2021 has started off great here at VMP. We held our first Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic today for the employees and residents of our Rehab and Skilled Nursing Center- Maplewood. Walgreens was onsite to administer the Moderna vaccine to approximately 150 residents and/or employees. The second dose of the vaccine is scheduled for our February 5th clinic. There will be third clinic March 5th. As of now, these clinic dates are specifically for residents and staff working in our skilled nursing facility. We anticipate information on when and how vaccines will be available for our Assisted Living and Independent Living residents soon.

We are encouraging 100% participation in receiving this vaccine. The information provided by the CDC clearly lays out that the benefits more than outweigh the risks. We have to recognize that our industry is at the highest risk for contracting the virus and it possibly resulting in death. Our ability to take steps forward to resuming “normalcy” in our community will be directly affected by the containment and reduction of this virus. We are in this together and ask for everyone’s cooperation.

We continue to have positive residents and employees throughout the campus. As a reminder, all positive residents and employees are quarantined, families contacted within the appropriate timeframe and anyone who has been exposed has been tested and quarantined as well. Families or contacts of residents that are negative or have not been exposed will not receive a phone call. It is the old cliche of “no news is good news.” Signs and symptoms of the virus are being monitored on every shift every day.

Our Huddle Huts continue to provide a break from the elements for window visits during this holiday season. If you are interested in changing an already scheduled virtual visit to window or a new window visit please contact our Campus Activity Dept. at 607-4192.

For the first time since November, the positivity rate in Milwaukee County fell below 10% for two consecutive weeks. This means that employee testing can be reduced from two to one time per week. Again, all positive results prompt immediate quarantine of the individual and tracing for potential resident and employee exposure throughout the campus.

Even with the reduction in testing and administration of the first vaccine, we continue to offer every assurance that we are following all recommendations and will act in the best interests of our entire community. Appropriate levels of PPE are available and in use throughout the community. This includes gowns, face shields or goggles in addition to masks (including N95) and gloves. Hand hygiene with employees and residents is integrated throughout the day.

Our team is in communication with The West Allis Health Dept., WI Department of Health Service, and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Any needed changes to our current plan is directed by these organizations. Again, our commitment to keeping our residents and employees safe is our primary goal.

Please continue to do your part:

  • WEAR YOUR MASK
  • STAY SOCIALLY DISTANT-6ft APART
  • WASH YOUR HANDS
  • STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK
  • AVOID LARGE GATHERINGS

As a reminder, the following items are in place throughout the VMP community.

OUR RESIDENTS

  • As of March 12, our dining rooms have been closed. Meal trays are being delivered to our Palmer House and Maplewood residents. The dining room in Wesley Park has been closed. The Bistro has been re-opened with limited hours and options. Meals are being provided “to go” for our independent living residents.
  • There are no outside groups permitted to enter the campus for the purpose of entertainment, education, taxes, church services or other events. We have made sure that the church services are available via the closed circuit TV’s throughout the campus.
  • The Stafford Center is closed.
  • Mail will be delivered to the communications center and delivered to rooms.
  • Essential healthcare workers such as those that work for hospice, lab, x-ray, pharmacy or home health will be able to work with residents on a case by case basis and will be subjected to health screening upon entry.
  • There will be no outings until further notice.
  • Transportation will be available for essential medical treatments and groceries.
  • Care Conferences with residents and families will be by phone until further notice.
  • All new admissions or readmissions in Maplewood Health Center are given private accommodations for their initial 14 days and monitored for symptoms.
  • Wesley Park residents are asked to complete a health screening upon return from any outside appointment or outing.

OUR STAFF

  • Our staff has completed the CDC Infection Control Facility Assessment to ensure we are in compliance with all aspects of infection control
  • We have documented current competencies on ALL staff for hand hygiene and use of PPE, including when to use, how to apply and how to remove and dispose of properly.
  • Every single person entering our building is screened- employee, vendor, surveyor, family member for end of life compassionate care visit.
    Additionally, we ask staff who are sick to stay at home until they are no longer contagious.
  • No one may enter the campus, except through the 4 designated entrances- Maplewood Main entrance, Palmer House Main Entrance, and the 2 main entrances of WP. There are no exceptions for anyone.
  • All staff MUST wear a face mask at all times when in the facility.
  • All staff are trained on signs and symptoms of recognizing COVID and what to report.
  • All staff are trained on when to place some on isolation and how to place them in isolation, how to communicate the isolation to all staff immediately.

OUR CAMPUS

  • We focus on keeping rooms and common areas as clean and sanitized as possible to prevent the spread of germs. We have increased the frequency of the sanitization.
  • Our kitchens follow NSF-approved dishwashing techniques.
  • All staff members are trained in techniques to prevent the spread of germs specific to their individual roles in serving residents in our communities.
  • VMP has specialized electrostatic machines, called a Novaerus, which will routinely be used to disinfect common area surfaces.
  • We added more touchless hand sanitizer stations in our common areas.

OUR COMMUNITY

  • In compliance with the CDC and DPH, we are not allowing non-essential visitors in our facility at this time.

What can I do to help during this time?

With the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), we are asking for the support of our community during this time. Your support will tremendously help to protect our residents and our staff on the frontline.

We are currently accepting:

  • Any face masks (N95, Surgical, Homemade)
  • Gloves
  • Gowns
  • Hand Sanitizer that is at least 70% alcohol
  • Sanitizing Wipes
  • Toilet Paper
  • Paper Towels
  • Bleach
  • Gloves
  • Cash Donations

Donations can be brought to VMP Healthcare & Community Living.

  • 3023 S. 84th Street
    West Allis, WI 53227

Items can be placed in the barrels located between the sliding doors at the main entrance from 8:00 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

If there are any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (414) 607-4100 or email us at vmp.healthcare@vmp.org.

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