per building. We want to remind our friends and family that may be participating in Super Bowl activities to please social distance, wear a mask, and wash or sanitize your hands often.

We continue to work with Cami Peterson-DeVries, AGNP on our infection control practices, policies, and emergency management. If you have any questions on this, she can be reached at CPeterson-DeVries@sfhs.org or 320.287.0313.

Thank you,

Casie Knoshal

COVID Update

Good Afternoon –

Please see the results from this week below. You will be notified if any tests return positive.

  • RenVilla – 0 residents and 0 staff tested positive. Conducting surveillance testing only due to no new positives in over 3 weeks.
  • Meadows on Main – 0 tenants and 0 staff tested positive. Conducting surveillance testing only due to no new positives in over 7 weeks.
  • Prairie View – 0 tenants and 0 staff tested positive. Conducting surveillance testing only due to no new positives in over 5 weeks.

We continue to follow recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

MOM and PV are conducting indoor visits. RenVilla will open for indoor visits 2/1. For the safety of our residents and staff we ask that any visitors have a negative COVID test prior to their visit. If you would like to be tested during our routine testing, please reach out to: Deb Vizecky 320.329.4374 (RenVilla), Deb Wertish 320.329.4377 (MOM), Amy Klawitter 320.848.2093 (PV).

This week, MDH health officials contacted a computerized random selection of Minnesotans aged 65 and up, who signed up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Unfortunately, with only 11,700 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to give away, many on this list will not receive the vaccine this week. If you were not contacted on Wednesday, your name will remain on the list for the next round of vaccine distributions. For staff and residents at RHS our next vaccination dates are as follows: RenVilla 2/4, MOM 2/10, PV 2/9.

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and like previous holidays throughout the COVID Pandemic, must be celebrated cautiously. MDH and CDC have not changed guidance regarding residents leaving our care centers during the pandemic and do require residents to quarantine upon return. With any holiday this year, we have seen an increase of visits requested. Please remember to plan ahead and schedule your virtual visit or, if available, indoor visits, with Deb Vizecky 320.329.4374 (RenVilla), Deb Wertish 320.329.4377 (MOM), Amy Klawitter 320.848.2093 (PV) as soon as possible.

We continue to work with Cami Peterson-DeVries, AGNP on our infection control practices, policies, and emergency management. If you have any questions on this, she can be reached at CPeterson-DeVries@sfhs.org or 320.287.0313.

Thank you,

Casie Knoshal

  Administrator

  Renville Health Services

   Phone: (320) 329-4373

   Fax: (320) 329-3678

VACCINATION DAY!

Today was a momentous day for Renville Health Services as RenVilla hosted its 1st vaccination clinic for residents and employees. Thank you Thrifty White Pharmacy for assisting in this process. There was a great turnout, and everything went very smoothly. It must also be said that there was a new and notable sense of hope in the air as we have been eagerly anticipating this day for the past 10 months.

We have prepared a Frequently Asked Questions to help you understand why the vaccine is so important in defeating COVID-19. You can find this along with the Moderna Fact Sheet, on our website at sfhs.org/resources/covid-19/.

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COVID Update

Good Afternoon –

Please see the results from this week’s testing below. You will be notified if any additional tests return positive.

  • RenVilla – 0 residents and 0 staff tested positive. Testing staff weekly (last tested 1/12) due to point-prevalence testing.
  • Meadows on Main – 0 tenants and 0 staff tested positive. We have paused testing at MOM due to no new positives in over 6 weeks.
  • Prairie View – 0 tenants and 0 staff tested positive. We have paused testing at PV due to no new positives in over 4 weeks.

We continue to follow recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

This week, Minnesota is beginning a new COVID-19 vaccine pilot program. There will be nine vaccine sites that will serve persons 65 years of age and older as well as prek-12th grade educators, school staff, and child care workers. All appointments available for the nine sites were immediately booked. These sites will begin administering vaccines at the end of this week.

We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and determination of our community to be vaccinated and help protect our most vulnerable from the COVID-19 virus.  The CDC has released data proving that this Pandemic has disproportionately affected seniors. From May 2020 to August 2020, 78% of COVID-19 deaths were aged 65 and older. As a reminder, our care center will be hosting 3 separate clinics for vaccinations for our staff and residents. Any residents or staff members who were unable to attend the first clinic are encouraged to attend the 2nd and 3rd clinics for their free vaccinations. Our next clinic is on date.

We continue to work with Cami Peterson-DeVries, AGNP on our infection control practices, policies, and emergency management. If you have any questions on this, she can be reached at CPeterson-DeVries@sfhs.org or 320.287.0313.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Casie Knoshal

  Administrator

  Renville Health Services

   Phone: (320) 329-4373

   Fax: (320) 329-3678

COVID Update

Good Afternoon –

Please see the results from this week’s testing below. You will be notified if any additional tests return positive.

  • RenVilla – 0 residents and 0 staff tested positive. Testing staff weekly (last tested 1/12) due to point-prevalence testing.
  • Meadows on Main – 0 tenants and 0 staff tested positive. We have paused testing at MOM due to no new positives in over 6 weeks.
  • Prairie View – 0 tenants and 0 staff tested positive. We have paused testing at PV due to no new positives in over 4 weeks.

We continue to follow recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Please be patient about changes in safety protocols as vaccinations roll out across Minnesota. Even though the vaccine is here, the virus is still being transmitted throughout our state and we need to continue to be cautious to protect the health and well-being of residents and staff.

Until we receive updated guidance from the State, we ask that everyone, even those not connected directly with our care center, continue infection prevention and control practices. Please wear a mask, wash your hands, don’t touch your face when you’re out and stay home if you’re feeling sick.  These measures will help keep the positivity rate low and allow our care center to host safe and socially distanced visitation for residents as able.

We continue to work with Cami Peterson-DeVries, AGNP on our infection control practices, policies, and emergency management. If you have any questions on this, she can be reached at CPeterson-DeVries@sfhs.org or 320.287.0313.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Casie Knoshal

  Administrator

  Renville Health Services

   Phone: (320) 329-4373

   Fax: (320) 329-3678

Falls Prevention

Renville Health Services, an affiliate of St. Francis Health Services of Morris (SFHS), is pleased to announce we were recently awarded a Minnesota Nursing Facility Performance-based Incentive Payment Program (PIPP) grant by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) focused on preventing falls.  The initiative for fall prevention and fall reduction began January 1, 2021 and will continue through December 31, 2022 within our care center and related SFHS’ skilled nursing care centers.

The Falls Prevention Project will provide our care center with additional resources to make positive system improvements to prevent falls for individuals receiving services that is focused on each individual’s preferences and needs.  This program will have three components; expanding falls prevention and person centered education, implementing Safe Being technology, and increasing exercise program opportunities.

The education component of the Falls Prevention Project comes to us with a new partnership with Pioneer Network to expand our work force knowledge of Person Centered/Directed care. Pioneer Network is the national leader for culture change that advocates and builds a culture of aging where individual choices are respected and fosters care that is directed by the person receiving it.  Staff will learn how to better address needs and lifestyle choices to reduce an individual receiving services’ risk for falls. 

In the second part of our Falls Prevention Project, we will be installing Safe Being technology in our care centers.  The Safe Being system provides the capability for real time remote monitoring while respecting the person’s privacy.  Safe Being uses a watch-like device that provides data on lifestyles and daily activities and interprets gestures identifying how/when a resident is moving, eating, drinking and sleeping.  Each person wearing the device will send an alert when there is a change in status or has been identified as being at risk for a potential fall or has fallen. 

The third component of the Falls Prevention Project will be increasing exercise program opportunities such as Bingocize and Otago to improve strength, flexibility, and balance to help reduce falls. 

The Falls Prevention Project is intended to build sustainable practices throughout our care center beyond the original two year grant period.  SFHS is a faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization.  In addition to their skilled nursing care centers, they offer a variety of services that include customized/assisted living, a full range of therapies, senior housing, transitional and skilled nursing care, and behavioral and residential programs throughout the State of Minnesota.

1st Doses of Vaccine Administered!

Good Morning –

Please see the results from this week’s Surveillance Testing below. You will be notified if any additional tests return positive.

  • RenVilla – 0 residents and 0 staff tested positive. Testing staff weekly due to county positivity.
  • Meadows on Main – 0 tenants and 0 staff tested positive. We will pause testing at MOM due to no new positives in over 5 weeks.
  • Prairie View – 0 tenants and 0 staff tested positive. We will pause testing at PV due to no new positives in over 3 weeks.

We continue to follow recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

We are bringing in the New Year with new hope and excitement. We will administer our first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in our buildings. RenVilla’s 1st vaccination clinic for RenVilla staff and residents through Thrifty White Pharmacy is today, 1/7/2020. MOM and PV staff have already started receiving the vaccine through Olivia Hospital and Clinic, and MOM and PV tenants will be vaccinated in house through Renville County Public Health soon. When a date is received for vaccination clinics at MOM and PV, we will inform tenants and families. Our next vaccination clinic for RenVilla will be approximately 28 days after the 1st clinic. Staff member, Robin Feldman, who has been eagerly awaiting the COVID-19 vaccine says, “I’m getting the vaccine, and there is a reason behind it. I’ve seen what it [C-19] can do. I sat on pins and needles for 30 days not knowing if he was going to make it, and he is still in the hospital.”

We have prepared a Frequently Asked Questions to help you understand why the vaccine is so important in defeating COVID-19. You can find this along with the Moderna Fact Sheet, on our website at sfhs.org/resources/covid-19/. If you have any other concerns or questions, please contact Kayla Fitzner, ADON/Infection Control Specialist at (320) 329-4386.

We will continue following our infection prevention and control practices along with the latest guidance from MDH and CDC regarding safe visiting for our residents. As of today, RenVilla, MOM, and PV plan to open for indoor visits on 1/18/2020. Please read the attached documents for further information regarding indoor visitation. When sharing information with friends/family regarding visitation, please provide them the attached documents as well. We will continue regular communication with our residents, friends and family on our COVID response, visitation guidelines and testing results.

We continue to work with Cami Peterson-DeVries, AGNP on our infection control practices, policies, and emergency management. If you have any questions on this, she can be reached at CPeterson-DeVries@sfhs.org or 320.287.0313.