Covid-19 Information

July 23, 2021 (Current)

Residents/Family/Friends/Staff,

Covid-19 Status: We have had no known positive resident cases of COVID-19.

It’s Back!: You guessed it everyone, Star Glazers is returning on Monday! We are very excited to host this beloved activity again as we take steps back to pre-pandemic life. Yesterday we also had our first live musician perform since March of 2020 which was enjoyed by those who attended.

Hamilton County’s positivity rate: has increased to 1.9%. The visitation program can continue if the positivity rate remains below 10%.

Spectrum Upgrade: We appreciate everyone’s patience during this longer than expected transition. There have been technical difficulties with some smart TV’s which have required specialized technicians to resolve. If anyone feels that their TV is not working properly or you would like a large button remote, please let Social Services or Maintenance know.

Food Deliveries: Please inform delivery drivers that they need to drop off food items with the Receptionist/Security Guard as the drop off table is not an appropriate place to leave temperature sensitive items due to life safety code. Food items dropped off in this location will be thrown away as we are unable to verify how long the items have not been thermally regulated.

Help Keep Us Covid Free: Due to the significantly more transmissible delta variant now dominant in America, we continue to encourage everyone get a Covid-19 vaccine. If you are experiencing any symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, please stay away from the facility as the symptoms for covid-19 continue to evolve.

Open Vaccine Clinic: We would like to welcome anyone that is interested in getting a Covid-19 vaccine to our next vaccine clinic in about a month from now. The Moderna vaccine will be administered by Skilled Care Pharmacists. Please contact SHarmon@beechwoodhome.com if you or anyone you know is interested in participating. Together we make everyone safer by getting vaccinated.

As always, if you have any questions please contact Heather Hefren hhefren@beechwoodhome.com (Director of Social Services), Scot Harmon sharmon@beechwoodhome.com (Administrator) and/or Patricia Clark pclark@beechwoodhome.com (CEO).

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

Click on date to see previous communications

July 16, 2021

July, 2, 2021

June 25, 2021

June 23, 2021 Special Update

June 18, 2021

June 11, 2021

June 4, 2021

May 28, 2021

May 21, 2021

May 14, 2021

May 8, 2021 Special Update

May 7, 2021

April 30, 2021

April 23, 2021

April 16, 2021

April 9, 2021 Special Update

April 9, 2021

April 3, 2021 Special Update

March 26, 2021

March 23, 2021 Special Update

March 22, 2021 Special Update

March 19, 2021

March 17, 2021 Special Update

March 12, 2021 Special Update

March 12, 2021

March 11, 2021 Special Update

March 5, 2021

February 26, 2021

February 18, 2121 Special Update

February 12, 2021

February 5, 2021

January 29, 2021

January 26, 2021 Special Update

January 25, 2021 Special Update

January 22, 2021

January 16, 2021 Special Update

January 15, 2021 Special Update

January 13, 2021 Special Update

January 11, 2021 Special Update

January 8, 2021 Special Update

January 8, 2021

December 2020

November 2020

October 2020

September 2020

August 2020

July 2020

June 2020

May 2020

April 2020

March 2020

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July 16, 2021

Residents/Family/Friends/Staff,

Covid-19 Status: We have had no known positive resident cases of COVID-19.

Regulatory Changes: There have been no recent regulatory changes overseeing LTC related to the pandemic. As a result, if any staff member or resident has a positive covid-19 test, any resident identified to have had close contact with the positive individual are required to undergo a 14 day quarentine regardless of vaccination status per Ohio Department of Health orders. We acknowlerge that this is frustrating as it counters CDC guidance however we are licensed and operate under ODH/CMS and want to remind everyone of this order as cases are on the rise.

Hamilton County’s positivity rate: has increased to 1.4%. The visitation program can continue if the positivity rate remains below 10%.

Spectrum Upgrade: Yesterday our facility began an upgrade to our cable system which includes more channels and removal of individual cable boxes attached to a TV. Please be patient while the installers transition each room to the new system and contact Maintenance or Social Services if you are experiencing any technical difficulties.

Help Keep Us Covid Free: Due to the significantly more transmissible delta variant now dominant in America, we continue to encourage everyone to get a covid-19 vaccine. If you are experiencing any symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, please stay away from the facility as the symptoms for covid-19 continue to evolve.

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

July 2, 2021

Residents/Family/Friends/Staff,

Covid-19 Status: We have had no known positive resident cases of COVID-19.

Regulatory Changes: There have been no recent regulatory changes overseeing LTC related to the pandemic.

Hamilton County’s positivity rate: has declined to .9%. The visitation program can continue if the positivity rate remains below 10%.

Help Keep Us Covid Free: If you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 or an upper respiratory infection, please stay away from the facility.

Hope everyone has a happy and safe Independence Day!

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

June 25, 2021

Residents/Family/Friends/Staff,

We hope that you are beginning to feel some normalcy in your lives but importantly that you once again have the opportunity to visit your family/friends here at The Beechwood Home in a manner that more closely reflects pre-pandemic. We want to acknowledge that although the past 16 months have been challenging, we continue to be very proud of everyone who adhered to the many restrictions, which at times seemed unbearable. To date, we can proudly say we have remained COVID-free among those who reside in our facility. We are exceptionally proud to be among the 3% of Long-term care facilities in Ohio that have remained COVID-free and we attribute this to everyone’s dedication to infection control measures and adherence to the health orders imposed on our setting. As always, if anyone has any questions/comments/concerns about how we have managed or continue to manage the covid-19 pandemic, our Emergency Planning Committee is always available to listen, educate and provide insight into what our projections are on the horizon from a regulatory standpoint. It has been an honor to communicate to everyone where the facility has been week to week and encourage you to remain diligent and continue to implement best practices until we can gleefully use the phrase “post pandemic”.

Happy Friday!

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

June 23rd Special Update

Residents/Family/Friends/Staff,

Following the much-anticipated webinar from OHA detailing rescinded orders this morning, we enthusiastically communicate the following changes.

The following changes to visitation are effective immediately:

Unlimited (but realistic) visitors at a time
Reservations are no longer needed
Visitors are able to spend time with a resident in designated visiting areas during the following hours:
- private resident room (visiting hours 8AM – 10 PM)
- porch (operating hours 8AM – 8PM)
- courtyard (operating hours 8AM – 8 PM)
Masks and covid screening are still required
All entry/exit into the facility is still mandated to occur at the Garden Level.
The front entrance will be unlocked daily between 8 AM – 4 PM for a visitor to accompany a resident to the front circle or the Betman Center to enjoy some time in nature.
Visits outside of these hours will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The following changes to dining will go into effect on Monday June 28^th:

We will be reopening our first-floor dining area to those that are able to independently dine after setup.
Friendly reminder that 1^st floor dining tables will not receive service from staff until the table has all attendees present in accordance with regulations.
Those who require clinical assistance will have their meals served in the 2^nd and 3^rd floor dining areas.
Those who are independent with dining can choose to eat on the 2^nd or 3^rd floor dining areas if desired.
All dining areas will have the same sensory experience with place mats, metal cutlery and music.
Dining for vaccinated residents no longer will be socially distanced. Four people can again eat at a table without plexiglass.
If a resident elects to eat in a location that is not their typical dining location, we ask that you communicate this information to the kitchen so that we can ensure your meal is served in the appropriate location.
Our 2^nd and 3^rd floor dining areas have been expanded and will be undergoing minor renovations soon.
The staff break room will be repopulated with four dining tables. Each table will have two chairs and plexiglass in accordance with regulations pertaining to unvaccinated staff members. A maximum of eight staff members are permitted to be in this space at a time.
Four picnic tables are now available around the parking lot area.
Suggestion boxes will be placed in all dining locations as a way for the facility to receive feedback as we rollout our new dining process.

The following orders have not been rescinded to date:

Main therapy/gym area will remain closed as we are mandated to retain an isolation unit setup.
Family/friends are not permitted to walk freely around the facility.
Care conference participation will remain remote
Masks and covid screening are still required for staff/visitors.
All entry/exit into the facility is mandated to occur at the Garden Level.

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

June 18, 2021

Residents/Family/Friends/Staff,

Covid-19 Status: We have had no known positive resident cases of COVID-19!

Regulatory Changes: During a press conference yesterday, Governor DeWine terminated the state of emergency declaration for Ohio and added that the Director of Health would be discussing which orders would be rescinded with expected effective dates during a pre-planned webinar with LTC industry leaders today (6/18/21). Yesterday Juneteenth became a national holiday, and it is being observed for the 1st time today. As a result, the previously scheduled webinar has been rescheduled for Wednesday. We will communicate any changes to the LTC setting following the webinar in a Special Update next week.

Hamilton County's positivity rate: has declined to 1.8%. The visitation program can continue if the positivity rate remains below 10%.

Help Keep Us Covid Free: If you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 or an upper respiratory infection, please stay away from the facility.

Scheduled In-Room Visitation Please e-mail melder@beechwoodhome.com to request a visitation opportunity.

As always, if you have any questions please contact Scot Harmon sharmon@beechwoodhome.com (Administrator) and/or Patricia Clark pclark@beechwoodhome.com (CEO) and/or Heather Hefren hhefren@beechwoodhome.com (Director of Social Services).
Sincerely,

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

June 11, 2021

Residents/Family/Friends/Staff,

Covid-19 Status: We have had no known positive resident cases of COVID-19!

Regulatory Changes: There have been no regulatory/order changes from The Ohio Department of Health pertaining to Long Term Care facilities despite relaxation for the general public.

Hamilton County's positivity rate: has declined at 2.4%. The visitation program can continue if the positivity rate remains below 10%.

Help Keep Us Covid Free: If you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 or an upper respiratory infection, please stay away from the facility.

Scheduled In-Room Visitation Please e-mail melder@beechwoodhome.com to request a visitation opportunity.

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

June 4, 2021

Residents/Family/Friends/Staff,

Covid-19 Status: We have had no known positive resident cases of COVID-19!

Stimulus Checks: Three rounds of stimulus checks have been distributed by the federal government totaling $3,200 to date. A majority of our residents received $1,200 (May 2020), $600 (January 2021) and $1,400 (April 2021). For the purposes of Medicaid eligibility, the stimulus checks individually do not count as income for a year. As a result, the grace period for the first stimulus check has now expired. If after taking all of your liquid assets and subtracting $2,000 ($600 + $1400), the amount exceeds $2,000 you are in jeopardy of losing your Medicaid coverage. Please take steps to spend down ASAP.

Hamilton County’s positivity rate: has declined at 3.0%. The visitation program can continue if the positivity rate remains below 10%.

Help Keep Us Covid Free: If you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 or an upper respiratory infection, please stay away from the facility.

Scheduled In-Room Visitation Please e-mail melder@beechwoodhome.com to request a visitation opportunity.

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

May 28, 2021

Residents/Family/Friends/Staff,

Covid-19 Status: We have had no known positive resident cases of COVID-19!

Life Safety: Our Facilities Department would like to remind everyone of the following Life Safety regulations. In the coming weeks staff will be conducting audits for these items observed in plain site and will be removing any violations. Please take the next week to remove these items from the facility.

No items can be stored on the top shelf of the closet. It is purposely slanted to prevent items from being stored within 18” of the ceiling.
No extension cords, timers, surge protectors/power strips, 3-prong to 2-prong adapters and multiple plug adapters allowed in resident rooms. If there is a need for additional electrical outlets, please contact the maintenance department at 513-842-2774.
No items with heating elements or open flames
- candles are permitted if the wick has been removed
- hair dryers and curling irons are permitted if stored in the nursing station

Ohio Public Health Advisory System: This notification system is slated to be terminated.

Hamilton County’s positivity rate: has declined at 3.4%. The visitation program can continue as long as the positivity rate remains below 10%.

Help Keep Us Covid Free: If you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 or an upper respiratory infection, please stay away from the facility.

Scheduled In-Room Visitation Please e-mail melder@beechwoodhome.com to request a visitation opportunity.

Thanks: The Emergency Preparedness Committee would like to thank everyone once again for all that you have done over the last year to help keep those who reside here safe by adhering to infection control practices. We will continue to communicate change from The Ohio Department of Health as they occur but appreciate your patience as Long Term Care Facilities continue to operate under a different set of orders than the general public.

Wishing everyone a safe Memorial Day.

Scheduled In-Room Visitation Please e-mail melder@beechwoodhome.com to request a visitation opportunity.

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

May 21, 2021

Residents/Family/Friends/Staff,

Covid-19 Status: We have had no known positive resident cases of COVID-19!

Vaccine Clinic: Our next vaccine clinic will occur on 5/24/21 and Moderna will be administered. Residents and Staff that are interested in getting vaccinated during our clinic in June please contact Sharmon@beechwoodhome.com.

Ohio Public Health Advisory System: Hamilton County has turned orange. This indicates “Level 2 Public Emergency: increased exposure and spread. Exercise high degree of caution”. See https://coronavirus.ohio.gov for more information.

Hamilton County’s positivity rate: has declined at 3.7%. The visitation program can continue as long as the positivity rate remains below 10%.

Help Keep Us Covid Free: If you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 or an upper respiratory infection, please stay away from the facility.

Scheduled In-Room Visitation Please e-mail melder@beechwoodhome.com to request a visitation opportunity.

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

May 14, 2021

Residents/Family/Friends/Staff,

Covid-19 Status: We have had no known positive resident cases of COVID-19!

CDC Recommendations: The CDC recently made recommendations related to fully vaccinated individuals regarding mask use which delighted many. Please be aware that these recommendations do NOT apply to Long Term Care Facilities. All staff and visitors are still required by The Ohio Department of Health to wear a surgical mask while inside the facility. Residents are strongly encouraged to wear masks.

Vaccine Clinic: Our next vaccine clinic will occur on 5/24/21 and Moderna will be administered. Residents and Staff that are interested in getting vaccinated please contact Sharmon@beechwoodhome.com.

Ohio Public Health Advisory System: Hamilton County remains "red". This indicates "Level 3 Public Emergency: very high exposure and spread. Limit activities as much as possible". coronavirus.ohio.gov for more information.

Hamilton County's positivity rate: has remained stable at 4.6%. The visitation program can continue as long as the positivity rate remains below 10%.

Help Keep Us Covid Free: If you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 or an upper respiratory infection, please stay away from the facility.

Scheduled In-Room Visitation Please e-mail melder@beechwoodhome.com to request a visitation opportunity.

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator

May 8, 2021 Special Update

Dear Residents/Family/Friends/Staff,

Summary of Changes Since Last Notice:
We are reporting one (1) additional staff member who has tested positive. This brings our total active cases to one (1). The facility has had cumulative total of twenty-nine (29) staff confirmed Covid-19 tests associated with the facility to date. The staff member has been placed on medical leave and removed from the schedule upon notification to minimize exposure risk to other Residents/Staff and will remain on medical leave until a physician certifies they are safe to return to work.

Action Plan.
Our action plan will mirror revised state and local guidance. Under this approach, all residents were tested yesterday evening and all tests came back negative. Zero (0) residents were identified as close contacts as a result Scheduled Visitation will continue without interruption. We will test all residents again next week and the following week. If all residents remain COVID-free throughout this period, we will revert back to testing of staff only. Unvaccinated staff will continue to be tested twice a week. Any subsequent positive test results will be communicated.

Contact us with questions.

If you have any questions about COVID-19 or the steps that we are taking to protect our residents, please contact Scot Harmon, Administrator, at 513-842-0774, sharmon@beechwoodhome.com.

Sincerely,

Scot Harmon, Administrator & Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO

May 7, 2021

Residents/Family/Friends/Staff,

Covid-19 Status: We have had no known positive resident cases of COVID-19!

Personal Shopping: For the extended period of time that family members were unable to come into the facility, many residents benefited from the personal shopping the Activities Department conducted on their behalf. As restrictions continue to relax, this department is resuming many pre-pandemic activities which no longer affords extended periods of time out of the facility. We ask that Residents and their loved ones coordinate on this topic going forward as much as possible.

Vaccine Clinic: Our next vaccine clinic will occur on 5/24/21 and Moderna will be administered. Residents and Staff that are interested in getting vaccinated please contact Sharmon@beechwoodhome.com.

Ohio Public Health Advisory System: Hamilton County remains “red”. This indicates “Level 3 Public Emergency: very high exposure and spread. Limit activities as much as possible”. See https://coronavirus.ohio.gov for more information.

Hamilton County’s positivity rate: has declined to 4.6%. The visitation program can continue as long as the positivity rate remains below 10%.

Help Keep Us Covid Free: If you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 or an upper respiratory infection, please stay away from the facility.

Scheduled In-Room Visitation Please e-mail melder@beechwoodhome.com to request a visitation opportunity.

Scot Harmon, Patricia A. Clark, DM
Administrator CEO, Administrator