11/28/23
Hi all,
We seem to be experiencing a touch of COVID in the building. :( We have implemented masks for all staff & visitors. Visitors please make sure you are checking in at the front office!
Total Positive Residents: 12
New Positive Residents (as of 11/28/23): 0
Total Positive Staff: 11
New Positive Staff (as of 11/28/23): 1
11/27/23
Hi all,
We seem to be experiencing a touch of COVID in the building. :( We have implemented masks for all staff & visitors. Visitors please make sure you are checking in at the front office!
Total Positive Residents: 12
New Positive Residents (as of 11/27/23): 0
Total Positive Staff: 10
New Positive Staff (as of 11/27/23): 4
11/26/23
Hi all,
We seem to be experiencing a touch of COVID in the building. :(
Total Positive Residents: 12
New Positive Residents (as of 11/26/23): 1
Total Positive Staff: 6
New Positive Staff (as of 11/26/23): 2
11/25/23
Hi all,
We seem to be experiencing a touch of COVID in the building. :(
Total Positive Residents: 12
New Positive Residents (as of 11/25/23): 0
Total Positive Staff: 4
New Positive Staff (as of 11/25/23): 2
11/24/23
Hi all,
We seem to be experiencing a touch of COVID in the building. :(
Total Positive Residents: 12
New Positive Residents (as of 11/24/23): 1
Total Positive Staff: 2
New Positive Staff (as of 11/24/23): 0
11/23/23
Hi all,
We seem to be experiencing a touch of COVID in the building. :(
Total Positive Residents: 12
New Positive Residents (as of 11/23/23): 2
Total Positive Staff: 2
New Positive Staff (as of 11/23/23): 1
11/22/23
Hi all,
We seem to be experiencing a touch of COVID in the building. :(
Total Positive Residents: 10
New Positive Residents (as of 11/22/23): 1
Total Positive Staff: 1
New Positive Staff (as of 11/22/23): 0
Grace Maitland BS/NHA
11/21/23
Hi all,
We seem to be experiencing a touch of COVID in the building. :(
Total Positive Residents: 9
New Positive Residents (as of 11/21/23): 4
Total Positive Staff: 1
New Positive Staff (as of 11/21/23): 1
Grace Maitland BS/NHA
11/20/23
Hi all,
We seem to be experiencing a touch of COVID in the building. :(
Total Positive Residents: 4
New Positive Residents (as of 11/20/23): 1
Total Positive Staff: 0
New Positive Staff (as of 11/20/23): 0
Grace Maitland BS/NHA
11/19/23
Hi all,
We seem to be experiencing a touch of COVID in the building. :(
Total Positive Residents: 3
New Positive Residents (as of 11/19/23): 1
Total Positive Staff: 0
New Positive Staff (as of 11/19/23): 0
Grace Maitland BS/NHA
11/16/23
Hi all,
We seem to be experiencing a touch of COVID in the building. :(
Total Positive Residents: 2
New Positive Residents (as of 11/16/23): 1
Total Positive Staff: 0
New Positive Staff (as of 11/16/23): 0
Grace Maitland BS/NHA
11/15/23
Hi all,
We seem to be experiencing a touch of COVID in the building. :(
Total Positive Residents: 1
New Positive Residents (as of 11/15/23): 1
Total Positive Staff: 0
New Positive Staff (as of 11/15/23): 0
Grace Maitland BS/NHA
8/26/23
The last COVID positive resident has moved out of isolation! It is a great day here at Grandview Heights!
Grace Maitland
8/15/23
We have 4 additional positive residents at this time, we seem to have rounded to corner & are on the mend! We look forward to getting back to our regular routines. Several of our individuals are back to their respective rooms & are eager to return to normal activities.
Grace Maitland
8/09/23
Hello Family & Friends!
What a week! We currently have 26 residents who are experiencing COVID-19. Lucky, symptoms are mild & easily managed! Many of them are already symptom free & are feeling much better.
Grace Maitland
8/03/2023
Hello Family & Friends!
We found some COVID in the facility today. We are in the process of testing all residents and implementing our Covid safety procedures. We would appreciate if family and friends visiting the facility would sanitize their hands and wear a mask. If you have been exposed to Covid or experience any Covid symptoms please error on the side of caution and visit at another time when you are symptom free.
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping everyone healthy!
Deb Walters-HR
Hi, everyone!
We are back to being ‘COVID Free’! Our 3 positive residents recovered well & are back to their initial rooms instead of the COVID hall! We encourage you to come visit your loved ones during this holiday season.
Call us with any questions! 641-752-4581
--
Grace Maitland- BS/NHA
10/26/22
Hi Family & Friends!
2 of our Grandview Residents are experiencing COVID 19. They have been re-located to our COVID wing where they will reside until they are cleared to return back to their original room. We will post here if/when any other residents come positive.
Call us with any questions! 641-752-4581
- Grace Maitland, BS/NHA
10/07/2022
The door is now unlocked & visitor screening is not required! Along with that, masks are also not required if you are feeling well & not COVID-19 positive. Please press the red button on the right before opening the door to silence the alarm!
Any visitors who have been positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms (sore throat, cough, runny nose, etc) are advised to defer their visit, if non- urgent, until they meet the criteria to discontinue isolation.
If you have been have been exposed to someone who is positive, you must wear a mask for the duration of your visit!
-Grace Maitland, BS/NHA
09/21/2022
Hi all,
I am excited to announce that none of our current resident population are considered positive for COVID-19 any longer! Come tomorrow, we can go back to our regular masks vs the N95 masks/goggles! It has been a pleasure to watch our residents & staff interact as a group again for dining & activities.
Please don’t hesitate to call us with any questions that you may have! 641-752-4581.
--
Grace Maitland- BS/NHA
09/02/2022
Hi all,
We are very much looking forward to getting over this COVID bump! For the most part our residents are experiencing mild cold symptoms & our first few are able to return to their original rooms soon!
Total Positive Residents: 21
New Positive Residents (as of 9/2/22): 2
Total Positive Staff: 6
New Positive Staff (as of 9/2/22): 2
Grace Maitland BS/NHA
09/01/2022
Good morning!
We have implemented an additional cleaning protocol for our housekeepers to allow for even better tracking/auditing of cleaning/sanitizing efforts. Our current COVID numbers are below:
Total Positive Residents: 19
New Positive Residents (as of 9/1/22): 3
Total Positive Staff: 4
New Positive Staff (as of 9/1/22): 0
Grace Maitland BS/NHA
08/31/2022
Good morning,
We have decided to open up the 200 hallway as an additional quarantine space for our residents experiencing COVID 19. Residents & staff will continue to be tested for COVID & monitored for signs & symptoms. Today we implemented N-95 masks throughout the building as an extra layer of protection for both staff & residents.
Total Positive Residents: 16
New Positive Residents (as of 8/31/22): 3
Total Positive Staff: 4
New Positive Staff (as of 8/31/22): 0
Grace Maitland BS/NHA
8/30/2022
Good morning!
We continue to test & monitor or staff & residents for COVID 19. Our numbers reflecting COVID 19 are below.
Total Positive residents: 13
New Positive Residents (as of 8/30/22: 4
Total Positive Staff: 4
New Positive Staff (as of 8/30/22): 1
Grace Maitland BS/NHA
8/29/2022
Hello,
I would like to introduce myself as Grandview Heights' Administrator. I am so excited to be back working alongside some of the best in the senior living industry! Despite having COVID+ cases in our building, staff continue to work hard, and maintain a positive attitude.
With our residents' safety in mind, we have made the decision to have all residents enjoy their meals in the comfort of their own rooms, versus as a large group in the facility dining room (until our COVID cases decrease).
Total Positive Residents: 9
New Positive Residents: 8/29/22): 2
Total Positive Staff: 3
New Positive Staff (8/29/22): 1
--
Grace Maitland- BS/NHA
8/29/2022
Covid Update
Through survelliance testing 2 more residents and 1 staff member were found to be Covid+. The rest of the residents and staff members were Covid-. We will continue to do routine testing of residents and staff members, throughout the coming weeks.
Deb Walters, Human Resources
8/27/2022
Covid Update
Through survelliance testing, one more resident was found to be Covid+ and was put into facility mandated isolation. The rest of the residents and staff were all found to be Covid-. We will continue to do routine survelliance testing, of both residents and staff, throughout the coming week(s).
Deb Walters, Human Resources
8/26/2022
Covid Update
1 resident, with a report of feeling ill was found to be Covid+. We did a sweep of all residents and staff and 4 more residents and 1 staff member were found to be Covid+. The staff member was sent home to quarantine and the 5 positive residents were put into facility mandated isolation. We will proceed with routine survelliance testing, of both residents and staff, throughout the coming week(s).
Deb Walters, Human Resources
7/16/2022
Covid Update
1 resident, with reports of feeling ill, has been found to be COVID+. All other 52 residents were tested, and were thankfully found to be COVID-. We will proceed with routine survelliance testing, of both our residents and staff, throughout the coming week(s).
Lindsay Walters, BA/Social Services Director
7/14/2022
Covid Update
Upon routine surveillance testing, 1 staff was been found to be COVID+, and was sent home to quarantine. All other surveillance tested staff members, and the 10 residents whom may have been in contact with the COVID+ staff member, thankfully tested negative.
Lindsay Walters, BA/Social Services Director
06/20/22
Covid Update
We have at this time completed our surge and all residents are recovered as are all staff members. To that end, we will return to room visitations if that is a prefernce of our guests, however, I continue to encourage use of our living rooms as comfortable visting areas. Thank you for your cooperation in our visitation adjustment during the past three weeks!
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
06/17/22
Covid Update
All residents recovered and no new contractions. 1 staff member still in home quarantine through this week-end, will re-test Monday. Staff surveillance testing completed today with 40 negative tests and 0 positive tests. Please check bak Monday afternoon for my status report relative to any changes in visitation. Happy fathers day...to all of our fathers. Activities will be serving smoothies about 1 PM on Sunday. Feel free to join us, esecially if we have beautiful weather. Outside visitations would be able to be held if the weather is good.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
06/16/22
Covid Update
All residents in quarantine have recovered and have moved back to their rooms. All residents of the facility were again surveillance tested this day and all exhibited a negative test result. All surveilance testing of staff will be completed for the 2nd time this week. We have 1 staff member in home quarantine at this time. We will continue symptom monitoring over the week-end, and visitation will remain as it is until after our Monday Quality Assurance meeting to review facility status. A determination as to visitation status will be made at that time. Again, thank you all for your cooperation during this recent surge of Covid-19 in our community.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
06/15/22
Covid Update
Some residents in quarantine indicated that they were feeling fine and no ill effects or symptoms. Administration determined to test them for Coovid status a day early and they have all tested negative (day 10). Some detemined they wanted to return to their regular rooms and we are accomodating them in that regard, and will do so through the evenng or tomorrow as staff members have time. All residents have now recovered. Policy review and coordination is being completed for possible update if allowed through current CMS recommendations and guidance. We will continue our current visitation protocol for the balance of this week and evaluate the status of our community on Monday of next week if we experience no further infections. As always, thanks for your understanding and cooperation as we strive to provide your loved ones with care to meet their needs.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
06/14/22
Covid Update
Staff surveillance testing continuing 2 times weekly with 32 tests completed. There is 1 new positive staff, sent home to quarantine, and 31negative results.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
06/13/22
Covid Update
2 staff members have recovered and have tested negative and are returned to available work. 5 Staff testing completed per their requests and they are all negative. No new resident conversions with 7 remaining in their quarantine.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
06/12/22
Covid Update
Our numbers have remained the same over this week-end; 2 staff members recouperating at home, and 7 residentsw being served and monitore in our Quarantine week.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
06/11/22
Covid Update
There are no changes in our numbers this day. 2 staff members are home quarantining, and 7 residents are in our quarantine wing.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
06/10/22
Covid Update
An additional staff member has tested positive, due to surveillane testing, and was sent home to quarantine. While 33 staff members, and 45 residents, test negative upon their Covid-19 surveillance test.
Lindsay Walters, Social Services Director
06/09/22
Covid Update
1 more staff member tests positive, due to not feeling well, and is placed in home-based quarantine.
Lindsay Walters, Social Services Director
06/08/22
Covid Update
1 staff member reports not feeling well, and is found to be positive for Covid-19, being placed on home-based quarantine. 3 additional residents test positive, with potential signs/symptoms, and are placed on isolation in the 300 hall quarantine area. We currently have 7 residents in our quarantine area, as 2 of our intitial residents, whom were found to be positive, have successfully recovered.
WE NOW ASK THAT VISITORS, PLEASE LIMIT YOUR VISITS TO THE FACILITY'S FRONT LOBBY, IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE SPREAD.
45 staff members, and 46 residents, were tested for surveillance purposes. Thankfully exhibiting a negative Covid-19 antigen quick test result.
Lindsay Walters, Social Services Director
06/06/22
Covid Update
Final staff member has recovered, and returned to work. 2 residents were tested, due to exhibiting signs/symptoms, and were found to be positive for Covid-19 (using the antigen quick test). They were placed on isolation in the 300 hall quarantine area. We now have a total of 6 residents in our quarantine area.
Lindsay Walters, Social Services Director
06/04/22
Covid Update
2nd staff recovered and returned to work. 1 staff continues quarantined at home. 2 additional residents tested positve for Covid-19 using the antigen quick test. They were placed in the 300 hall quarantine area. 2 residents continue in quarantine as they have not completed yet, so total of 4 are in quarantine at this time. I have not cut off guest room visits at this time, but am considering it to attempt greater mitigation efforts. If we have more residents testing positive, we will move all visitation back to the commons until we have mitigated the events. But I have not made that call yet. Please stay alert and informed and I hope you all will be sure and increase your mitigation efforts during this time of surging in our community.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
06/02/22
Covid Update
1 staff recovered and returned to work. 2 staff continue quarantined at home. 38 staff members presented for surveillance testing and all were negative. 2 residents continue in isolation in Covid-19 wing.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
06/01/22
Covid Update
Staff member reports for testing due to not feeling well. Antigen testing completed and is positive for Covid-19 and is sent home to quarantine. At this time there are 3 staff quarantined at home, and 2 residents quarantined in our Covid-19 isolation wing.
Dann Larmore
5/31/22
Covid Update
All residents are again covid-19 tested today to determine status. 51 residents test negative for Covid-19. At this time there are 2 staff that are quarantined at home, and 2 residents quarantined in our Covid-19 isolation wing.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
5/30/22
Covid Update
Staff member who had missed testing on Friday tested self near end of shift and tested positive for Covid-19. She was sent home to quarantine for 5 days and test status on day 6. At this time there are 2 residents in quarantine and 1 other staff member.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
5/29/22
Covid Update
All residents are covid quick tested today with 2 residents testing positive, and 51 testing negative. The 2 resident's are quarantined in private rooms. One is vacinated and boosted, and will be in isolation for 5 days and tested on day 6 for disposition. The other resident is not vaccinated and will be isolated for 10 days with testing at that time for disposition. 1 staff member continues quarantined at home.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
5/28/22
Covid Update
A staff member felt the need to test self this day as not feeling quite right near end of shift, tested positive for Covid-19. Staff member sent home for quarantine for 5 days and test status on day 6.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
5/27/22
Covid Update
We continue to test our residents every day on all shifts for symptoms of Covid-19. We check our staff membersone time weekly. Today we tested 53 staff members and all were negative for Covid-019. All residents were negative for Covid-19.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
5/13/22
Covid Update
As you continue to see in the news, Covid is not gone. It continues to morph into yet another varient. Whatever anyone believes, our lives have gotten better with the onset of vaccines. Deaths have decreased and persons that do test positive for the virus, often are not getting as ill as the first rounds with Covid-19. We continue to be vigilant at Grandview out of the utmost respect for those we provide services too, those who provide those services, and to the many guests that stop by to bolster our mental health. Residents are vital checked 3x daily for symptoms of covid. Staff are checked 1x weekly, or at any time that they feel the need. This is our benefit to our community of residents, their friends and family members and our wonderful staff. We continue to be covid free in our community. All of our staff have been vaccinated and about 1/3 have received their 1st booster. As summer is now upon us, we wish you wonderful experiences that will reflect a semblance of the freedoms we had previously. Good practice should be to continue mitigating strategies of good handwashing, social distancing and masking when in congested situations.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
5/4/22
Covid Update
Staff member resolved/recovered on day 6 testing with Abbott Antigen Testing. We will continue resident symptom checks 3 x daily on all residents and 1x weekly testing with all staff members.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
5/3/22
Covid Update
57 Abbott Antigen Tests completed on all residents and all were negative for Covid-19. 1 Abbott Antigen Test completed on a presenting staff member and it too was negative.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
4/29/22
Covid Update
We had an unfortunate result of a positive Antigen test during our routine surveillance testing of staff members. We completed a rotine PCR test to confirm if the individual was actually positive for covid, and awaiting that response. In the meantime the individual was immediatly sent home to quarantine until we get formal results of the PCR. 34 other quick tests were negative. All residents have continued symptom free.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
2/11/22
Covid Update
Halleluja, covid positivity rates have been falling all week. At this time, Effective Monday 2/14/22 we will be allowing guests to vist resident in their rooms when possible. If the resident is in a private room, or does not have a room mate there should be no real concern. If a reisdent is in a semi-private room with a room mate, we do have some concern about being able to effectively maintain social distancing. In those cases we would encourage visits to be held in the living room as they have been, or if the roommate is out of the room that would be acceptable. We also hope that we have moved the needle a bit more toward normalcy, by recognizing that the spacious oiving rooms and porches are nice areas to visit. We know this has been a very long time that guests have not been able to visit beyond the living room, so know there is couriosity about their loved ones room. We have not had any real time restrictions on visits, and we encourage guests to still call so that residents can be ready for the visit. Our staff will escort guests to the residents room if it is going to be a room visit, or if visiting in the living room, we will bring the resident for the visit. It will be imperative that guests continue to wear hospital grade masks, wash their hands with alcohol based rub and maintain social distancing as much as possible. This pandemic is not over yet, but we feel comfortable enough to take this step forward.
Dann Larmore, MS
Administrator
1/26/22
Covid Update
All staff have now recovered, 0 residents are positive. Positivity rating for Marshall County is 32.31%. I am very proud of our staff who continue to use strict mitigation protocols while at the workplace. As well, our resident family is very cooperative in using mitigation protocols throughout the day. Due to the high positivity rating and conditions in our community for ease of spred, all mitigation protocols are highly recommended. There is really no way of knowing who is and who is not vaccinated, or has natural covid anbtibodies, so it is just best to protect yourself and others by masking, social distancing and using good hand hygiene. At Grandview Heights we continue to assess our resident family all shifts; vaccinated staff members are tested for covid 1 time weekly, and unvaccinated staff members are tested 2 times weekly. Informational sharing is that the Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) has mandated that ALL employees of facilities receiving Medicare/Medicaid funding, MUST be vaccinated. The first vaccination of a series MUST be done by February 14, and the second must be done by March 15, 2022. The single vaccination by Johnson and Johnson MUST be done by 2/14/22. Any unvaccinated staff members will not be able to continue to work in the facility if they do not have their single or first vaccination by 2/14/22, cannot participate in any manner being around the resident population. Very stringent medical or religious exemptions can be considered, however, they are extensive and require detailed information for consideration.
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
1/20/22
Covid Update
1 staff out positive; 1 staff recovered, 0 residents out. Positivity rating for Marshall County is 32.78%. Please continue to move safely about the community and utilize all mitigation protocols. Masking continues to highly advised in Marshall County.
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
1/18/22
Covid Update
2 staff out positive, 1 staff recovered, 0 residents out. Positivity rating for Marshall County is 32.28%. Continue to be cautious around others and please continue all mitigation protocols. Today was a staff testing day and we tested 41 staff, finding 2 positives. Our practice is to complete PCR testing on all who show as positive and that sample is sent to the Iowa Hygienic Lab for results that take from 3-5 days to get back. Quarantining is for 5 days and if no lingering syptoms we will quick test again. If negative, staff is re-instated. We certainly could benefit from licensed nurses and nurse aides, if any of you are credentialed, we would love to visit with you. WE are just looking for relief for our regular staff, so an 6-8 hour shift once in a while would be appreciated.
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
1/17/22
Covid Update
1 staff out positive, 1 staff recovered, 0 residents out. Positivity rating for Marshall County is at 32.26% and has continued to rise. Please be cautious around others, usig all of the mitigation protocols that we all have learned so well. Residents are doing very well, and we continue to vigilant in attempting to keep the virus out of our building. Residents are checked on each of 3 shifts, vaccinated staff are tested 1x weekly, unvaccinated staff are tested 2x weekly.
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
1/13/22
Covid Update
2 staff out positive, 2 staff recovered, 0 residents out. Positivity ratings for Marshall County are extremely high at 29.3% averaged over the past 7 days on the CMS Website. We urge all to use their masking, hand hygiene, and social distancing protocols. We are doing a very fine job of working to keep the virus out of the building and away from our resident family. All guests will be asked to use mitigating protocols during this current of surge of the covid virus.
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
1/10/22
Covid Update
3 staff out positive, 2 staff recovered, 0 residents out. We have determined that the positive staff most likely have been as a result to exposures outside of the facility. Continue surveillance and full mitigation efforts due to high positivity rate for Marshall County. We continue to test unvaccinated staff 2x weekly, and vaccinated staff members 1 time weekly.
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
1/8/22
Covid Update
5 Staff out positive (appear to be home exposures), 0 residents out. Continue surveillance and full mitigation efforts due to high positivity rates for Marshall County.
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
1/7/22
Covid Update
3 staff out positive, 0 residents out. Continue surveillance and full mitigation efforts due to high positivity rates in Marshall County.
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
1/6/22
Covid Update
2 staff out positive, 0 residents out. Continue surveillance and full mitigation efforts due to high positivity in Marshall County.
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
1/5/22
Covid Update
1 staff out, 0 residents out. Continue surveillance and full mitigation efforts due to high positivity in Marshall County.
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
1/4/22
Covid Update
1 staff recovered and returns today, 0 staff out and 0 residents out.
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
1/3/22
Covid Update
Surveillance testing finds 1 positive staff and 0 residents. Continuing resident shift checks and encouraging all to use good mitigation efforts due to high positivity rate in Marshall County.
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
12/27/21
Covid Update
We continue surveillance testing of all staff, as well as shift checks on all residents. 1 staff, 0 residents. We continue to encourage all residents, staff and guests to stick to strong use of mitigation protocols.
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
12/17/21
Covid Update
We have continued our intense covid testing through this past week, and I am happy to report that there have been no new covid-19 discoveries in residents or staff members. The positivity numbers for Marshall Coumty have continued to be high this past week, so we will continue testing our staff 2 x weekly for unvaccinated and 1x weekly for vaccinated. We will return to shift monitoring only, with residents next week unless we discover a need to again test them. I know they will welcome the r&r from testing. We continue to encourage you all to use the usual mitigation protocols to continue to fight this virus in our world. Best Regards for a pleasant Holiday Season!
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
12/10/21
Covid Update
Intense testing has continued this week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Testing today was completed on 49 Staff members and were negative; and 62 residents and all were negative.
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
12/8/21
Covid Update
We are continuiong to test residents and staff frequently, using the Abbott Quick test on Monday and Wednesday and Friday of this week. Resident testing today was completed on 62 residents with no additional positive tests being discovered. We completed testing today on 58 staff members and discovereed 1 additional staff member. Todays activity takes us to 2 staff members & 1 resident for this current event. Testing will be completed again on Friday. We urge all of our families, friends and off duty employees to continue to use mitigating protocols of masking, washing hands frequently, and social distancing.
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
12/6/21
Covid Update
We responded to a resident that was demonstrating mild symptoms, only to find that the individual tested positive to the Abbott Surface Antigen quick test this moring. We completed a confirmatory PCR test and it has been sent to the Iowa Hygienic Lab in Iowa City for confirmation. In the mean time the individual has been relocated to our 300 Quarantine wing until results of confirmation. If confirmed the individual will stay in quarantine for 10-14 days depending on symptoms. This triggered that all residents be tested with the Abbott Quick test and there were no additional positive cases. All staff was notified that they needed to come to the facility to be tested as well. There was 1 positive staff person, the PCR confirmatory testing was completed and sent to the Iowa Hygienic Lab in Iowa City. The staff was advised to self quarantine for 10-14 days depending on symptoms. We will test all residents again this week, as well as test staff once again. Visitation is continuing per normal. We do encourage guests to make reservations to insure that we have their loved one ready for the visit. We continue to visit in our living rooms. All guests are subject to the questionnaire and temped. We continue to engage in all mitigation protocols that we have become accustomed too over the nearly past 2 years. Relative to the Vaccination Mandate for all Health Care Facilities from CMS, it is currently on hold, and althugh we have very few staff that have not been vaccinated, we continue to encourage them to vaccinate in the best interest of our resident family. The positivity numbers have continued to go upward and we look forward to lower numbers in our future. I note in my movement in the community that many have ceased to use mitigation protocols. That is very sad to me, as we strive to keep our resident population safe from this horrible virus, many move about like nothing is amiss. WE, the workers are REQUIRED to become vaccinated, and follow stringent mitigation protocols to protect our residents, and yet guests don't have to be vaccinated in our environment, and often we have to remind guests to stay masked and adhere to social distancing. Something missing in this interpretation, but the regulators miss the mark in this regard. Please be safe, mitigate to manage this virus.If you are feeling ill, please visit when you are feeling better.
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
11/19/21
Covid Update
As you may have heard recently, we were told that we had to comply with the OSHA Emergency Interim Plan for Covid. However there was so much controversy over it, the courts now have it suspended for intense review. Until further notice we will not have to worry about it. On the other had the federal governement through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a vaccination directive, that all of our staff must be vaccinated by January 5, 2022. Failure to comply with this directive, means we will lose our Medicare and Medicaid funding. We cannot allow that to happen...so we must hope that all of the remaining staff we have that have not completed a vaccination series will comply. Notices were provided to those staff this day. As far as COVID-19 numbers, we continue to escape further infection of staff and residents. The numbers seem to be going up again through out parts of the State and upper Midwest, however, we are experiencing a reduction of positivity rating in the Marshall County proper. As I shared in the past Marshall County had experienced a positivity percentage of 18.6 . Todays numbers are 7.6 by one CMS website I follow, and 8.1 by the other one. We moved this week to testing our unvaccinated staff (about 14) one tme per week. Hope the numbers continue to fall for Marshall County. However, we would still encourage everyone to continue Social mitigation techniques of social distancing, hand washing, and wearing of a mask. It is up to us whether we get this horrendous covid virus under control or eliminated. Thanks for doing your part!
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
10/7/21
Covid Update
We have continued to Covid Test during this week. Our "out break" officially ended on Sunday 10/3/21, all residents have recovered and moved back to their respective rooms. Testing has not revealed any further residents. We will do final Abbott testing tomorrow for our residents. We will return to shift symptom observations as we have done in the past. Staff that had tested positive recovered. One new staff member tested positive (Abbott) on Tuesday and confirmed positive (PCR) Wednesday. Tracing indicates an exposurre outside of the faciity. Lobby visiting started again on Monday and has been going fine. The positivity rate In Marshall County continues to be high. WE continue to recomment wearing of Masks (unless eating or drinking 2.) Social distancing and 3.) frequent hand hygiene. Eight more of our staff have started their vaccination course and 2 completed it. We are making arrangements for facility flue shots and Booster Covid vaccinations.
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
10/1/21
Covid Update
All residents(11) have recovered; all staff (3) have recovered. Testing durig the past 2 weeks has not yielded any further covid infection. I am pleased to announce to our residents, families, and friends that effective Monday 10/04/2021 we will return to our prior visitation protocol. We have been testing residents and staff members frequently, as well as all persons entering our building. Thank you to all who participated with routine visiting by way of the magic windows for the past few weeks. Visitations will continue via the two magic windows for Saturday and Sunday, honoring those reservations that had been made. As well, should the resident, visiting guests want to visit outside, that is permissable. Monday returns to prior visitation protocols. We will be offering to test using the Abbot antigen quick tests, but it is not a requirement, you may graciously decline. We will not inquire about your vaccination status, however out of an abundance of caution, anyone entering the building is required to 1.) Stay Masked (unless eating or dinking), 2.) maintain Social distancing, and 3.) Hand sanitize appropriately.
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
9/28/21
Covid Update
At this time we have coontinued to test residents and staff. There have been no further positive discoveries. IF we continue to have good results of our testing protocol, I will be able to announce a return to our prior visitation protocol in the front lobby, and outside while the weather is still nice.
All 11 resident's have recovered and returned to their original rooms. Of the 3 staff members, 2 have recovered, and the last one continues in self quarantine until 10/1/21. No staff or residents experienced a strong negative reaction during this outbreak. We will continue to test this week as per protocol we had established of residents MWF and staff T/F. Testing yesterday of all residents found all to be negative using the Abbott Antigen Test. Staff were tested last Thursday/Friday and there were no new infections. WE continue to test all individuals entering the facility to ensure that we do not admit risk into our residents home. The positivity rate for our county remains concerning. We were able to provide 1st dose vaccinations to 7 staff last Thursday, and finished the 2nd dose for one staff as well. So today we have 95% of our residents vaccinated and 90% of our staff vaccinated. The tool that we have been introduced too to successfully manage this pandemic is the vaccination...I continue to encourage anyone who has not yet been vaccinated, to consider the benefits to themself, their families, and their co-workers. Life is beautiful, strive for a long and productive one.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
9/21/21
Covid Update
3 Staff contracted virus/1 staff Recovered (each was not yet vaccinated)
11 Residents contracted virus/ All Asymptomatic (each was vaccinated)
Testing continues for residents MWF; contnues for staff two times weekly if NOT vaccinated, 1 time weekly if vaccinated (staff on T & F). 9 additional staff have signed up for their 1st dose of vaccination on Thursday of this week. This continues to be a very serious pandemic that can be stopped by way of becoming vaccinated. This is merely a fact. Please continue to schedule your magic window visitations.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
9/17/21
Covid Update
Grandview Heights at this time is engaged in a controlled "covid outbreak" status. No additional staff members have contracted the virus and staff continue at this time to be tested 2x weekly if they have not yet received the vaccination, and 1x weekly if they have been vaccinated. We have welcomed 3 additional residents to the Quarantine wing. All residents are doing well, not really even exhibiting any symptoms. The hardest part of this for them is residing in a different room for the 14 day quarantine. Total counts are 10 residents and 2 staff members. Residents are being tested during this time 3 x weekly. Calls will be made to family members of those residents positively tested for the Covid virus. Visitations for residents, not positive for Covid continue at the Magic Windows, please call for your reservation. All associated staff coming into the building for Hospice services, beautyshop, Counseling, Dental will be tested as they arrive, using the Abbott Antigen Quick Test. All Agency Staff presenting for duty will be tested using the Abbott Antigen Quick Test prior to taking assignment on the floors. We continue to use appropriate hand washing/sanitation practices, masking and social distancing at all times. We have established our roster of staff needing vaccination and have ordered the vaccine so that we can complete here at the facility for them. Families have entrusted their loved ones to our care and services and I will make every decision in the best interest of the residents that have become a part of the Grandview Heights Family. I continue to encourage all of you that have not been vaccinated to do your part and get vaccinated...sooner than later! You go to doctors, their work and ours is firmly based in science. Vaccination is the thing to do to end this horrible pandemic. If we had all participated positively and cooperatively initially we would have many more survivors of this pandemic. This is serious...get serious...get vaccinated!
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
9/14/21
Covid Update
At this time we have had 2 staff members test positive for covid and they are quarantining at their homes. We have 7 residents that have tested positive for covid. We completed antigen quick testing on the balance of all residents yesterday and had 1 additional positive test, and 59 negative tests. The residents that have tested positive, all have been vaccinated, and are essentially symptom free. The biggest challenge for them is being re-located. The positivity rating for Marshall County is 18.6%, moving up from 17.2% last week. We continue to quick test all staff weekly-1 time weekly if vaccinated; 2 times weekly if unvaccinated. I have asked all unvaccinated staff to think very hard and to present their decision to me by 9/15/21. In the business we are in, and the vulnerable persons we are entrusted to care for and protect, there is only 1 decision to protect their best interest-GET VACCINATED! The time for politics is over, the time to put this crisis in the history books is now. There is nothing more to learn, the vaccine does work, it has saved lives, and it is the only humane decision if you really care about yourself, your families, your friends, and your communities. Current visitation protocol will continue until the outbreak is officially over for us and we can safely begin to resume our freedoms, that being unvaccinated tremendously effects.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
9/12/21
Covid Update
At this time, it is necessary for me to share with you a revision in our visitation policy. Out of an abundance of caution, I must return to visitation by way of the Magic Windows until further notice. We are doing surveillance testing of all residents due to a positive read using our Abbott quick testing. Any posiitve reads are followed up with more indepth PCR testing that is sent to the Iowa Hygeinic Labs in Iowa City. The results typically take 3-5 days to receive back. In the meantime, any resident experiencing a positive Abbott test must be moved to our Quarantine Wing on 300 Hall. They will receive ongoing services until the results of the PCR testiing is received. If negative and they have no symptoms, then they can return to their regular room. If the PCR testing is positive then they will remain in quarantine for usually 14 days, and are symptom free. Please accept this event as a wake up call to reconsider your position if you have not been vaccinated. It is not just about you, it involves your family, friends, and others living in our community. If you have avoided the virus thus far, thank your Lord, however there is not a guarantee that you will continue to be so fortunate. It will be too late if you contract the virus, you will be forced into whatever that chapter brings you and your family. How terrible to continue the risk for all those you love and care for when there is an obvious answer. Get vaccinated please...shut the virus down!
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
8/26/21
Covid Update
Please read this update carefully, as I have been carefully contemplating how to move forward, with the continuing pandemic. It is challenging to me, as to "why" individuals do not accept the science of this horrible pandemic, and the risks that it continues to place on our valuable senior population (originally), and now our younger population, inclusive of our small children. You can access the massive number of deaths that have accumulated thus far, by checking any number of websites. Our nation then came up with a viable tool, to help out our populations. It has been demonstrated to work well, on curtailing or minimizing the virus, and the numbers of dying individuals had receded. Then the virus responded by mutating, into the "Delta" strain, and people started getting the Covid - Delta mutation. We were warned that even those who had been vaccinated, might get the virus as a breakthrough situation, however, the message was that having had the vaccination would mitigate the symptoms, and one might not even know if they had it. Without the vaccination, the virus was vicious, and acted quickly on the individual, compromising their respiratory system and forcing greater chance of hospitalization. End result, for believers and or nonbelievers, we continue on a very serious course, with this new variant, running wild in our country. This is not made up, believe the numbers!
At any rate, I believe so much that I spend many hours up at night trying to do the right things to protect the residents, staff, families, and friends of Grandview Heights Rehab & Healthcare. To that end, it is important for you to know that the positvity rate of Marshall County has continued to rise. Previously it was at 8.6%, then 10.5%, then 16.8%, and this week it has risen to 18.6%. This means our community is a very high risk area. Why? We have abandoned much of the mitigation effort, we had put in place. Why? We have been lured into a false sense of safety, that those of us who were vaccinated , believe we won't have to deal with the virus again. Wrong! We were told that we possibly could contract it again, but it would likely not be as severe. AND we have been told, and shown, that should an individual contract the new DELTA variant, they could become very ill, very quick, placing their health/life, and that of their loved ones, in greater jeopardy. SO...
Effective immediately, GUESTS who have not been vaccinated, will not be allowed into the building. They will still be able to visit with their loved ones, but that needs to happen using our Magic Window protocol, or outside (as weather is determined to be appropriate.) This protocol will continue, until the positivity rating for Marshall County, drops back below 10%.
We have been testing our staff members, who have not been vaccinated, 2x weekly for the past month and a half. Those vaccinated staff members, who want to be tested, can be. That determination would be based on their comfort level in our community, and their movement patterns; however, should the positivity rate continue to rise, we will be testing all staff, and guests, at least weekly.
Beyond all of this, the government has now MANDATED, that all persons working in healthcare, be vaccinated, or risk losing their Medicaid and Medicare funding. As 75% of the persons we serve, are funded through these two programs, we have no choice. Our staff has been alerted that they must report their plans, for vaccination, to our Human Resources Department by September 15, 2021. There will be very stringent exceptions, for medical, and/or religion, but these exceptions will need to be established by the individuals medical provider, and/ or some religious documentation, must be provided, to justify such.
Dann Larmore, MS Administrator
6/11/21
Covid Update
I am pleased to share that in the past week we have moved to accommodating two residents to a table in the dining rooms if they so desire. We have had a number of residents ask to sit together and visit and we are pleased to coordinate the effort. Although we encourage the residents to stay masked while they are traveling in the cooridors, they are able to sit together and visit if they both have been vaccinated. That brings me to the point that all residents have now been vaccinated, or have been lab tested for presence of the Covid-19 antibodies. That increases our comfort in their increased movement in the corridors. Our staff numbers continue to grow in the receipt of vaccinations as they have become more readily available. We now have about 65% staff vaccination completion. The literature is now appearing to lean that employers in health care can mandate employees be vaccinated. I have not decided to do that yet, hopinig more and more staff discover the positive merits of vaccination for the vocation they are in. OSHA it appears is developing standards that would allow vaccinated individuals to eventually go maskless, while those not vaccinated must continue to wear a mask. That is not in effect yet, so all of Healthcare will continue wearing masks. We will see what the regulators come up with prior to our change. Finally, it is my understanding that different Care Centers are allowing different interpretations of the loosing up of restrictions. That is fine, howevr, Grandview Heights Rehab & Healthcare will continue to ask for appointments, meet in a designated area, and enforce mitigating provisions of honoring social distancing, frequent hand hygiene, and masking as stated above. Welcome to Summer!
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
05/14/2021
Covid Update
I am sure that you are as pleased with the advancements of lifting restrictions related to the Covid pandemic as we are! The newest change to the "unmaskiing" of vaccinated individuals is wonderful, however, that change does not include Skilled and Long Term Care Facilities and Hospitals. We will continue as we have for the past few weeks. Call for appointments, be interviewed, and use the normal mitigation techniques of masking, maintaining social distances and using good hand hygiene. Our visits have been going well. It has been wonderful for the residents, and I am sure for you as well. We believe the 1/2 hour time slots have been good for residents, however, when we can (if there is noone scheduled after you) we'll allow your visits to go on a little longer. Marshall County continues to demonstrate low positivity rates...this week was 3.2% and we continue to test ALL unvaccinated staff 1x monthly. At this time we have only 4 residents that have not been vaccinated, and 46 staff members that have not. Please reconsider your status of being unvaccinated for the good of your loved ones, yourselves, and those in your immediate environment, and make arrangements for the good of all. At this time, the vaccinations have clearly been shown to be effective and safe. I would expect that in the near future, those facilities that have 100% vaccination "may" be able to consider a decision as to masking in the workplace. We want to be able to welcome that decision when it is possible. Thank you for you participation in the the "Mothers Day Concert", it was a safe, well attended event that the residents and families enjoyed! Use of our 5 adjoining dining rooms allowed us to move the concert into the building as the weather was not cooperative. Please continue to check in here as more decisions are made and shared.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
04/21/21
Updating In-facility Visitations
I am pleased to share that we will now be able to have in-facility visitations on Sunday afternoons from 12:30-4:30 pm, like the rest of the week. Visitation will now be Sundays through Saturdays. As well, some are playing some quick hands of cards, and we are allowing some closer interactions. Typically we would like folks to be across the table, however, we do realize there are some issues with reach, etc. so we have allowed corner to corner positioining. If you lean in for the conversation, please self-monitor that the entire visitation is not in this huddle position. Please remain masked during the visitation. Please use hand sanitizer prior to the visit and at the close of the visit. Continue to call for reservation times, and please allow time if you want to be tested. Magic window visitations continue to be available, if you are not comfortable entering the facility. Visitations will continue to be held in the front living rooms. In nice weather, we will work with our residents, families, and friends on setting up outdoor visitations. The positivity rate for Marshall County has continued to remain low and as it stays below 5% (we are at 3.6%) our staff testing protocol has remained at 1x per month. Residents continue to be checked for s/s of covid daily during their interactions with licensed nursing staff. We continue to actively admit new residents, do therapeutic interventions, and when appropriate the resident returns to their prior living situation. We are proud to be an active rehab to home facility...REHAB, RESTORE, RETURN HOME. I am also happy to share that we have resumed our mental health counseling program and it is going well. Thank you for your continued support of Grandview Heights Rehab & Healthcare.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
04/11/2021
More Relaxing Restrictions
We continue to evaluate our facility and our community. Marshall County has continued with a low positivity rating of 3.5% this week. And...Grandview Heights continues to have NO active Covid-19 or variants in the facility. Staff have continued to be free of virus infection. Please stay vigilant to your environment and continue to use mitigation strategies of 1.)wearing a mask when out in the community or at your place of work 2.) maintaining social distancing and 3.) using frequent and good hand hygiene. In our continued attempt to make it easier for your loved one to have visits with family and friends, we are allowing for personal visiting with your loved ones, Monday through Saturday afternoons 12:30 -4:30. We continue to need to schedule those visits. While you do not have to have covid testing, we would love to provide that sense of security for you if you have not been vaccinated. Visits will be in the same 30-45 minute time frame to get all in that wish too. We are also allowing our residents who have been fully vaccinated to go out with family and friends. Outside visitation is an option on those nice days that we have coming up. We are still completing the questionairres and temping all visitors and business partners. Magic Window visitations are available during morning hours, and after the 4:30-5:00 pm visiting. In all situations, please remember to use the mitigation strategies that we have all learned to live with in the last year. Thank you for your continued cooperation as we move into this new year.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
04/02/2021
Moving Forward!
I am happy to announce that this past week the positivity rating for Marshall County was 3.6% . While this is exciting, we must still give pause that we may see some increase, or surge activity due to the concept of "Spring Break" in March, and also as we are seeing increases across the country due to variant strain surging. The next positivity rating will be available on Monday evening. At this time, however, I am adding another day to in-facility visitation. We will be taking appointments for in facility appointments Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons from 12:30 -4:30 pm. All of the same parameters set below will continue in our mission to continue to re-connect our families and friends with our residents. We will continue relaxing more restrictions if the positivity rate stays under 5%. Under 5% we are able to move to testing our staff members 1 time monthly. Our residents (90% vaccinated) continue to be monitored 3x daily during all shifts by our licensed nursing staff. In our effort to continue to offer the best of services to our residents and staff, we reserve the right to immediately adjust mitigation efforts, should the positivity rate increase, should an active case of covid materialize. Thank you for your patience and understanding, as we move into better times in this wonderful NEW Year. Magic Window visitations will continue as we have been, please call for your appointments.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
03/22/2021
ADDITIONAL BREAKING NEWS!
Marshall County's Positivity rating was 8.1% last week, and this week we are down to 6.1%/ This means we will continue workiing on lifting restrictions to visitations. The Magic Windows will continue as they have been available, continue to call and make your reservations. However we are opening up more times for inviting family members and friends into the facility. Please note the following changes in in person visits in our 3rd week of opening our doors to personal visiting.
1.) We are now scheduling visit times on Tuesdays 12:30-5pm and Saturdays 11-4:30 pm. We will continue to work with the 30 minute time slots.
2.) You need to arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time so that you can be Covid Tested. Results within 15 minutes. If you have been vaccinated, bring your card with you and you will not be tested. A copy will be made for our records going forward.
3.) You must complete the questionnaire, and use the acolhol based scrub on your hands, and wear a mask only.
4.) You will be allowed to greet your loved one with a hug and/or grasping hands, at the start and at the end of your visit, we will observe social distancing for the visit.
5.) We have set up 2 tables for the visitations and 1-2 visitors will be accomodated. Tables will be sanitized between visits. We have relaxed our original monitoring by staff, however they will be around to assist as you might need.
* We strongly encourage everyone to get the vaccinations, unless you have a medical counter indication. We are optimistic that with the success of the vaccinations we will keep this virus at bay. I do continue concerned about the variants that are materializing, but I am tryiing to not let them deter the wonderful opportunities that we are now experiencing. We will continue to monitor the use of personal visitation and open more times as possible. We are excited aboout being able re-unite you with your loved one and will continue to keep you informed as we move forward.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
03/01/2021
BREAKING NEWS!
Marshall County's Covid Positivity rating is 6.6% for the last week. This in mind, I shared that I would begin "personal visitations" again with your loved ones.
Please review the following:
1) You must call for reservation time. We will have 30 minute slots from 12:30 until 5 PM on Tuesdays only to begin.
2) You must arrive 15 or more minutes prior to your scheduled time so that you can be Covid Tested. Results within 15 minutes. If you have been vaccinated, bring your card with you and you will not be tested. We will make a copy of your card and place in your loved ones file.
3) You must complete questionnaire and be in full PPE.
4) You will be allowed to greet and hold your loved ones hand with your gloved hand at start and for good-bye. You will be seated at the table opposite one another. Only 1 table will be used initially and will sanitized between visits.
5) We are required to monitor the visit to insure compliance with touching.
****Magic Window visits will continue during this time as well!
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
02/26/2021
Running a bit behind in sharing with you, but remember this updating relates primarily to COVID-19, and to be honest with you we have had a great run, without any covid in our building. We have had no reinfections of residents or Staff. We started our resident and staff vaccinations 1/7/21 with a second clinic on 1/28/21. We held our final vaccination clinic on 2/18/21. End result we have 90% of our residents vaccinated and no significant issues, and we have about 50% of our staff vaccination, again without significant issues. The county positivity rate will continue to be our guide and it has been good to us for the past 5 weeks, staying under the 10% allowing us to test our staff members only 1 time weekly. This past week it has gone up to 9.6% and our next reading will be late Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning. Residents continue to be monitored by our licensed nursing staff on all 3 of our shifts. I am also making plans toward adjusting some visiting restrictions. I put an article in the Newsletter that went out this week (in color) so review there. However, I can share with you, the importance of receiving the vaccination when it becomes available to you. It is so important to continue to keep our staff and residents safe from this horrible virus-and although we now have a vaccine, I continue concerned about the variants/ or changing of the virus. Vaccinations should keep these at bay, but just having the vaccine doesn't save lives...receiving the vaccine does. We have made arrangements for those who were hesitant and did not receive/ or authorize the vaccination of their loved ones, to receive the vaccine IF we can establish a need for 10 individuals...that would be our unvaccinated residents, those who passed and new admissions needing it. It also includes any of our staff who passed on it initially. Please contact Deb Walters, Human Resources if staff need to be put on the list, and The DON's will be who to let know if you are a resident or help make the decisions for a resident. 100% vaccinations may make the difference between eliminating or decreasing the masking, gowning and social distancing. I almost feel it is an obligation to do so in the best interest of the vulnerable elders we care for...for THEM, FOR YOU, FOR US. Watch this site for 'BREAKIING NEWS' about our visitation.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
12/30/2020
Covid Update
I am excited to share with you that our Vaccination Clinics have now been confirmed. Information has already been sent to our responsible parties for you to review and provide the consent for your loved one to receive the vaccine. I sincerely hope that you will all be supportive to protect your loved one, and help us head toward an improved future where we can begin to lift the many restrictions that we have had to work with in this past year. Our first Vaccination Clinic will be conducted on January 7, 2021 from 11 am until 5 pm. We have partnered with CVS Pharmacies to administer the vaccination to residents and staff alike. This clinic will serve to start the series of the Covid Vaccine. Our second clinic is scheduled for January 28, 2021 again from 11 am to 5 pm . If you have not gotten those consent forms back to us, please do so as soon as possible. We want to be sure and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to share in protecting our residents, our staff, and our families and friends. I hope that you, our families and friends, will take the opportunity when it is available to you. Having us all be safer to be amongst one another will be a rewarding experience for everyone. I have included an informational prospectus in the billing statements this month. There is also a power point presentation that provides some good information below. If you have questions, please feel free to visit with me or our Directors of Nursing. Please join me in being excited about the protections that are being offered to us. Just think what a joyous day it will be when we have conquered the virus that so negatively effected our lives. Chicken Pox...gone, measles...gone, mumps...gone, scarlet fever...gone, & Covid-19 GONE!
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
12/11/20
Covid Update
Covid continues to be high in our community! Positivity rating for this week is 27.3% . To that end we continue to test our staff 2x weekly using the Abbott quick tests. Tuesday we tested 80 staff all negative, and today we tested 98 staff all negative. Our residents continue to be assessed for symptoms 3x daily, and we have had no one symptomatic. Our census continues at 61. We are so happy that whomever build this building had the foresight to include the front porch where our families and friends can join their loved one for a comfortable visit. The grant from the Department of Human Services to buy the mikes and speakers was a God send. WE have been so blessed to have good health for our staff and residents during this most recent surge. Please continue to be safe as you our families and friends move about our community. There is no shame in following rules of masking, good hand hygiene and social distancing. Keeping yourself safe will mean som much to your family members and your loved one entrusted to our care. The blessing of scientist developing vaccines was felt this week and we anxiously await the offering of same to our residents and staff. I hope for 100% acceptance for this blessing that will help to assure us of safety in our communty. As soon as we learn when our clinic days have been set, we will be contacting responsible parties for the permissions to proceed with making vaccine available for your loved one. Staff too will be able to receive the vaccine, to keep them safe here at Grandview Heights, but also in the community. Masking, hand hygiene and social distancing will still be in order for awhile. Please review the power point below that will answer many of your questions. Safe to say, we got a vaccine for Christmas. Continue to keep Grandview Heights staff and residents in your daily prayers!
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
12/10/2020
We have found a great informational powerpoint that helps answer questions related to the new COVID-19 Vaccine. Please follow this link, to get access to a free tool kit, that will enable you to view the whole slideshow!
https://www.mcknights.com/news/clinical-news/amdas-new-covid-vaccine-powerpoint-can-help-answer-resident-staff-concerns/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MLT_ClinicalDaily_20201210&hmSubId=TyWqfmi-05c1&hmEmail=63c5tANfkY7Yy_GSnBDe4QiRvMq_L5JV0&email_hash=51f8f4a38e8dfeea89ae0a8967cace0d&mpweb=1326-14095-110205
12/01/2020
Covid19 continues lurking in our midst. Since the positivity rate for Marshall County remains high 29.7%, we have continued testing all of our employees two times per week. We have been very fortunate that our staff is staying well and free of the virus. In the past 2 weeks we have had only 2 persons test positive using the PCR testing. Each of those individuals suspected they may have contracted and stayed away from work until they were tested and then properly quarantined. When test we typically test 85-90 staff members. Residents continue to be assessed by licensed nursing staff 3 times daily during each on-coming shift. We have not had any residents test positive. We continue to prepare for the Christmas Season with the usual decorating. Residents enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and enjoyed your many visits. Contine visiting, using the protocol I have outlined below. I'll keep this update short, because without the Covid 19, our life is sssweet! Please keep all the residents and staff in your thoughts and prayers!
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
11/13/2020 Update
Positivity rate for Marshall County has continued to excalate to 29.6 % at this time. The entire State of Iowa is elevating with alarm. Due to this high positivity rate we are continuing to test our employees 2 times weekly. We are using the Abbott Rapid Test for our testing as we can get results in 15 minutes. Any staff member that presents questionable symptoms we also complete a PCR Test and send to the Iowa Hygenic Lab in Iowa City for correlation. We are currently asking any staff member that feels they have had an exposure, direct or indirect, to counsel with us and we recommend that they quarantine at home for 10 days. If they do not develop symptoms and remain fever free for 24 hours they have discussion with GVH Administration to determine their return to work. We tested 87 staff members on Monday of this week and 87 members on Thursday of this week. All but 1 were negative and that 1 we did a PCR test for confirmation. Residents are assessed for symptoms or changes in condition each of 3 shifts. We have not had any symptoms, however if we did we would do a confirmatory Covid test on them. Again of our 62 residents there is no evidence of presence. We have continued to allow free movement of residents within the care center and residents are asked to mask, as we do. They are generally cooperative, but there are occasional reminders. We continued to gather in smaller groups for meals and for activities, according to acceptable standards. We have a wonderful TEAM of professional employees providing for and taking care of your loved ones. We do ask that you continue to follow the protocol listed below in scheduling "magic window" visitations. Please help to keep our staff safe in our community by wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently, and maintaining social distancing. Only ALL OF US TOGETHER CAN RESOLVE THIS SITUATION, AND FINALLY...PRAY FOR MERCY ON OUR COUNTRY TO RESOLVE THE PETTY BICKERING AND GET ON WITH CARING FOR ONE ANOTHER.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
10/20/2020 Update
Due to the increase in the positivity rate for Marshall County (up to 6.5) outdoor and front porch visits will be curtailed until the positivity rates drop below 5 for 3 consecutive weeks. "Magic Window" appointments can still be made. If youwatch any news at all, you will see that the virus is again surging. It is my responsiblity to try to keep it out of the facility and away from your loved ones. Thank you for your cooperation in helpinig us to achieve that goal.
To make "Magic Window" visits more comfortanble, we have added pull down roller blinds to guy any glare. The heat on the porch will be turned up to add to your comfort. Please remember the following:
1) Call ahead for your appiontments
2.) Register in the guest book
3.) Disinfect the furniture and microphone at the close of your visit
4.) Try to limit yourselves to approximately 30 minutes
Thank you for your on-going assistance during these challeging times.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
10/08/2020 Update
There is no covid testing for employees at Grandview Heights Rehab & Healthcare this week or next, due to low positivity levels. We are currently at 2.8%. recall the country positivity level needs to be below 5 in order for us to move to the 1 monthly testing. Residents are assessed 3 times daily by our licensed nursing staff and if symptomatic, they would be tested. There have been no symptoms with any of our residents, thus no testing indicated.
On that note, we are now making plans for a short period of outdoor visiting. We will move to this option if Marshall County Positivity rates remain below for 3 consecutive weeks. This can change due to changes in the local positivity rates that are posted every Monday. 1.) Visitors must call for appointments. 2.) You will be asked if you want outdoor or "Magic Window" time. Times will necessarily be limited in order that we can staff the needs of residents and chaperone the outdoor visits. We will start with a morning block of time from 10-11 am, and an afternoon block of time from 1-3:30 pm on Tuesday's & Thursday's.
Call for visit times after 10/12/2020.
1. GVH will determine if the weather is appropriate for outside visits
2. 6' tabels will be placed in the front of the building.
3. The resident will be at one end of the table, and the visitor will be at the other end.
4. Both resident and visitor must be masked (bring your own mask with you please. If you have a shield that might be better for your loved one, so they can see your mouth moving.
5. We will allow you to wear disposable gloves to reach out and greet your loved one, and you will be able to depart with a quick, gloved hand holding.
6. Visits will be held for approximately 30 minutes.
7. The outside visits will be chaperoned, the "Magic Windows" are per normal.
Sinice the front porch is heated, we are working on plans to use the front porch as the weather gets cooler. The "Magic Windows" will continue in play as they have been so successful, allow the resident to see more than 1 family member at once, actually be closer than 6 feet, have no need to wear masks, and can use the microphones/speakers to hear one another.
This has been such an adventure that I appreciate you being on this journey with us. Still more challenges ahead, but we are optimistic aobut tackling them for those we care so much about.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
09/25/2020
In Marshall County due to the high positivity rate, we have been Covid-19 testing all of our staff members who have continued to test negative, or are outside of their 90 days post having contracted Covid-19. We complete testing Mondays and Thursdays for staff. Mondays testing was on 58 staff and they were all negative. Thursdays testing was also for 58 staff and they were all negative. Residents are checked for vitals on each shift, and if there are symptoms they are tested. There have been no symtoms. We have 57 residents residing with us at this time. Let's get those elective surgeries scheduled, come here and rehab, restore and return home. In beginning to try to get toward "normalcy" we will again begin our mental health counseling for residents in need, with Senior Consulting Group. Our couselor, Mary Lee will begin seeing folks on 10/7/2020. As well, we have entered into an agreement with Preferred Podiatry Group and they will begin seeing patients at Grandview Heights Rehab & Healthcare on 10/26/2020. We are excited to get these services re-started for the good of our wonderful residents. This next week we will go to testing staff members just 1 time weekly due to a decreased positivity rate of 6.5 %. As always, thank you for your continued support!
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
09/18/2020
Todays Covid-19 update shares that we have continued to stay Covid-19 free. As Marshall County has a high "Positivity Rate" of 11.3 we are required to test our staff 2 times per week. Persons we are testing are all staff members who have continued to test "negative" throughout this Pandemic. We selected testing on Monday 9/14 and tested 48 staff members using the PCR testing and sent to the Iowa Hygienic Labs - All 48 returned negative for Covid-19. We did our 2nd testing of the staff on Thursday using the BD Veritor Quick Test and we tested 47 staff members, all were negative for Covid-19. All residents continue to be assessed by licensed nursing staff during each of our 3 shifts. If there are any symptoms detected they would be tested immediately using our new BD Veritor testing protocol. All residents continue to be assymptomatic. Our Census is at 60 today, and we stand ready to assist in any necessary placements in the Marshalltown area.
WE are running into some issue with scheduling your visits with your loved ones at the two magic windows, that are equipped with microphones and speakers so you might better communicate with one another. WE must get you accustomed to scheduling yourselves to visit. This is a requirement for us to consider lifting some restrictions, so please comply with what we have to do. We know you want to cooperate so that we can consider moving forward, but you have to please complete your responsibility. At the moment it matters less, but if we get to the stage where we can let you be with your loved one, we need to have a staff member present, sort of as a chaperone. You will have to be 6 feet apart, and you will still have to wear a mask. Preferably such visits will be conducted outside in one of our court yards. The visits will be time limited to no longer than 30-45 minutes so others can be accomodated. Visitors will be restricted to 2 individuals. As the weather gets cooler, hopefully we will be further ahead with this virus, but if we haven't opened to inside visiting we will continue with the magic windows.
Please review calling in and visiting protocol that is showing in the update immediately below.
Thank you for your continuing support. Your loved one is receiving wonderful care from highly committed caregivers, and we are priviledged to have you in our family!
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
COVID-19 Update
09/08/2020
REMINDER: As Grandview Heights Rehab & Healthcare continues to look for ways to revise some of the restrictions we have had to implement, we will need your cooperation as we look to the future. With the positivity rating as high as it is in Marshall County, we are not able to do direct patient visitor contacts yet. Marshall County's positivity rate is 11.3% for this week and that is what we must go by. The protocol that has been established by CMS (Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services) is that testing of staff and residents will continue. If the positivity level is at 5% then testing is set for 1 time monthly; if the positivity level is 5.1-10% then testing is set for 1 time per week; if the positivity level is 10.1% or higher testing is set for 2 times per week. This week, due to the Labor Day Holiday, we had set our testing for Tuesday 9/8/20 for all staff that have continued to test negative. Next week we will again test on Monday and again on Thursday. Residents and staff presenting with symptoms are tested immediately with our new antigen testing machine/Veritor. Results are available in 15 minutes. This type of testing will allow us to direct services to staff and residents much more quickly then the 1-2 days it takes using the PCR testing. If a staff member or resident has tested positive for the COVID-19 Virus, the recommendation is that they not be tested for 90 days following their positive reading.
As we move forward please observe the following;
1.) Please call GVH ahead of your visit to set up a time to visit with your loved one at one of 2 "Magic Windows" .
2.) We will notify the Nursing Staff of your impending visit, so visits will be timely.
3.) Plan your visitations to be 30-45 minutes start to finish.
4.) Disenfecting supplies are provided at each window, please do not forget to use them.
5.) There is a sign-in book on the front porch, this is a requirement of visits now, and as we move to the future, please use it legibly.
We implemented "fine dining/communal" dining recently, and all residents using the dining room are welcomed at the reservatioin podium (reservations not required) and they are escorted to a free table. The menu is presented and their order is taken. The meal is delivered and they enjoy their meal. They are escorted to the living rooms, or back to their rooms by staff members, as necessary.
We continued our 1:1 activity visits throughout the year as usual and all through the "outbreak". We recently returned to group activities, however we are restricted to only 10 participants at a time. Any activity that involves "pieces" to use with the activity, we must have 10 pieces, that can be santitized and not shared within the group. Bingo has continued on Thursdays and we have had to be creative to those wanting to participate in their isolation, thus you could hear Bingo numbers being called up & down many different hallways. After a short pause in our church services, those too have resumed, but again only 10 persons attending at a time. Social hour has returned to Friday afternoons with musical entertainment being booked again (on the front porch) and residents enjoying from the front living rooms. This is another reason to schedule your visits, so that we don't have competition for the attention of the folks we all care so very much about.This has been a peak at our part, for your part keep your loved one & our staff in your thoughts and prayers. Wear a mask, Wash hands, Social Distance!
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
09/01/2020
We are happy to announce that we are currently out of the outbreak status! We will continue to test staff bi-weekly, unless instructed otherwise. Residents we will continue with our protocol of testing the individual as soon as they start to experience any signs or symptoms. Along with that, we are checking each residents temperatures and doing a full evaluation at the start of each new shift- so three times daily! We do not have any positive residents in our care, and none are having any signs or symptoms.
08/26/2020
We are happy to announce that we currently do not have any positive residents residing in our facility! Our numbers are as follows:
Census: 60
In hospital: 0
Positive: 0
Recovered: 47
We received some clarification from the State of Iowa stating that we DO NOT have to count any patients in our positive count that are joining us from the hospital for reconditioning due to COVID 19. Please check back for more updates as they become available! -Grace Maitland HR Manager
08/21/2020
Daily Census: 60; In Hospital: 0; Positive 3; Recovered 44
Although we have 3 positive residents, only 1 of those are a long time resident of Grandview Heights. The other two are people we have acquired from the hopsital that are here for some re-conditioning to get back to there baseline performance! We are so happy to have them with us!
In efforts to move forward with our re-opening strategy, we are implenting a check in for our visitors who are visiting a loved one through our Magic Window. Please look for the check in binder upon arrival. We ask that you fill out the needed information each time you stop by for a visit. In addition- there will be a sanitation rag & spray for you to wipe down your area when your visit is completed. As always- we thank you for your participation!
-Grace HR
08/19/2020
Daily Census: 61; In Hospital: 0; Positive 4; Recovered 43
08/18/2020
Daily Census: 59; In Hospital: 1; Positive 4; Recovered 42
08/14/2020
Daily Census: 59; In Hospital: 1; Positive 4; Recovered 41.
This week we enjoyed serving our community a warm meal as many of our community members have been without power for several days due to the storm. In total: we served over 500 individuals this week! Some of our residents spent time helping prepare the to-go boxes that we handed out. Our residents have also enjoyed watching the tree service company clean up our yards! More and more residents are starting to participate in our daily activities and eating in our dining area. You are invited to our "Magic Window" for visits, they would love to see your smiling faces!
Grace Maitland, Human Resources
08/10/2020
Daily Census: 60; In Hospital: 1; Positive 8; Recovered 36; Staff Tested:82: Positive Staff:14; Recovered:28 The "Magic Windows" have again opened. Again, consider shorter visits and increase in time over the next couple of weeks. Only positive covid residents are not able to leave the quarantine of their rooms. WE had one heck of a storm this afternoon! We incurred roof damage, and we had just completed a new rubberized roof project. Several of our roof top AC units were moved by the winds and they are scheduled to be reset. We lost numerous large trees on campus. No one was injured, our staff performed wonderfully, and residents received some special interactions while they were in their safety zones. Residents that have recovered, or continue to test negative, were invited back to dining room eating, 1 per table, and all residents are being served on dinnerware, rather than on the styrofoam ( except for positive quarantine residents). Please continue to use the power of prayer to keep us all going in the right direction. It has been a pretty powerful presence in helping us to weather this virus and todays storm.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
08/07/2020
Daily Census: 60; In Hospital: 1; Positive Resident: 18; Recovered Residents: 27; Staff Tested: 82; Positive Staff: 19; Recovered Staff: 23 For planning purposes, I plan to open the "Magic Windows" Monday afternoon. Please call ahead and set up time as you have in the past. I would like to encourage you to keep your visits around 30 minutes, so as not to overtax your loved ones. I know you are anxious to see them up closer and to hear them. We will monitor their response to increased visitation and we will continue to closely monitor the pandemic's growth or decline, and determine our ability to review restrictions positively. We thank you for your continued patience as we work to close out this horrible chapter in all of our lives. Your continued prayers are very much appreciated.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
08/06/2020
Daily Census: 59; Hospital:1; Positive Residents: 18; Recovered Residents: 26; Staff Tested: 81; Positive Staff: 19; Recovered Staff:21 We continue to work very closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health. We look forward to opening up the "Magic Windows" again in the very near future. Please continue to pray for a quick resolution to this Covid-19 experience. Prayer is one of our most powerful weapons.
08/04/2020
Daily Census: 60; Hospital:3; Positive Residents:21; Recovered Residents:23; Staff Tested: 81; Positive Staff:18; Recovered Staff: 20 We are making positive gains with this horrible virus. We are working very closely with our Primary Care Physicians and Nurse Practitioners. Our staff has been phenominal in shouldering the awesome responsibility this pandemic has presented. I sincerely thank our residents, our staff, and our wonderful supportive family members and friends. Please continue your prayers of support for all concerned.
07/31/2020 Update:
Daily Census: 62 In Hospital: 5 Positive Residents: 29 Recovered: 16 --------------- Staff Tested: 81 Positive Staff: 17 Recovered: 17
Dann Larmore/Adminsitrator
07/26/2020 Update:
Census: 62 In Hospital: 2 Positive Residents: 29 Recovered: 13 Asymtomatic Residents: 2 Staff Tested: 79 Positive Staff: 15 Recovered: 15
Dann Larmore/Administrator
07/23/2020 Update:
The past 24 hours has been continued challenge after challenge for our residents, staff, and families. We continue to have 2 Department of Inspections & Appeals staff present and a most in opportune time, but none the less they stayed, even under the circumstances.
We received results as follows this morning, CCDI 11Negatives; East side no new Positives; West Side 4 new Positives; and Staff 37 Negatives & 9 Positives. We have 1 resident in the hospital. Numerous family & resident contacts have been accomplished today.
My heart is heavy in having to share that we have lost 2 additional residents. I pray the Lord will keep us all in the palm of his hand and help find a quick close to this pandemic.
Dann Larmore, Administrator
7/22/2020 Update:
I apologize for my delay in update. I too, have met the "angry beast", but as time has marched on, our staff has continued like troopers, meeting COVID head-on, and keeping our residents comfortable. Mostly I will share data with you, to keep you in the know.
Census is 65; we have 33 COVID positive residents, and all residents have been tested several times. We have tested over 85 of our staff members, several times, and have had a total of 15 positive staff members (since the beginning of this pandemic). We have experienced 2 deaths, 4 residents have been hospitalized and returned, and 5 residents have recovered--returning to their rooms--from quarantine.
We are re-evaluating our policies, due to changes issued by CMS and IDPH, over the weekend.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
07/15/2020 Update:
We continued our mass testing of residents and staff on Monday July13, completing the remaining of all residents without any symptoms, retesting those with symptoms who's prior test came back negative, and any staff needing to be tested initially or again. We took 13 tests to Iowa City to the Hygienic Lab Monday when we went and picked up another 150 test kits. Those 13 returned with 6 additional positives, 2 results could not be determined, and 7 negative. We make contacts with individuals and responsible parties with each new set of data. On 7/14 we completed additional testing on residents that needed new testing and staff members wishing to be tested. We completed another 30 tests on 7/14, and they were delivered via courier to the State Hygienic lab today. We had evidently missed the courier pick up on Tuesday. We expect those results tomorrow. Our nursing staff have been rock stars on assessing, testing, documenting, and contacting our families. What that means is with all of their extra effort, all other departments are pulled in to work harder, meals served in rooms, on disposable dinnerware; laundry having mountains of isolation gowns to process, working extra shifts to keep up. Housekeeping having to sanitize more frequently and set up rooms, move resident, sanitize again, dispose of bags and bags of disposable isolation gowns, masks, and all regular duties. Maintenance having to move residents to our delegated destinations. In spite of our present challenge...I think of it as a "faith check" GVH is a phenomenal place that provides very good care in a manner consistent with the values of "patient centered care' . My heart is heavy as I close this update by sharing that we experienced our 1st death to this horrible virus. We will miss the joy that this individual brought to our day so often, and the caring she showed for all of her friends at GVH. Please pray for our resident family, staff family, friends, and our medical associates supporting us during this pandemic. Finally, I'm sure you all are curious about things, but this is where I can share with you. Specific to your loved ones, please let us contact you, so that our Nurses can stay focused on the volumes of documentation this pandemic is requiring of them.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
07/10/2020 Update:
As shared earlier we had started mass testing of our residents and staff. With this virus we have learned that it can be transmittted by individuals who show no outward signs or symptoms. If we were ever going to be able to consider lifting restrictions, it would be necessary for us to know the status of our residents and our staff. We have encouraged our staff to be tested at TestIowa prior to them ever coming to Marshalltown, and they have continued to do so. If they are determined to be positive they are quarantined at home and need to be able to show a negative test to return to work. Also staff that feel anything different have been encouraged to contact us, rather than just come to work. They interview and are tempted each time they work, but this virus is more than just body temperature changes. They are tempted when they leave their shift. Any body function changes and they are off work for minimally 10 days, and they have to have had 72 consecutive hours of no fever. Residents are tempted every shift and vitals recorded watching for changes. If they demonstrate changes Nursing in consultation with their Primary Care Giver (Doctor/Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant) to move them to our quarantine wing and they are closely monitored for the quarantine period of 14 days. Any new admission also must have negative covid testing prior to admission and they too are quarntined for 14 days. All services are provided in quarantine.
We did mass testing 07/02/2020 completing 53 tests (there were 3 positive residents who were already in quarantine. We had 4 staff members test positive that had no symptoms and continue out of service. We again did mass testing of all of our residents who had not been tested on 07/07 completing 71 tests and those results were received over the last 2 days. We have been contacting residents, families, and the Iowa Dept. of Health as they are received. 9 residents have tested positive and we quarantined them by increasing our quarantine space. 7 staff have tested positive and they were removed from service to completed their 14 quarantine and will need to present with a negative test result. What this all means is that we continue to be very busy caring for our very special residents. We will not be able to relax any of our restrictive measures at this time. Our residents, your loved ones, are simply too important! Our original positive residents are doing quite well, with generally normal vitals, minimal respiratory issues, occasional shortness of breath, but still interactive with our wonderful caregiving staff. To leave quarantine we will again test them looking for that negative result and then make plans to return them to their prior living activities. We have set our criteria to leave quarantine, that the involved resident must have 2 negative covid tests. The second test cannot be administered prior to 48 hours of receiving the original negative test.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
07/06/2020 Update:
As shared with the update on Friday of last week, we had sent 4 resident samples in to the Iowa Hygienic Lab for covid status. One had been received on Friday and was positive. The other 3 were pending. They were received this morning and all 3 were positive. The individuals are doing well at this time, however they will continue in quarantine for 14 days. It has been almost a week since we sent in the tests, so the good news is that they have completed nearly another week. After completion of the 14 day quarantine they will again be tested to see if we have a negative status and plans will be made to move out to the general population. We continue to monitor all residents every shift for signs or symptoms of virus.
Dann Larmore, MS/NHA-L
Administrator
Grandview Heights Rehab & Healthcare
07/03/2020 Update:
It has been a busy week at Grandview as we encountered our first Covid situation with a resident. The individual was not in the facility at the time of notification of the positive diagnosis (07/01/20). The individual was residing in the Quarantine wing so we moved immediately forward with notifying immediate family of residents in Quarantine. The residents residing there were covid tested that same morning and their samples were delivered to the Iowa Hygienic Lab in Iowa City (07/01Wed). One result has been returned and the individual was positive. It is possible these two episodes are not related due to circumstances that set them apart. That individual has been relocated to the most distant room in the Quarantine Wing. Due to TestIowa not being available over this Holiday Weekend, we obtained sufficient test kits to do our own testing and tested 53 of our staff that have provided service in the Quarantine Wing since 06/28/20. I personally delivered them to Ankeny by 5 pm on Thursday 07/02/20. We are awaiting test results on the other residents that were in the Quarantine wing and will determine additional Quarantine time and additional testing. We will continue to test staff and residents in our general population on Tuesday of next week. I will continue to keep our residents, families, staff and friends updated as we continue this adventure, each Friday with an update. I am in daily contact with the Iowa Department of Public Health. If there is specific information about individuals, we will contact their identified family member. In the meantime it is very important that you continue to do your part by wearing masks in public, and spatial distancing.
Regarding the 4th of July, we are now changing our plans and NO residents will be outside, rather we will enjoy the comfort of the dining rooms to watch the fireworks at the Central Iowa Fair Grounds. We appreciate your continued support of our services during these impactful times.
Dann Larmore, Administrator
06/26/2020 Update:
A quick Coronavirus update shares with you that we have continued to keep the virus at bay. It has not penetrated Grandivew Heights. Since the beginning of March and ultimately closing the facility to visitation on 03/13/2020, no residents have contracted the virus. We temp all of our residents every shift monitoring for changes and need to increase our vigilance, but all has gone well. Since this has started, we have had a total of 9 staff members that we have kept out of service for quarantining at home, due to exposures in their private lives. In order to return they must quarantine and present a negative covid test result. At this time we have only 1 staff member out awaiting their test results.
I was planning on trying some personal visitation on the 4th of July for the community fireworks, however, due to the current surging of virus in our state and community, I have talked myself out of it, in the best interest of our residents. I simply must keep them safe! Our residents who do want to enjoy the fireworks will be able to do so from the security of the courtyard in the back of the building. Plus it has a great view of the fairgrounds. We have too many employee families here for the event. Our Activities staff will monitor for no visitation with the residents, but we will have some fun watching!
Dann Larmore- Administrator
06/19/2020 Update:
I am happy to report that we continue to have no positive COVID 19 residents at Grandview Heights Rehab & Healthcare. On the other hand, due to our pro-active approach to physical changes with our staff members, we have had a total of 7 staff out since March with 4 recent tests being positive and they are still out of service. We have asked that all of our staff members at GVH make appointments with Test Iowa at the Marshalltown Community College. Thus far, we have had 55 of our110 staff members tested. Of our residents, we have hadd 22 tested. In order for us to open up we must have all residents tested, as well as staff. We will be working on this. My intent it to post an update every Friday. If not sooner, so please be a regular visitor.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
06/17/2020 Update: Thank you for checking out our website and the COVID 19 update that is being provided. This first communication will be a bit of a historical walk from when we closed Grandview Heights Rehab & Healthcare on March 13, 2020 until the present. This has been a very important, but horrendous learning experience for residents, staff, associate healthcare providers, families and friends. Please know that every step of the way we have had nothing but the safety, health, and best interest of our residents as our guiding source. To that end, we were charged with making decisions about what would be the best way of protecting our residetns, and yet recognizing that they are "people" who have had to undergo so many changes in their lives, end resulting with them spending time at Grandview Heights Rehab & Healthcare, and how we can continue to make their home safe for them.
We immediately reduced our census so that we could create a quarantine wing, where persons identified with COVID 19, new admissions, re-admissions, and our regular residents that may demonstrate symptoms of respiratory issues, would be moved to and housed for specific periods of time, or completion of quarantined time frames.
All visitors (families and friends were banned from the building) were kept away from their loved ones residing at GVH so that they would not be subject to the virus by association. However, we did establish our "Magic Window" and now "Windows" so that families and residents could still comfortably visit with one another, safely, with a mere pane of glass between them. Speakers and Microphones have continued to be obtained and calibrated for continued improvement in verbal communicaitons. Families were also invited to call and we would do facetime with them and their loved ones, and we obtained additional tablets to enhance that experience with one another.
All staff have been wearing face masks since early March to protect our residents family from our staff members needed to provide assistance to them.
In setting up our quarantine wing (300 Hall) we instructed staff of what additional Personal Protective Equipemnt they would have to utilize when providing service to residents receiving treatment in that wing. Residents in that wing were quarantined to their private rooms so there would be a maximium infection prevention for all being served. Typically residents entering that wing were in placement there for 14 days, and staying symptom free. We originally had challenges with getting the hospitals to do COVID testing prior to discharge so that we could admit "negative" result admissions more comfortably. That is now happening as a matter of routine and is very helpful.
End Result... Our resident population has remained Coronavirus/COVID 19 free. We are very proud of that accomplishment.
Of our roughly 120 staff members serving the needs of your loved ones, we are pleased to share with you that only 7 individuals have had positive COVID 19 tests. Of those individuals, 4 have returned to work without further complications. Three individuals had no symptoms, however, we have been encouraging all of our staff to get testing while the Test Iowa facilities are set up at the Marshalltown Community College. These individuals were tested, notified and immediatly taken off the service schedule until they have completed a negative COVID test, or quarantined for 14 days.
All residents have their temperatures taken each shift, as an intial potential monitor of their health condition. All staff members are temped before starting their shift and at the close of their shift. Our time clock asks all staff members interview questions about their travels and health prior to check in, and if there is need for interview with a licensed nurse, they are not allowed to check in.
This will be the close of our initial walk down memory lane, it has been a long 2.5 months for everyone, but you must know how proud I am of the work of our staff to make Grandview Heights a safe and comfortable home for the people we serve. Thank you for allowing us to take care of and share our love with people so important to us all. I will provide short updates to this site weekly, or as necessary from here on out, so mark this as a favorite page and visit at least weekly.
Dann Larmore, MS/Administrator
Grandview Heights is located East of the Marshalltown High School. We truly offer a grand view overlooking rich farm ground. If you wish to contact us for questions or tours please ask for the facility social worker or administrator. We pride ourselves in responding to the community needs 24 hours a day 7 days a week with appropriate admissions. Thank you for your interest in Grandview Heights Rehab & Healthcare. We encourage you to visit us soon. Each care facility has a personality of its own...it is our hope you will enjoy ours when you visit!
Our Shared Vision
Our vision is to be leaders in the healthcare industry Establishing a standard by which all others are measured. We will exceed our customer's expectations through our compassion and commitment to teamwork. We take pride in being quality-driven, putting our residents first and creating an environment that promotes "A Place for Living".
Testimonial
Dear Grandview Management Team:
"My mother, Donna Beirman was a recent resident after her knee replacement. You are to be commended for leading such a dream team of employees. Everyone and I do mean everyone was kind, caring, and genuine to her. I am amazed at the true desire to excel at excellence your staff displayed 24/7.
Thank you for doing what you do and doing it so exceedingly, abundantly, beyond what is expected."