Dear Residents, Family Members and Friends,
We would like to provide an update related to the Covid 19 virus and the activities at Miona Geriatric & Dementia Center.
First, we want to thank the community for all the support and prayers over the past few weeks. Theses have been challenging times for all, but the knowledge that prayers are being lifted up for the residents and staff provides the necessary support to be able to report today, that the daily routines are becoming more “normalized” at Miona. We also recognize this virus has taken a toll on the ability of family, friends, and residents to share time together. Perhaps all of our future prayers should include the plea for the ability to visit, congregate, and enjoy each other’s company without fear of illness.
Other news is that Miona has had no new resident cases of the virus in the last three weeks and many of the residents under isolation precautions have been downgraded to a lessor level of infection control precautions. This does not mean that the virus is no longer a threat, but it does mean actions implemented to slow or stop the spread of the virus appear to be effective. The facility has implemented three levels of infection control precautions related to this virus. A confirmed case is the highest level of precaution and requires the resident to be isolated from others. Only designated staff members may enter an isolation room, and the staff who serves these residents must wear eye protection, gowns, N95 mask, and gloves, to enter the room for any reason including housekeeping services. The staff members who enter an isolation room are to serve isolation residents only, and are also prohibited from entering any non-isolation room in order to minimize the potential of transmission of the virus to others. Very few items go into an isolation room and even less come out as most items used within the room are disposable or specific only to that resident. This is why personal protective equipment (PPEs) have been in so much demand as one resident in isolation can utilize dozens of gowns and gloves, each day. Miona has been very blessed to have a good supply of PPE’s to combat this virus. It would be hard to imagine the difficulty of providing care without the necessary supplies.
The resident’s ability to move within the building unfortunately remains restricted with the exception of outdoor walks and window visits with family and friends. Whenever residents are out of the room each resident wears a mask and practices social distancing. The facility is still prohibited from allowing residents to congregate in groups larger than 10, so eating in the dining area or congregating in the Activities area continues to remain restricted.
If you would like additional specific information regarding Miona and other Georgia facility’s daily reporting of Covid cases including staff and residents please contact: http://dch.georgia.gov/announcement/2020-05-12/long-term-care-facility-covid-19-report.
The facility recognizes this time has been very difficult for each resident and the resident’s family. Please do not hesitate to contact the facility if in any way we can assist with your ability to communicate with your loved one.
Below are some frequently asked questions.
- If all precautions such as temperature screening for all staff is occurring, how did the virus enter the building? Unfortunately, the COVID 19 virus does not cause symptoms in all individuals. In fact, some individuals reading this document may be infected with the virus and not have any symptoms, but can be contagious to others. There also is an asymptomatic time period where individuals have the virus, are contagious, but show symptoms at a later date. This is how the virus is thought to have entered the building.
- If my loved is suspected to have the COVID 19 virus how will I know? The facility will contact families or responsible parties should their loved one exhibit any signs or symptoms of COVID 19. You are also free to call the facility at 478-949-2270 if you have any questions.
- When will I be able to visit my family member? That is a difficult answer. The state and federal government determines when the visitation band will be lifted. Georgia communities appear to be experiencing significantly more COVID cases in recent weeks than in the past, so it is expected that the visitation ban will continue for several more weeks.
- Can I see my family member? In situations of end of life issues, the facility will attempt to accommodate individual family members to have some type of contact with their loved ones.
- Is the facility receiving any assistance from any governmental agency to address this issue? Miona is fortunate to have excellent daily support from the state and local Public Health Departments, as well as many other governmental entities. This week the Governor announced that he is assigning the National Guard to assist every nursing home in Georgia regardless if they have a confirmed case of COVID 19. The Guard is to assist with a wide range of services. Several facilities in Middle Georgia have already utilized these services and Miona is fortunate to have them scheduled this weekend.
- Does the National Guard ensure the COVID 19 is stopped? No. The National Guard is a support entity and is very beneficial, but the virus may continue as long as individuals who are not symptomatic, but contagious enter the building.
- Why aren’t all staff tested for COVID 19? The tests are limited and individuals must show signs and symptoms before the test is given. Exposure to others even known to be positive for COVID, is not currently grounds for testing per CDC guidelines. Hopefully this will change as more test are available.
