3-27-2020 Update: Late this week, the NYS Dept. of Health issued an Advisory to all nursing homes & hospitals. The advisory states nursing homes cannot deny admission to a patient based on their COVID-19 status. This advisory is in response to current (or anticipated) capacity issues in some hospitals. It is intended to assure that patients who no longer require acute care, are not occupying hospital beds unnecessarily.
It is Fort Hudson’s position that introducing the virus in any manner to a nursing home environment, unless there is an identifiable emergency hospital capacity situation, is ill-advised. We have communicated our concerns to the Dept. of Health. Please recognize that at all times, Fort Hudson must work within directives set forth by NYS.
Due to the extraordinary effort by all staff, and the cooperation of family and friends – we are glad to report we have remained free of active cases over the past two weeks. Given the rising prevalence in the community, we do recognize that positive cases will become likely at some point in time.
Fort Hudson strives to be as prepared as possible for any situation that arises. We have the necessary equipment, training and expertise to properly care for an individual deemed to be non-acute, but has tested (or presumed) positive for Covid-19. Our team has developed contingency plans to safely provide care, while minimizing risk to other residents and staff.
Rest assured, Fort Hudson will do what is needed to serve our residents, and our community, during these challenging times.
3-25-2020 Update: As part of Staff Education, we share information with our team to teach prevention. This video clip may be helpful to those throughout the community. Click the link for video (make sure sound is on).
Together united…Community strong
3-20-2020 Update: Fort Hudson Goes Remote
In an effort to reduce the exposure potential in the nursing facility and across all programs, Fort Hudson has implemented an expansive effort to shift employees to work from home, or where necessary reassigned to remote work areas to segment key employees. All programs will continue to have a limited number of essential staff on site, but many have been set up for remote work. This includes care management, home care, certified home health staff, business office, and human resources. The Oaks staff is on reduced on-site hours. In the event further reductions are necessary for the health and safety of our clients, contingency plans have been established for rapid implementation.
Although this has required significant redesign of work processes, it should feel seamless to our clients and the community. Thank you for our continued support and patience during this challenging time.
3-19-2020 Update on Fort Hudson Nursing Center Family/Resident Communication: We know it is difficult to put visits on hold with your loved ones to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Meeting the emotional and psychological needs of our residents is extremely important to all of us here at Fort Hudson. We would like to assist our residents in contacting family members via Telephone, Face Time, Google Duo, or Zoom Meeting.
High-definition video calling via Face Time, Google Duo, or Zoom Meeting provides a level of communication that isn’t available on a telephone call. It helps residents avoid feelings of social isolation. We have used this with some residents already and the joy experienced, even as a short video conversation, has been an amazing and uplifting experience for all.
This offering will give the opportunity to receive phone calls, both voice and video, from your loved ones via the platforms named above. Our staff is prepared to assist all residents in contacting their designated family member at least one time each week or more, if time permits. If you desire to engage in a weekly communication with your loved one, please reply to: [email protected] and provide the following information:
- Your Name
- Name of the resident you wish to have contact you
- Your telephone number that will be used for contact (ie. I-phone, android, land line)
- Platform you wish to use for contact (choose one)
- Face Time – for use with i-phones only
- Google Duo – for use with Android or IOS Smart phones, or Computers
- Telephone – no video connection- voice only
- Zoom Meeting – a scheduled video meeting using your computer
- Day of the week you wish to receive a weekly call
- Time of the day you are available to take the call
- Early Morning – 7am – 9am
- Late Morning – 9am-noon
- Early Afternoon – 1pm -3pm
- Late Afternoon – 3pm – 5pm
- Evening – 6pm – 8pm
We thank you for partnering with us to care for your loved ones. If you have any questions about this program, please feel free to include any questions in your reply and I will be sure they are answered in a timely manner. Thank you! Peg Brady Director of Therapeutic Recreation & Volunteers
3-19-2020 – Oaks Update: We continue to promote community social distancing, hand washing, and hand sanitizer to minimize the spread of virus. We have distributed a list of local retail grocery stores that participate in either pick up or delivery of groceries. We have modified some common areas to provide more “distance friendly” space for folks to gather and do their personal tabletop activities, exercise, and movies. Click the link below for latest OAKS update oaks update 3-18-20
3-16-19 Oaks Update: As many people are asking about The Oaks Senior Apartments, we want to communicate our current practices. Education, tools, and Social Distancing are our current methods of approach. At this time, visitors are allowed to enter the Oaks building. However, each tenant has been asked to do their part to minimize exposure to illness. Each tenant has a 5-question visitor screen, which incorporates health and travel questions provided by Dept. of Public Health / CDC. Additionally, signage is posted at all entry points to emphasize symptoms of illness (fever, shortness of breath, cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea) that would require someone NOT to visit. The Oaks remains committed to the safety and well-being of all tenants. Effective today, we have postponed all group activities/gatherings. We have also postponed dine-in meal service. We currently offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner delivery to each apartment for anyone wishing to utilize our dining meal services. The attached link is the most recent Oaks Update provided to each apartment throughout our community. oaks corona letter 3-16-20 Anyone with questions regarding The Oaks can contact us at 518-747-2811 ext. 245.
3-15-2020 Update: Fort Hudson has implemented additional employee screening procedures to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19.
All employees must be screened upon entry to the facility, to include having your temperature taken. Screening will be done at the time clock, front lobby and home care lobby. Employees MUST GO DIRECTLY to one of these locations when arriving for work. Further instruction is available at these locations.
At this time, there are no reported positive cases in Warren or Washington Counties.
3-13-2020 Update:
Due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak, and in accordance with the recently issued NYS Directive, Fort Hudson Nursing Center is implementing a NO VISITOR policy, effective immediately. Several contingency plans are being put in place to assure residents and family members are able to remain connected during this difficult time. Family members will be provided additional information, or they may contact the Nurse Manager or Social Worker for any questions.
We do apologize for this temporary inconvenience, but we are committed to maintaining the safest environment possible for our residents.no visit sign
3-12-2020 Update: Important Information for Fort Hudson Employees – Risk Screen to be Implemented Immediately. Fort Hudson continues to take a proactive approach to minimize the risk of transmitting COVID-19. All employees MUST assure that they do not meet any of the risks identified by CDC prior to entering the nursing facility. CLICK THIS HYPERLINK for more information Employee letter and screen Mar 11 2020
3-11-2020 Update: The COVID-19 Coronavirus is known to be extremely dangerous to the elderly and those with underlying chronic conditions. Therefore, we discourage any visitation at this time. As recommended by the CDS and CMS, additional visitation precautions and restrictions are being implemented at Fort Hudson Nursing Center today, March 11th, 2020.
All visitors will be SCREENED upon entry to identify risk factors that may be present. If risk factors are identified, entry will not be allowed.
*Visitor entry will be limited 9:00 am to 5:00 PM daily.
* No outside group will be permitted entry – and only individual or small groups will be screened.
* Information on COVID – 19 will be available, along with masks and hand sanitizing stations at entrances.
In the event visitation is determined to be essential for the health and well-being of the resident, Social Work and Nursing should be consulted for alternative solutions.
On behalf of our residents and staff, we thank friends and family of Fort Hudson for their anticipated understanding and cooperation demonstrated during this challenging time.Visiting hours sign
Due to the expanding COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak, Fort Hudson is strictly enforcing visiting restrictions. These restrictions are required by the NYS Department of Health and subject to change. Refer to COVID-19 Coronavirus Update: visitor restrictions for related information.
