COVID-19 Updates

Guardian Update April 7, 2022 (posted 4/26)

Masks/PPE update 

ACR will be re-implementing the masking requirement in all our homes, effective today. This decision was not taken lightly–we want to be done with this pandemic as much as everyone else. However, some Twin Cities’ counties have seen a slight uptick in the CDC’s community transmission metrics. More concerning, over the past weekend we had a situation in one of our homes where the virus spread so quickly that it created additional risks to our residents’ safety and well-being beyond the risk of COVID infections.

At this home, staff and residents were COVID positive, experiencing symptoms, or had high-risk exposures occur in such a short period that ACR was left scrambling to find staffing coverage. This increased rapidity of infection is likely a result of the new Omicron subvariant BA.2.  We are glad to report that no one became seriously ill.  While there were no major issues that occurred at this house, ACR wants to do everything it can to protect our residents and staff.

The current list of PPE requirements for all of ACR’s homes is as follows:

For Community Residential Settings (CRS): (16^th, 87^th, 92^nd, 140^th West, 178^th, Amble, Andover, B2, Barclay, Bicentennial, Boutwell, Chowen, Erkium, Fox Run Bay, Fulham, Hillcrest, Ilex, James, Jennifer Ct., Lancaster, Larch, Lydia Ave, Magnolia, McAfee, McMenemy, Oakwood, OBP, Prairie Lodge, Preserve, Riverton, Sherwood, Skycroft, Sunbury, Tiller, Toledo, Walnut)

• At this time masks are required for staff at all times indoors. The use of eye protection and gowns will not be required when there is no suspected COVID positive resident in the home. If there is a suspected COVID positive individual in the home, additional PPE will be required.

• Visitors of residents are strongly recommended to wear a mask while in the facility.  Please do not visit if you are experiencing any COVID-like symptoms or have had a high-risk exposure within the previous 10 days. A high-risk exposure constitutes being within 6 ft. for 15 min. or longer within a 24-hour period of a COVID positive individual without being fully vaccinated with a booster dose.  

For ICF Homes and Arthur’s Senior Care: (ACR Homes on Dale Ct., Dawn, Fallgold, Lydia West, Redwood, Robin Ave. and ASC Alta Vista, ASC Emmert)

• At this time PPE is still required and staff will continue as they have been doing.
• Visitors of residents are required to wear a mask while in the facility or visiting the resident outdoors.  Please do not visit if you are experiencing any COVID-like symptoms or have had a high-risk exposure within the previous 10 days. A high-risk exposure constitutes being within 6 ft. for 15 min. or longer within a 24-hour period of a COVID positive individual without being fully vaccinated with a booster dose.

Thank you for your continued efforts in supporting the well-being of ACR residents and staff!

 

Guardian Update March 23, 2022 

PPE Requirements Update  

As the surge of COVID-19 infections caused by the Omicron variant recedes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) have begun updating their guidance as it relates to PPE usage.

Unfortunately, ACR’s facilities are not able to apply a one-size fits all policy for PPE usage. The guidance we receive from government authorities differs based on whether a home is an ICF, Community Residential Setting (CRS), Assisted Living, or home with individuals who are immunocompromised, as well as the current county transmission levels.  

For Community Residential Settings (CRS) without an immunocompromised individual and CRSs located in Anoka County with an immunocompromised individual: (This group includes ACR Homes on 92^nd, 140^th West, Amble, Andover, B2, Barclay, Bicentennial, Boutwell, Chowen, Erkium, Fulham, Hillcrest, Ilex, James, Jennifer Ct., Lancaster, Larch, Lydia Ave, McAfee, McMenemy, Oakwood, OBP, Prairie Lodge, Preserve, Riverton, Sherwood, Skycroft, Sunbury, Tiller, Toledo, and Walnut)

At this time, facemasks, eye protection, and gloves/gowns are no longer required for staff when working in the home without a suspected COVID positive individual.

Visitors of residents in this group of homes are also no longer required to wear a mask while in the facility or visiting the resident outdoors.  Please do not visit if you are experiencing any COVID-like symptoms or have had a high-risk exposure within the previous 14 days. A high-risk exposure constitutes being within 6 ft. for 15 min. or longer within a 24-hour period of a COVID positive individual without being fully vaccinated with a booster dose.

***Please note, this is subject to change if community transmission levels rise again.***

 For Community Residential Settings (CRS) located in Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington Counties with an immunocompromised individual: (ACR Homes on 16^th, 87^th, 178^th, Fox Run Bay, and Magnolia)

At this time PPE is still required and staff will continue as they have been doing.

Visitors of residents are strongly recommended to wear a mask while in the facility or visiting the resident outdoors.  Please do not visit if you are experiencing any COVID-like symptoms or have had a high-risk exposure within the previous 14 days. A high-risk exposure constitutes being within 6 ft. for 15 min. or longer within a 24-hour period of a COVID positive individual without being fully vaccinated with a booster dose.

If community transmission levels continue to decline, we will hopefully be able to amend the PPE requirements. If that time comes, an update will be sent out.  

For ICF Homes and Arthur’s Senior Care: (ACR Homes on Dale Ct., Dawn, Fallgold, Lydia West, Redwood, Robin Ave. and ASC Alta Vista, ASC Emmert)

At this time PPE is still required and staff will continue as they have been doing.

Visitors of residents are required to wear a mask while in the facility or visiting the resident outdoors.  Please do not visit if you are experiencing any COVID-like symptoms or have had a high-risk exposure within the previous 14 days. A high-risk exposure constitutes being within 6 ft. for 15 min. or longer within a 24-hour period of a COVID positive individual without being fully vaccinated with a booster dose.

If community transmission levels continue to decline, we will hopefully be able to amend the PPE requirements. If that time comes, an update will be sent out.

We will continue to monitor all relevant information and guidance and make future changes as quickly as possible. Thank you for all of your support to ensure the well-being of the residents of ACR!

Guardian Update July 29, 2021 

Staff will return to wearing eye protection 

 Since last week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has informed healthcare providers that the Delta variant is now the most common COVID virus variant in Minnesota, surging from less than 1% of cases in May to over 80% of cases in July. The MDH reported growing evidence that the Delta variant is more formidable than the original virus in that it spreads at least twice as easily from person to person and is causing more vaccine breakthrough infections among vaccinated individuals than other virus strains. People infected with the Delta variant are contagious sooner and can carry more virus in their body. They are finding that infections in vaccinated individuals are usually mild, and that virtually all COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths around the country continue to be among those who are unvaccinated. At ACR, we have been experiencing a rapid increase in the COVID positivity rate consistent with these MDH findings.

In light of this situation and in keeping with MDH guidance as we learn more about the Delta variant, effective immediately, in addition to wearing masks all staff working direct care must also wear eye protection when residents are present, as well as gowns and gloves for close contact cares.

Visitors of residents are required to wear a mask while in the facility or visiting the resident outdoors.

This return to the use of PPE is being made to reduce the spread of the virus as well as to prevent the potential need to quarantine staff who are otherwise well, which would add enormous challenge for coworkers and supervisors in an already tight staffing situation. Please continue to check for Guardian Updates on the ACR website–we will continue to monitor additional and guidance as it becomes available and update you as needed. Thank you for all of your support to ensure the well-being of the residents of ACR!

 

Guardian Update July 23, 2021 

Return to wearing masks in all ACR Homes 

 We realize this is not the direction any of us wanted to go, but we are compelled to return to the use of masks effective immediately. This is being done in light of the fast spread of the Delta variant which has impacted two ACR homes in the past 5 days and resulted in several positive COVID tests. Under the circumstances and in view of our already tight staffing situation, we are compelled to be proactive in protecting our staff and residents.

Therefore, beginning today, July 23, 2021, all staff are being required to wear surgical masks on shifts in all ACR homes and offices. All other requirements pertaining to eye protection and gowns will remain unchanged.

Visitors of residents are also required to wear a mask while in the facility or visiting the resident outdoors.

This return to the use of masks is being made to reduce the spread of the virus as well as to prevent the potential need to quarantine staff who are otherwise well, which would add enormous challenge for coworkers and supervisors in an already tight staffing situation. We know that many of us welcome this proactive change. We will continue to monitor additional guidance as it becomes available and implement it as needed. Thank you for all of your support to ensure the well-being of the residents of ACR!

 

Guardian Update June 22, 2021 

Infection Control Guidelines and PPE to be Relaxed in Many (but not all) ACR Homes 

Guidance from Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has relaxed for some ACR homes recently relating to infection control and COVID-19 in response to updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Therefore, ACR is updating its policies in keeping with current guidance from MDH and DHS.

Each ACR Home will have its own specific COVID Preparedness Plan. Plans for each home may differ from other ACR homes based on their licensure and other factors about each specific home setting. The plan for each home will be posted in a prominent place and is also available from the program director. Here’s a summary of what to expect at various homes as well as the office related to changes in PPE, screening and visitors.

The guidance is largely unchanged for ACR’s seven ICF Homes (Cummings, Dale Court, Dawn, Redwood, Robin Ave, Fallgold, Lydia West) as well as for the two Arthur’s Senior Care assisted living homes.

In keeping with guidance from MDH, the following requirements remain in place:

• Mask and eye protection
  • Staff are required to continue using masks and eye protection
  • If unvaccinated residents are present, all residents are expected to wear masks, except while eating, and the unvaccinated residents need to maintain social distancing. Fully vaccinated residents can participate in communal dining without use of source control or physical distancing.
• Social Distancing will continue for unvaccinated residents.
• Gowns will no longer be required for close contact cares when there are not suspected or confirmed cases of COVID in the home
• Screening is still required for staff, residents and visitors.

• Visitors will continue following the same policies as currently in place, as follows.

• • For ICF Homes, visitors should wear a minimum of a cloth face covering while in the facility or visiting the resident outdoors.
  • For Arthur’s Senior Care homes
    • When both client and their visitors are fully vaccinated and alone in the client’s room or designated visitation room/outside space, they can choose to have close contact (including touch) and to not wear masks.
    • When the client or their visitors are not fully vaccinated, masks and social distancing should be utilized. However, if the client is fully vaccinated, they can choose to have close contact (including touch) with their unvaccinated visitor while both continue to wear masks.

The guidance has relaxed in most CRS (Community Residential Setting) homes, which includes more than 40 of ACR’s homes as well as the in-home locations Edinborough and Robinson. But certain CRS homes will have more restrictive guidelines if there are high-risk individuals in the home. Here’s an overview of the current guidance. For specific details please refer to the individual plan for each home.

• Masks and Eye Protection

• • Vaccinated staff, residents, and visitors do not need to wear masks, but they can if they want to.
  • Unvaccinated staff are strongly recommended to wear masks and eye protection for their entire shift but it is not required. Unvaccinated visitors are also strongly recommended to wear masks.
  • If there is an unvaccinated resident, unvaccinated staff must wear a mask and eye protection when they are within 6 feet of the resident for 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period. Unvaccinated staff who work in a home with a resident who is unvaccinated and at high risk for complications from COVID-19 must wear a mask and eye protection when within 6 feet of the person for any amount of time.
  • All staff must wear appropriate PPE when there is a resident who has suspected or confirmed COVID.
  • Unvaccinated residents should consider social distancing and mask use.

• Social Distance

• • Unvaccinated staff and visitors should maintain social distance (6 feet) from other staff and residents unless they are wearing a mask and eye protection.

• Screening

• • Staff and visitors should self-screen for symptoms before coming to the home and stay home if symptomatic. Resident screening may be reduced to daily screening.
• Visitors should follow facility infection control rules.

The guidance for ACR office staff is as follows: 

• Masks

• • Vaccinated staff, residents, and visitors do not need to wear masks, but they can if they want to.
  • Unvaccinated staff are strongly recommended to wear masks for their entire shift but it is not required. Unvaccinated visitors are also strongly recommended to wear masks.

• Social Distance

• • Unvaccinated staff and visitors should maintain social distance (6 feet) from other staff and residents unless they are wearing a mask.

• Screening

• • Symptom screen is no longer required; staff and visitors should self-screen before coming to the office and stay home if symptomatic.

As always, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continue to evaluate and update their recommendations as more information, including on new variants, becomes available. We will continue to monitor additional guidance as it becomes available and implement it as needed.

 

 

Guardian Update May 14, 2021 

No Change in Infection Control Guidelines at This Time 

 While the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) relaxed its recommendations regarding wearing masks somewhat in an update on May 13, the CDC continues to recommend that fully vaccinated health care workers should wear masks while at work. The CDC also recommends that if unvaccinated persons are present, everyone should wear masks and that unvaccinated persons should maintain social distance.

 In view of these guidelines, ACR will continue the infection control practices that have been in place for both staff and visitors, including COVID screenings, masking, and maintaining social distance while in public places, as well as when in common areas of group homes. We will continue to monitor recommendations and guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and will be providing further updates as additional guidance becomes available.

Since our last update on March 29, officials from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) note that Minnesotans have made progress in reducing the numbers of new cases of COVID-19 and increasing the vaccination rate which is now at about 50% of the eligible population. Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm noted yesterday that Minnesota is the “fourth-highest state in the country for case growth.”  While we are optimistic about improvements, we will continue to follow the CDC’s current masking recommendations for both staff and visitors.

 

Guardian Update March 29, 2021 
New Guidance Relating to Visiting in Group Homes 

Now that vaccinations are well underway, certain guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are being updated. At the same time, many infection control practices remain in place including COVID screenings, masking, maintaining social distance while in public places as well as when in common areas of group homes.

New guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health on 3/23/2021 makes the following recommendations relating to visiting in group homes:

• Outdoor visits and virtual visits continue to be the preferred visitation options. Visits that are held indoors should take place in private rooms, not in common areas.
• Visitor screening: ACR will continue to check all visitors for fever and other symptoms of COVID-19 before they enter the group home. Visitors who are ill or do not meet screening requirements cannot enter the group home.
• Infection control procedures: visitors should follow all rules for infection prevention and control in public spaces as well as in common areas of the group home including:

• • Washing their hands regularly and/or using hand sanitizer
  • Wearing a mask that fits well
  • Maintaining physical distancing (at least 6 feet)

• Fully vaccinated individuals living in group homes can visit with people from other households if they follow the CDC: Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html). ACR staff can transport individuals to visit others within those guidelines. Those individuals who are not fully vaccinated and choose to visit people from other households should take additional precautions to avoid possible infection and may be asked to follow additional recommendations after returning to the home.  Additionally, individuals residing in Intermediate Care Facilities will be asked to follow these recommendations as directed by the MDH: Long-term Care Guidance for Non-Medically Necessary Outings (state.mn.us).

• Note that under HIPAA a person’s status with regard to receiving the COVID 19 vaccine is private information. As such, please do not ask other residents or staff in a home if they have received the vaccine since this is considered PHI (protected health information).

In general, there are certain situations where we won’t be able to facilitate visitation, including when there has been an outbreak of COVID 19, when ACR residents or visitors have had an exposure to COVID 19, and other situations that create risk of exposure. People who live and work in a group home, including staff, visitors, and administrators must stay in compliance with statewide mandates. Live-in staff will be allowed limited visitors in their private live-in space according to the governor’s orders. More information on current statewide requirements can be found at Minnesota COVID-19 Response (https://mn.gov/covid19/).

ACR Homes is committed to promoting the health and safety of the individuals we support while balancing their freedom of choice. People who receive 245D-licensed services have the right to see the people they want to see and to come and go freely from their homes, being mindful of executive orders and public health recommendations. ACR will strive to help the people we support to understand their options, risks and alternative ways of having what is important to them so they can identify essential visitors and make informed decisions.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continue to evaluate and update their recommendations as more information, including on new variants, becomes available. We will be providing further updates as we continue to review the new guidance and as additional guidance becomes available.

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Visitor Restrictions Continue

Governor Walz announced today that he is extending a statewide stay-at-home order to May 4 as part of an effort to reduce or delay the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota. Current federal and state government guidelines to restrict visitors to long-term care facilities remain in effect in order to protect residents in those facilities and limit the spread of COVID-19. This means that restrictions on visitors will remain in place for ACR Homes and Arthur’s Senior Care; visitors are not allowed in ACR or Arthur’s homes other than those that are medically necessary.

We understand how difficult this ongoing restriction on visitors is for both you and your loved one. At the same time, we know that “social distancing” is the one thing we can all do to protect those who are most vulnerable and limit the spread of COVID-19. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to support the health and safety of everyone at ACR. Thank you for all of your creative efforts to continue to stay in touch from a distance and let your loved ones know that you are thinking of them!

 

Update: April 6, 2020, 4PM 

Practices in Place to Reduce Infection at ACR

As soon as Minnesota was declared to have community transmission of COVID-19, ACR Homes began implementing a number of additional infection control measures to help protect your loved ones and ACR staff. One key measure is that residents are staying home and visitors have been restricted. In addition, all staff entering the home are screened before each shift, and they have been implementing enhanced disinfection procedures and wearing washable masks while on shift to help prevent transmission of the virus. We have also adjusted staffing patterns to limit the possible spread of the virus between staff and residents and between homes, and staff are not leaving the home for in-store shopping and then returning to shift. Residents are being closely monitored for any symptoms or changes in health. We are carefully following guidelines from the Minnesota Dept. of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to do everything we can to limit the spread of the virus.

 What to Expect: Respiratory Symptoms and Suspected and Positive COVID-19 Notifications

Should ACR residents or staff show symptoms of COVID-19, the MDH has directed that providers like ACR will have first priority for testing. With that in mind, we also know that the people we support are more prone to respiratory and other illnesses that often look similar to COVID-19. Since individuals in congregate care are top priority for COVID testing according to the MDH, we assume it will be frequent that the people we support will be tested. In those circumstances we will be escalating our already significant infection control procedures with increased PPE (Personal Protective Equipment such as masks, gowns, goggles and gloves) and sanitation procedures and will be isolating the individual involved if they are still at the home. In such cases we expect that often hospitalization will have already occurred. All staff and residents will continue to be screened for symptoms. Staff showing symptoms will follow MDH guidelines for when they can work/return to work. If a person we support is being tested his/her guardian will be notified of the testing and other guardians will be notified as soon as possible upon a positive test result of housemates or staff. The MDH will also be notified and will assign an MDH professional to follow up directly with that home to guide best practices. Please direct any questions or concerns related to this process to the Program Director of your loved one’s home.

Washable Masks Recommended for Personal Use

We are also recommending to staff that they wear their own washable masks outside of work to further slow the transmission of the virus per CDC recommendations. We hope you are doing the same. To that end, here are some do-it-yourself tips from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

Sewing PPE

Over 60 volunteers have been sewing washable masks and isolation gowns to help keep the people we support and our staff safe.  So far, volunteers have sewn almost 1200 washable masks and a few hundred washable gowns, with more on the way. Research has shown that wearing a washable mask can contain droplets, and also keep a person from touching their face which will help reduce the spread of the virus. Staff began wearing masks before the CDC recommendation was published, and there is definitely a feeling of camaraderie amongst the staff as they adjust to this change. The people we support are adjusting to seeing their staff behind masks too, sometimes with really great responses!  Staff feel supported and encouraged by the time and commitment that volunteers are investing to sew washable PPE.  We are so grateful!  If you would like to volunteer to sew, contact Deb Nygaard at deb.nygaard@acrhomes.com

Meanwhile, life goes on at ACR Homes

We hope you’ve been receiving updates of all the activities going on in our homes since residents have been staying home. Last week’s live online bingo was a huge hit, and residents and staff are looking forward to a live online talent show this week. Staff are also starting up virtual visits by some friendly ACR dogs who will be making online appearances to brighten the days of our residents.

 

Update: March 27, 2020, 10AM 

Further Restrictions on ACR’s visitor policy in light of Exec. Order 20-20:

In light of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-20 directing Minnesotans to stay at home and limit movements outside of their home beyond essential needs, ACR, in consultation with its attorney, has been advised that it must comply with the Governor’s order by further limiting ACR‘s policy on visitors.

Therefore, as of today, March 27, our policy will be that we will not allow any visitors to the home other than those that are medically necessary. Those guardians who had been taking their loved ones home for extended periods of time will no longer be able to move their loved one back and forth between their family home and ACR. Families and guardians will have the choice to do virtual visits or to take their family member home for the duration of the shelter at home order. If you choose to take your family member home for the duration of the shelter at home order you must pick him/her up by 9 p.m. tonight. We are implementing this policy change in order to protect the vulnerable people we support.

We understand how difficult this can be for you to keep a distance from your loved one at such a time as this when your natural tendency is to move towards them rather than to stay away. But we are hearing over and over that “social distancing” is the one thing we can all do to limit the spread of COVID-19 and help keep those who are most vulnerable safe. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to support the health and safety of everyone at ACR.

 

Update: March 25, 2020, 4PM 

New “Stay At Home” directive from Governor Walz: Gov. Tim Walz issued an new executive order on 3/25/20 asking Minnesotans to stay in their homes unless necessary. This is to allow additional time for the state to build additional ICU and ventilator capacity should it be needed.  Essential workers will still need to work including healthcare workers, first responders and certain other essential employees.  Not much will need to change at ACR Homes. Our employees are all considered essential healthcare workers who will continue to support residents of ACR. Additionally, everyone can still get out for health and safety needs as well as necessary supplies and services.

Can you help sew washable surgical masks? If you have a sewing machine, we would welcome your help in sewing washable surgical masks. Our idea is to give each ACR staff a cloth mask to add a layer of protection for both staff and residents while also conserving N95 masks for higher risk situations. If you want to join the email group for instructions on how to do it, please email deb.nygaard@acrhomes.com .

Continue to raise awareness with your legislators: ACR joins ARRM in urging everyone to continue to raise awareness with your state legislators regarding the urgent need for funding and flexibility to support services for people with disabilities during this current crisis. In addition, many of the efforts to support health care do not specifically take into account the needs of people in group homes. DHS is working to ensure that the need for PPE (personal protective equipment) in group homes does not get overlooked. Please also raise awareness with your legislators around this lack of PPE for ACR’s homes.

 “Snail Mail” Encouraged! You know how much your loved one enjoys receiving mail in the mail box. Do your part to give residents and staff something to look forward when the postman arrives!

Our incredible ACR direct care staff and supervisors are working hard to keep ACR’s residents cared for, celebrated, and safe. Please continue to stay home and support them in their efforts!

Please check back-we will continue to provide updates here once or twice a week as needed. Thank you for your ongoing support for the residents at ACR!

 

Update: March 23, 2020, 2PM 

We want to send a huge thank you to guardians and family members of ACR’s residents for your understanding and support for the “no visitors” policy that was implemented last week in response to the MDH directive to restrict visitors in long term care facilities.

We are mindful of how hard it can be for you to keep a distance from your loved ones at such a time as this when your natural tendency may be to move towards them rather than to stay away.  But we are hearing over and over that “social distancing” is a key strategy to limit the spread of COVID-19. It is the one thing we can all do to help keep those who are most vulnerable safe. So thank you again for your understanding and cooperation!

Here are some additional strategies we have implemented to protect our residents and staff:

• Our staff are working in small teams to limit possible spread between staff and between homes
• We are using virtual meetings and appointments as much as possible
• Disinfection strategies are going strong in every home and we have heightened training on infection control for staff
• We have teams of people ensuring that each home is stock up on supplies of all kinds

A sewing brigade of friends and family of ACR are making washable surgical masks, with the goal of giving every ACR staff a mask to help prevent spread of the virus between staff and residents

ACR’s “fun department” is also launching all kinds of creative ideas and interactive activities through ACR’s Facebook groups. We hope you are able to stay in touch with your loved one electronically and are receiving updates and photos of what he/she has been up to in the past week. Among the fun do-it-from-home activities was a Facebook post yesterday in which 12 residents and their staff submitted photos to spell out the message, “All human life is intrinsically valuable. Please stay home! ~ACR”  It was a huge hit and has been shared more than 80 times.

Our incredible ACR direct care staff and supervisors are working hard to keep ACR’s residents cared for, celebrated, and safe. Please continue to stay home and support them in their efforts!

Please check back-we will continue to provide updates here once or twice a week as needed. Thank you for your ongoing support for the residents at ACR!

 

 

Update: March 17, 2020, 3:45pm 

We are closely monitoring the changing situation and complying with public health guidance regarding the current status of COVID-19 in Minnesota. We are so grateful for the way our employees are rising to the occasion to ensure that our residents are continuing to receive the care they need!

We want to reassure you that ACR’s homes are likely to have lower risk than most anywhere else due to our sanitation and universal precautions practices. We are working hard to help “flatten the curve” and slow the spread to those among us who may be more vulnerable, including the residents of ACR Homes, so that our healthcare system can keep up with the needs of those few who require hospital level care. Hospitals are already very busy with patients who have the seasonal flu and related illnesses at this time of year and their capacity is limited.

To that end we are making to following changes in all ACR homes, effective immediately under otherwise noted:

• Visitors restricted beginning at 7AM, Wednesday, March 18.  ACR’s homes will no longer allow visitors in our homes including guardians unless they are coming to work on a planned basis in place of staff or to take their loved one home for an extended period of time. This restriction includes therapists, contractors, and non-essential ACR staff. We recommend that family and friends stay in touch with their loved ones by phone, Skype, Facetime and social media—we have asked our staff to do their best to assist with communication.  This restriction on visitors also applies to live-in staff with the exception of childcare. Exceptions will be made for symptom-free individuals in end of life situations.
• Temp checks and screening questions: All persons entering ACR’s homes must do a temp check upon arrival on shift and answer a list of screening questions.
• All out-of-home activities are cancelled or severely restricted. Staff will assist residents in enjoying leisure activities in the home and stay connected!
• Non-essential appointments: The house RS has conferred with the RN and will be talking to you about cancelling all non-essential appointments.
• Staff are disinfecting commonly touched areas at least twice a day in our homes, assisting residents with social distancing of six feet, and minimizing closer interactions as much as possible. ACR’s main office is also disinfecting commonly touched areas daily and following social distance recommendations.
  
• Workplace flexibility:  As staffing needs require it, staff who are students will be allowed to do homework or online classes on shift, and staff who are working long shifts and have a dog from an approved breed may be allowed to bring their dog (and a crate) to shift as well. In addition, ACR administrative and maintenance staff, nurses and program directors are preparing to assist with direct care staffing as needed.
• HIPAA and the ADA:  To protect privacy and confidentiality of both residents and staff, it is ACR’s policy that staff should not respond to inquiries about residents or staff from people outside the Company, unless staff have been directed to do so. For questions about your own family member/loved one you may communicate with staff or supervisor as you normally would.
• We are telling staff to continue to be diligent about sanitation/handwashing and universal precautions in their personal life to prevent the spread of viruses. These are the same practices we are already using right now in our homes during cold and flu season which are known to reduce to spread of respiratory viruses.

• If you receive positive test results let the house supervisor know right away if you have visited the house in the previous two weeks. 

We will continue to provide updates here as needed. Thank you for your ongoing support for the residents at ACR!