COVID-19 hits at Mt. Vernon Place Care

By: 
Steve Chapman

 Recent data released by Johns Hopkins University and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) show that with the recent spike in new COVID cases in the general U.S. population, weekly nursing home cases are also on the rise. According to Johns Hopkins University, weekly new COVID cases in the general U.S. population rose by 229 percent to 796,761 new cases the week of Nov. 8. A correlating uptick in new cases in nursing homes occurred when cases in the surrounding community started rising back in mid-September. (Artwork submitted)

‘Large percentage of cases’ reported at long-term care facility
 
Some residents at the Mt. Vernon Place Care Center have tested positive for COVID-19, a relative of one of the residents said. The relative, whose parent resides at the nursing home, has asked to remain anonymous. They stated that they first learned about the situation last month.
“(On) Oct. 10, we received a letter stating there had been “three or four cases in the past 72 hours,” the relative said. “They listed several new safety procedures like isolation from other residents, added staff safety precautions, etc. That’s the last information we received about the situation there.”
The relative said they were told by staff that there was a large number of cases at the nursing home.
“When I heard that there were several COVID-19 cases among staff and residents, I asked at the door if there were many cases and was told there were ‘quite a few,’” the relative said. “All had been moved to one hallway with dedicated staff members who only cared for them. My (sibling) says (they) did call in mid- October and asked questions and was told ‘there are a large percentage of cases.’”
Right now, the relative said, the residents at Mt. Vernon Place Care Center can only be visited through room windows, via phone.
“Prior to COVID isolation for the residents, we visited at the dining room windows, over the phone,” they said.
The relative said the lack of human contact is taking a toll on their parent.
“(They’re) not doing well,” the relative said. “The isolation has definitely gotten to (them), as it has to all nursing home residents. The loneliness is the main issue (they’re) currently facing.”
All-in-all, however, the relative did say their parent is receiving the best care possible at the nursing home.
“Overall, we have been very happy with the care (they have) received there,” the relative said. “The nurses, staff, and aids are very attentive and kind and obviously have the health and welfare of the residents foremost in their thoughts.”
 In response to a media inquiry, Amy Fyfe, administrator at the Mt. Vernon Place Care Center, gave this statement:
“Due to the privacy considerations for our residents, we are unable to provide specific information about the health conditions of anyone at Mt. Vernon Place Care Center. The team at Mt. Vernon Place Care Center continues to follow the recommendations of the federal and state government as we work to minimize the effect of COVID-19 in our community. We are proud of the work we are doing and will continue to push forward for the good of our residents, team and families. Our hearts go out to all who have lost family members during this time.”
 

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Lawrence County Record

312 S. Hickory St.
Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712
www.lawrencecountyrecord.com

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