What measures have been put in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19?

When Governor Charlie Baker declared a State of Emergency in Massachusetts in early March, we took a number of bold steps to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. In compliance with the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), we instituted the following measures at Holy Trinity to ensure the safety of our residents, staff and visitors:

• Ongoing daily Covid-19 briefings with all department heads and nurse managers
• All social visitations from families and friends have been suspended
• All vendor visits for routine preventative services have been stopped; only medically necessary visits are allowed.
• No food, or exchange of personal items from families to residents are allowed
• The loading dock is locked, no delivery staff inside the center. Deliveries are left on the loading dock.
• All communal dining and entertainment activities have been discontinued.
• All resident meals are being served in the residents’ unit.

How will you provide families with updates on COVID-19 infections?

We truly believe that transparency and open communication in these situations is crucial. We currently have residents and staff who have tested positive and we are following recommended guidelines from state officials to protect our residents and staff from further spread. Family members of our residents have been notified and any changes in status will be communicated. We will also send a daily update via VoiceFriend. When we have new or pertinent information to share, we will do so as soon as possible. Be patient with us as we care for your loved ones! While we may not respond immediately, we will take your questions and respond as soon as we can.

How are residents being protected?

We know that the frail and elderly are especially susceptible to this virus. That’s why we are in close communication with our local health department, CDC and CMS to ensure we have the latest information and resources available. In addition to instituting the CDC and DPH guidelines, residents are being kept separate as much as possible and isolated when appropriate. All residents are being offered handmade face masks for their protection. We are also not accepting new admissions at this time. Communal dining has been stopped and activities are being limited.

What steps are being taken to prevent the spread by staff members?

• Staff have all been trained and educated on guidelines related to the spread prevention of COVID-19, as well as general infection control practices.
• All staff are being checked prior to entering the building. They are asked about their health and a temperature reading is taken.
• Any staff member who has been tested will be required to follow Return to Work Criteria for HCP with Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 developed by the CDC, found here:

Due to these unforeseen circumstances, staffing is expected to be less than what we consider optimal. Our priority is our residents’ safety, health, and well-being, so please understand that we will do our best to respond to your phone inquiries as soon as possible. Non-essential and ancillary issues will be dealt with as time and resources allow.

How is Holy Trinity working with government officials?

The Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Massachusetts COVID-19 Response Command Center have been notified, per protocol. We are collaborating with them to determine the next best steps to ensure we are providing a healthy environment for the residents. Currently, testing for ALL nursing home residents who exhibit symptoms in the state of Massachusetts is being handled by the National Guard. To help mitigate further spread, we have requested government support in obtaining additional personal protective equipment (PPE).

Can I still visit my loved one?

Currently, we are not allowing any in-person visits unless it is an on an emergency basis. We do however understand how important it is to connect with your loved ones, and there are a variety of ways we can help to maintain contact with those you care about. While you can always call your loved one directly, you may also schedule a visit on our website and our staff can arrange either Facetime visits on the resident’s mobile phone or through our iPad. You may also contact us at (508) 852-1000 and ask to speak with your loved one's nurse to inquire about their well-being. Should your loved one demonstrate any symptoms of COVID-19 or be considered for testing, we will reach out to you and alert you of the specific situation.

What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness (similar to the flu) caused by a coronavirus that can spread from person to person. It is believed that infection is passed through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Some individuals infected may show no symptoms, yet others can experience mild to severe disease, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions may be at greater risk.

Where can I get additional information on coronavirus?

The CDC Coronavirus (COVID-29) Website is the best and credible source of COVID-19 news, the latest updates and recommendations, as well as answers to frequently asked questions information about the disease.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is also a helpful resource for more of the latest updates.

Are you having trouble obtaining the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Acquiring PPE has been a challenge for health care providers across the country and the state of Massachusetts. We have been working tirelessly to procure and maintain a supply of the needed equipment. All of our staff have been provided the highest grade of protective masks (N95 masks) and we are obtaining support from state and local health departments for the procurement of more equipment when unable to purchase from our suppliers.

Should we consider moving our loved one out of the nursing home?

This is not advised. When a person is in a nursing home or assisted living community, he or she is there because their needs could not be met in the home. Many nursing home residents are elderly and frail. They often need help with basic activities of daily living, like transferring in and out of bed, going to the bathroom, getting dressed, and eating. Furthermore, the risk of this virus in the community at-large is so dangerous right now. Family members may think their home is safer, but there are many younger individuals who do not always present symptoms. So, this could really do your loved one more harm than good.   

If staff have to stay home because they are sick or need to care for family members, how are you ensuring that there are enough staff to care for your residents?

Our state and national associations are encouraging both federal and state governments to waive current licensing requirements that would hinder care professionals from working across state lines, so we can potentially address any shortages due to employees needing to stay home. In addition, they are advocating for priority testing for our employees and residents, so we can quickly identify whether staff need to remain at home or if they can come back to work.

Will my loved one be retested for COVID-19?

We are awaiting a shipment of testing supplies that will allow our own nursing staff to retest patients that have been tested positive, as well as those that have tested negative whom the nursing staff believe should be tested due to signs and/or symptoms. We will continue to update families about the status of their loved ones’ condition as soon as there are any changes. We thank all of the families for their continued patience and understanding during this time.

What is needed for a resident to be considered negative for Covid-19 after having been positive?

At this time, the requirement is a resident must have no signs or symptoms of Covid-19 for 14 consecutive days; however, we are adhering to a more stringent 21 consecutive days.

Does Holy Trinity currently accept new Covid-19 positive admissions?

Yes. Holy Trinity continues to admit residents that are sick, no matter the ailment, as long as Holy Trinity has the capability to treat the resident’s health issues. Following the Christian mission upon which it was founded, Holy Trinity will continue to admit and care for all residents in the safest, and most caring manner possible, no matter what their pre-existing condition.

How do I schedule window or Facetime/Skype visits

Families may schedule Facetime or Skype visits on the Holy Trinity website. They can also submit E-cards through our website. For window visits, families may call ext. 282, leave a voice mail, contact the receptionist or social worker. Our nursing department is arranging in-person visitation for compassionate care situations.

What activities are the residents participating in?

We are conducting some activities for negative or asymptomatic residents with social distancing enforced. Examples are hallway bingo, hallway exercise, room visits, Hallmark movies, rosary, reminiscing, word search puzzles, etc.

For those restricted to their rooms with the doors closed, we have developed Covid-19 activity kits including word search, crossword puzzles, trivia quiz, playing cards, arts & crafts, and adult coloring materials.

When will the residents be able to take part in group activities again (meals, bingo, etc.)?

Holy Trinity must successfully meet the CDC May 21, 2020 phase 3 requirements in order for residents to participate in group activities:

• 28 days of near-zero incidence of newly identified COVID-19 cases
• No one with Covid-19 or influenza-like illness
• Near-zero incidence of positive COVID tests
• No staff shortages
• Availability of PPE stock of 15 days or more
• Availability of robust testing

What is the protocol for cleaning activity supplies?

Holy Trinity staff utilizes NeutraQuat disinfectant daily for cleaning IPads and other supplies. We utilize disposable bingo cards and supplies are cleaned with NeutraQuat after each game. Bingo chips are brought to the kitchen to run through the dishwasher.