News
Category: COVID-19 News
Update on Reporting Point of Care Antigen Test Results
On January 13, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has granted certified nursing facilities more flexibility in terms of where facilities submit the results of point-of-care antigen tests. We expect the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to update its “Reporting Results of COVID-19 Tests” guidance today, to reflect this change.
Resilience Tip: When the Art of Juggling becomes a Mandate
On January 13, 2021 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology
We are coming up on the anniversary of when the COVID-19 pandemic hit our nation, our care facilities and every aspect of our lives. We were likely juggling many roles before the coronavirus: parent, professional, caretaker at home and work just to name a few. We might also have been struggling to find time for ourselves amidst all these demands pre-COVID.
COVID-19 Resource Round-Up: Vaccine Clinic Resources
On January 13, 2021 by Terri Foley
As the COVID-19 vaccine continues to be distributed through the state in long-term care settings, we are developing and gathering tools that can help you plan and execute a successful clinic.
Resilience Tip: Experiencing Grief
On January 6, 2021 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn, Associated Clinic of Psychology
While senior care staff are aware that their residents may die while in care, losing a resident during these COVID-19 days can be even more difficult. It can affect folks who worked closely with that person as well as those who have less direct contact with residents.
Special Edition: Clinical Coaching Room on Vaccine Clinics
On January 6, 2021 by Kari Everson
LeadingAge Minnesota members participated in a special edition of the clinical coaching room this morning to discuss their experiences during their vaccination clinics.
Monoclonal Antibody Treatment in Long-Term Care Settings
On January 6, 2021 by Kari Everson
Monoclonal antibody treatment is an IV infusion that, when given to qualifying residents, works to decrease the severity of disease and prevent hospitalization from COVID-19. MDH has a REDCap survey for providers to complete when requesting doses of monoclonal antibody (mAbs) therapy. After completion of the REDCap survey, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will reach out to organizations and ensure they have appropriate protocols in place to safely administer mAbs therapy.
MDH Expected to Post Cumulative COVID-19 Data to Website Next Week
On January 6, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
As we shared in this Advantage story three weeks ago, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) intends to begin including COVID-19 data in its Situation Update that shows cumulative totals for the number staff cases, resident cases, and resident deaths, for all nursing homes and assisted living settings that have had an exposure to COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
Resilience Tip: Holidays in the COVID-19 Era
On December 23, 2020 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn, Associated Clinic of Psychology
You might have a familiar feeling during the holiday season: some feel excited, others may dread it, some are ambivalent, and others feel a mix of everything. Whatever your usual, this year brings new challenges as we all face the holidays without our typical freedom to celebrate (or avoid celebration) as we see fit.
Get Vaccinated - Be a Safe Care Hero
On December 23, 2020 by Julie Apold
Strategies to Boost Vaccination Rates
As the COVID-19 vaccine is becoming a reality, it is important to continue to address barriers that may cause staff or residents to be hesitant about getting the vaccine. The CDC outlines steps that may increase confidence in the vaccine and boost vaccination rates in your organization.
COVID-19 Resource Round-Up: Vaccine Education Presentations
On December 16, 2020 by Terri Foley
One element of your vaccination education plan with your staff may be a Town Hall meeting or short presentations at staff meetings. Here are two Powerpoint slide decks that you can modify to meet your needs.
Detailed scripts accompany the presentation. They were developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are part of the CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Communication Toolkit.
Building Team Resilience: Acknowledgement
On December 16, 2020 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn, Associated Clinic of Psychology
Acknowledging what is right in front of us seems easy enough. We’re living through the shared experience of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. However, on a regular basis, we tend to move through even the most difficult situations without acknowledging the huge impact it’s having on all of us.
PRF Phase Three Payments Going out to Providers
On December 16, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
Today, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) started distributing payments to providers who applied for phase three of the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) general distribution. Nationally, they are distributing $24.5 billion to more than 70,000 health care providers. The basis for the payments is half of the reported lost revenue and increased expenses from the first half of this year. Combined with previous PRF payments this is designed to cover the majority of the lost revenue and higher expenses experienced by health care providers through June.
MDH to Post Cumulative COVID-19 Data to Its Website
On December 16, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The MN Department of Health (MDH) plans to post more data to its website about the impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes and assisted living settings than it is posting now.
New Confirmed COVID-19 Case Guidance for ADS Centers
On December 9, 2020 by Roni Falck
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) recently released guidance for Adult Day Centers relating to policies and processes for confirmed cases of COVID-19 amongst staff and participants. The new guidance must be added to each center’s COVID-19 Preparedness Plans and includes the following elements:
COVID-19 Resource Round-Up: Vaccination Education
On December 9, 2020 by Terri Foley
Two COVID-19 vaccines are close to being approved for Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA. To help you prepare staff and residents for vaccination availability, here are some tools to customize.
Building Team Resilience During COVID-19: Nurturing for Self and Team
On December 9, 2020 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn, Associated Clinic of Psychology
Our focus this week is on providing small doses of nurturing—for yourself and your team— in order to build resilience for all. In addition to the compliments we discussed in last week’s article, a focus on what’s most nurturing at a basic level can be very helpful to restore a sense of comfort in the most difficult times.
Be a Safe Care Hero: Get Vaccinated
On December 9, 2020 by Julie Apold
Safe Care Vaccine Campaign Underway
The COVID-19 vaccine is coming, but we know that it will not be effective if people don’t get vaccinated. Over the coming weeks we will be promoting the importance of getting vaccinated through the Safe Care for Seniors Living the Pledge Campaign.
CMS Updates Nursing Home Infection Control Survey Tools
On December 2, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
CMS last week posted updates to several nursing home survey tools and documents:
Updated Quarantine Guidance
On December 2, 2020 by Kari Everson
Information is circulating that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is updating its quarantine guidance to say quarantine can be shortened to 7 days if the individual is asymptomatic and has a COVID negative test.
Not too late! Register for the Pharmacy Provider Program (PPP) by Dec. 4
On December 2, 2020 by Kari Everson
Long-term care providers were asked to sign up with a pharmacy partner to administer vaccines to residents when a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available. The PPP program sign-up deadline has passed and LeadingAge Minnesota recently received several questions about what to do if an organization was unable to sign up for the PPP program within previous deadline.
If you have not signed up with a pharmacy vaccine partner and would still like to, please email MDH at health.covid.vaccine@state.mn.us as soon as possible. MDH and CDC would like this finalized by the end of day on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020.
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