COVID-19 Response

EmpRes remains up-to-date on screening requirements per the CDC, CMS, and State and local guidelines:

• Screening of employees and essential healthcare workers occurs at least every shift.
• Screening of residents occurs at least daily and in most cases every shift.
• Centers have implemented a two-step screening process for anyone visiting the Center, whether for essential healthcare visits, maintenance, or other needs. Workers are screened by phone and are then routed to a designated screening station for temperature checks before being allowed into resident areas.
• EmpRes locations have also adopted the latest technology to aid in the screening process and identify possible exposure risks to residents and staff.
  

Residents

Resident testing occurs in accordance with CDC, CMS, and State and local guidelines when testing is available.

Employees

Staff testing occurs in accordance with CDC, CMS, and State and local guidelines when testing is available.

We remain confident that our screening processes, combined with our prevention measures, are safeguarding both our residents and employees.

Our centers continue to work alongside State and local officials to strengthen measures aimed at combating the spread of the virus:

• Face coverings are provided to residents to be worn during direct care, while out of their room, and during transportation to/from essential healthcare appointments.
• Staff and essential visitors are provided with surgical masks and/or N95 masks. All direct caregivers wear N95 masks and other personal protective equipment in accordance with CDC guidelines.
• EmpRes locations continue to enforce safe social distancing measures. All group activities and communal dining have been suspended.
• Per CDC, CMS, and State and local guidelines, non-essential visitation has been restricted.
• Because we know the virus can be active and transmit to others even when they may not have any symptoms, all new admissions are placed in an isolation status to reduce the likelihood of exposure to others within the center. This allows us to monitor new admissions for signs and symptoms for the first 14 days of their stay.
• We’re working with our medical providers to find alternative aerosol medications since these types of order administrations can aid in the spread of viruses. If a resident is prescribed an aerosol medication, we will work directly with the medical provider to identify a safe and alternative medication.
• In the event that a positive COVID-19 case is present at one of our locations, quarantine precautions to prevent the spread are immediately implemented. Plastic barriers, additional personal protection equipment, and added infection control processes are adopted.
• In some cases, our policies and procedures may be stricter than the health department, the CDC, and CMS. This is in an effort to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect our residents, resident family, staff, and communities.

• Since the onset of COVID-19, the EmpRes Executive team has hosted daily calls with Center leadership teams. Topics of these calls range from policy and procedure updates to wearing personal protective equipment safely.
• Additionally, EmpRes locations continue to utilize our learning management platform to ensure owners remain up-to-date on clinical processes, infection control measures, and much more.
• EmpRes has also implemented communication channels for employees to ask questions related to our preparedness and response to COVID19. These questions are responded to by the Executive leadership team, making sure everyone is receiving the guidance and education needed in every area of the organization.

We’ve implemented several communication methods to keep resident family members and loved ones informed about everything EmpRes is doing to protect our residents, employee-owners, and communities:

• In March 2020, a letter that outlined our initial response to COVID-19  was sent to resident family members and Power of Attorneys from our CEO.
• Automated phone calls to resident family members and Power of Attorneys with a detailed message outlining our response to COVID-19 were completed in March and again in June.
• An EmpRes Hotline was created for families to call in the event they have questions about our processes or procedures: 1-855-931-1341
• Company webpages and social media pages have been updated to provide visitors with up-to-date information about our response to COVID-19.
• In the event testing occurs, and/or a positive case of COVID-19 is identified, all residents, resident family members, and staff within the center are notified.
• In the event multiple staff members or residents experience COVID-19 symptoms within a 72-hour time period, all residents, resident family members, and staff within the center are notified.
• EmpRes has also recently adopted new mobile technology to aid in communicating with residents and their loved ones.

Since the beginning of the pandemic we’ve continued to work with county and state health departments as necessary. As we identify areas of opportunity, immediate changes are implemented, policies are updated, and education across the company is provided. All of our locations are following the most up-to-date policies and procedures as recommended by the CDC and CMS.

EmpRes realizes the value of family and other loved ones’ interaction as part of the healing process.

To lessen the impact of the visitation restrictions, all locations have increased their technology services in order to support remote visits:

• Skype, FaceTime, and other mobile applications are utilized during family and other loved ones visits.
• Visitors continue to be welcomed to visit through closed windows at our centers.
• Per CDC guidelines, EmpRes continues to avoid resident group activities and is making sure social distancing is being practiced.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, our communities have remained supportive and stood by our employees and residents. It is because of your support that we manage to stay steps ahead of COVID19. From the free meals to employees to the parades of cheers and “thank yous” during shift changes to our residents and staff, we are beyond grateful for your continued support and love. Thank you.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

According to the CDC, the virus is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person.

Person-to-Person Spread

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
• Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are (asymptomatic not showing symptoms).

The CDC is still learning about how the virus spreads and the severity of the illness it causes. In general, the more closely a person interacts with others, and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread.

Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

• Fever
• Sore Throat
• Runny Nose
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath
• Chest Pain
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Muscle Aches
• Confusion
• Chills or Repeated Shaking
• Loss of Taste or Smell

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. The CDC recommends these simple everyday actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often. Hands should be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have coughed, sneezed, or spent time in a public place.
• Avoid close contact by staying at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people. Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others. The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected – COVID-19 can be spread to others even if you do not feel sick.
• Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Use detergent or soap and water to clean dirty surfaces followed by the use of a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.
• Monitor your health daily, being mindful of fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. Follow CDC guidelines if you start to develop symptoms.

If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Wash your hands frequently and do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
• Remember to wash your hands often with soap and water!

Our residents and staff delight in receiving greeting cards, postcards, letters, and other messages of support and love from the community. To send us a message to a specific Center: Click Here to Find a Location

Or, you can send your messages to our EmpRes Healthcare Vancouver Service Office. We will share the message with ALL our locations to share with their residents and staff.

_{Thank you to Buds and Blooms for the show of support with flowers for our residents at Canterbury House in Auburn, WA! Your thoughtful donation is brightening up these gloomy days.}

_{Thank you to the local Safeway Florist for donating flower and balloons to all of our patients at Fort Vancouver Post Acute in Vancouver, WA. Your generosity of spirit has brightened their day! So appreciated!}

Social distancing is hard on us all, but especially for residents whose health and wellness often depend on support from and interaction with friends and loved ones.

• Puzzles
• Books
• Coloring Books
• Puzzle Books (Word Searches, Crosswords, Sudoku, etc.)
• Decks of Cards
• Yarn/Knitting Supplies
• Individual Craft Kits (Cross Stitch, Embroidery, Paint By Numbers, etc.)
• Stationary/Journals/Writing Supplies

Nurses are everyday heroes. They often spend so much time taking care of others that they forget to take care of themselves. We are so grateful for all the local restaurants and eateries that have donated meals to help care for our staff, so our staff can focus on caring for our residents.

^{**For the health and safety of our valued staff, we can only accept food donations from certified restaurants, shops, or markets. Homemade food items cannot be accepted at this time.}

04/22 – Thank You Pharmamerica  for donating lunch to Marias Care Center in Shelby, WY

_{04/14 – Thank You Jersey Mike’s Subs for donating lunch to our workers at Laurel Health and Rehab in Laurel, MT}

_{04/14 – Thank You Clark’s Family Restaurant for donating lunch to Marias Care Center in Shelby, WY}

_{04/12 – Thank You to the Family that donated Lunch to Marias Care Center in Shelby, WY}

_{04/08 – Thank You to the Sugar Shack for donating delicious themed cookies to Fort Vancouver Post Acute in Vancouver, WA}

_{04/01 – Thank You Sinclair Wyoming Refining Company for donating snacks to our residents at Rawlins Rehabilitation and Wellness in Rawlins, WY}

The best view is the one out the window. Help us bring joy and words of encouragement to our Residents by sending in things we can place outside their windows. Ideas include:

• Yard Signs
• Posters or Banners of Positivity and Gratitude
• Balloons
• Flowers/Greenery/Potted Plants
• Bird and/or Squirrel Feeders

_{04/22 – Thank You PeaceHealth SW Medical Center for placing this supportive lawn sign outside Fort Vancouver Post Acute in Vancouver, WA}

_{04/09 – Thank You to the families who wrote words of encouragement in chalk on the sidewalks outside Seattle Medical Post Acute in Seattle, WA}

_{04/09 – Thank You to the Resident who shared homemade lawn signs at Highland Health and Rehabilitation in Bellingham, WA}

Many of our residents and patients are not able to have visitors right now. The EmpRes Healthcare Family of Companies has created a Facebook Message Board for people to send inspirational messages, quotes, memes, and more to those who may feel lonely at this time.  Your submissions are shared with all our Centers across all the 9 states that we serve.

EmpRes Message Board

Follow EmpRes Healthcare on Facebook. Our page is a great way to get ideas on how to help residents, nurses, and other Center staff and to stay informed about how our Centers are responding to the COVID-19 virus.

EmpRes Facebook

On Wednesday, January 6th, 2021, Fort Vancouver Post Acute hosted its first COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic. A total of 114 people received the vaccine, including 38 residents and 40 FVPA staff members.

Additionally, 36 staff members from EmpRes Healthcare’s Vancouver Service Office – FVPA’s parent company – received the COVID-19 vaccine, including several executives from the EmpRes Leadership Team.

2020 was without a doubt an extremely challenging year, having turned daily life upside down for millions of people in a short amount of time. After all of the stress, loss, and grief brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is seeking to return to some level of normalcy, embracing friends and family, and living life once more – but it will take all of our tools to get there: practicing proper and regular hand hygiene, social distancing, wearing masks, and of course, getting vaccinated.

Above all, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated just how much of a group effort maintaining public health is in an interconnected global community. Healthcare workers in particular play an essential role in keeping their communities healthy. The COVID-19 vaccine empowers healthcare workers with an additional layer of protection for their residents, loved ones, coworkers, and of course, for themselves.

For those who participated in the FVPA clinic, they feel a mix of thankfulness, pride, and hope. They are thankful for the opportunity to be among the first to receive the vaccine, proud to lead the charge against COVID-19 and hopeful for what the future holds after making COVID-19 a thing of the past.

We would like to recognize and voice our tremendous appreciation for Dorthy Foos, CNA at Prairie View Healthcare Center in Woonsocket, SD. Dorthy recently celebrated her 50th work anniversary at Prairie View.

Dorthy has been with Prairie View since 1970 and during that time she has been actively involved in nearly all operations in the building. Dorthy has also held #healthcare positions in both local and state levels. When asked about what her long tenure meant to her, Dorthy had this to say: “Healthcare is hard work but also very rewarding when you bring a little joy to the lives of those you care for”. We couldn’t agree more!

From all of us in the EmpRes Family of Healthcare Companies, thank you, Dorthy, for all that you have done and continue to do for the people of your community. Your service and dedication to caring for others are admirable and an inspiration to us all!

Congratulations to Carey Brenner who was recently awarded the Administrator of the Year Award by the South Dakota Health Care Association (SDHCA). Carey is the Executive Director at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell, SD. From all of us at EmpRes, thank you Carey for your exemplary service and dedication to your community, your residents, and your fellow employee-owners!

We are proud to announce that several of our skilled nursing facilities have received the 2020 AHCA Bronze Award. The National Quality Awards are presented annually by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) and National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) to recognize long-term care providers that demonstrate excellence in performance and commitment to improving care and services to meet the highest expectations and standards.

Our 2020 AHCA Bronze Award Recipients include

• Firesteel Healthcare Center – Mitchell, SD
• Fountain Springs Healthcare Center – Rapid City, SD
• Gardnerville Health and Rehabilitation Center – Gardnerville, NV
• Livingston Health and Rehabilitation Center – Livingston, MT
• Marias Care Center – Shelby, MT
• Missoula Health and Rehabilitation Center – Missoula, MT
• Polson Health and Rehabilitation Center – Polson, MT
• Sage View Care Center – Rock Springs, WY
• Springs Road Healthcare – Vallejo, CA
• Teton Post-Acute Care and Rehabilitation – Idaho Falls, ID

Congratulations to our teams at each of the above locations! Your unwavering work ethic and dedication to providing the best care for your residents are exemplary of our Commitment to Caring.

We are incredibly humbled and proud to announce that Janessa Mann, our Director of Nursing Services (DNS) at Rawlins Rehabilitation and Wellness in Rawlins, WY has recently been nominated as one of the 2020 Women of Influence by the Wyoming Business Report. From all of us at EmpRes – congratulations Janessa! We are honored to have you in our Family of Healthcare Companies and grateful for all that you have done, and continue to do for your residents and fellow employee-owners.

Congratulations to Vivian Grover on being honored as The Century Club’s Centenarian of the Year! Vivian is a beloved resident at Fountain Springs Healthcare Center in Rapid City, SD. Born in February of 1911, Vivian is 109 years old, and the oldest member of the Century Club. Vivian is also now a three-time recipient of the Centenarian of the Year award.

CONGRATULATIONS to Lupita Lascano from Rawlins Rehabilitation and Wellness in Rawlins, WY! Lupita was recently voted Best CNA in Carbon County. Great job Lupita!

Vice President of Clinical Operations Misty Reid weighs in with a powerful message on recognizing the Healthcare Heroes in the fields of long-term care and skilled nursing.

Click here to read the full article by Misty

The residents at Granite Rehab and Wellness Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming were greeted with a car parade. Many families participated in the car parade, they had posters made saying we miss you, we love you and stay safe. They waved and honked as they drove by. Learn more in the coverage and news article below:

Wyoming Tribune Eagle

The EmpRes Healthcare Family of Companies is so grateful for all the families of residents and staff, as well as local community members, for their generous donations of cloth masks for our residents, patients, essential visitors, and staff.

Our amazing staff at Advanced Post Acute in Auburn, WA is going above and beyond during this crisis! We are so proud of them for creating these care bags for the seniors in their neighborhood that are in need and cannot leave their houses currently. Way to go team!

Due to the National State of Emergency declared by the President of the United States on March 13, 2020, all non-essential visitors are prohibited from entering our Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living Centers. Only those whose family members are near the end of life are permitted to visit.

We are maintaining strict screening processes to prevent potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus to our residents and patients. We are encouraging visitors to contact loved ones by telephone or video for the time being.

More information regarding President Trump’s declaring the National State of Emergency can be found the video below:

DUE TO INCREASED CALL VOLUME, YOU MAY EXPERIENCE LONGER THAN NORMAL WAIT TIMES WHEN CALLING OUR CENTER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING.

For your convenience, EmpRes Healthcare has established an Information Hotline:

EmpRes Healthcare Information Hotline
1-855-931-1341
Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm PST (0800 – 1700 PST)

EmpRes Healthcare is committed to ensuring the safety of our employee-owners, residents, patients, and visitors. We are committed to staying up to date with the latest state health department and CDC recommendations on protecting our residents and staff. Our centers have received training and resources regarding the CDC recommended guidelines for prevention, possible outbreak, and treatment for those who meet the criteria for further testing.

During this period of heightened awareness, all residents, staff, and essential visitors are being screened for exposure risk. For additional information or policy referral needs, contact your center’s Executive Director and Director of Nursing, or visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html

All visitors are asked to go to the reception desk or nearest nursing station immediately upon entering our Centers for screening purposes. Please adhere to all nursing directions for their safety,
the safety of our residents, and the safety of others.

EmpRes Healthcare is asking the community to refrain from visiting our Centers if:

• You don’t feel well.
• You have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
• If you have been in contact with anyone who has symptoms listed above.
• If you have traveled outside the country.

The EmpRes Healthcare Family of Companies is monitoring the recent COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease) outbreak closely. We are taking every precaution to help keep our employee-owners, residents, patients, and visitors safe and healthy. Daily screening of visitors, guests, and employee-owners is being enforced, as well as enhanced screening for new admissions. Communication regarding our response to the outbreak is being sent out this week to residents/patients/clients, family, vendors, and employee-owners.

We are committed to staying up to date with the latest State Health Department and CDC recommendations on protecting our residents and staff. For additional information or policy referral needs to contact your center’s Executive Director and Director of Nursing. Thank you.