Hope Prevails at Livingston, NJ, 5-Star Nursing Home
LIVINGSTON, N.J., May 7, 2020 (Newswire.com) - Inglemoor Rehabilitation and Care Center, a five-star-rated nursing and rehabilitation facility in Livingston, NJ, has been battling the coronavirus since the threat became apparent in early March. The facility has been challenged by a number of COVID-19-positive cases among both patients and staff. Some patients and staff have died after testing positive. In the face of the grief and mourning that followed, the staff and managers found hope as their residents, families and staff forged a positive attitude that propelled them through each day.
As in many work environments across America, fear prompted a number of employees to be absent, which laid an additional burden on those who stayed. The remaining staff rallied around the residents to care for them. Those who stayed received additional “hero pay”. Department heads and the administrator worked side by side with nurses and aides, assisting with meals, hands-on care and the daily routines that are important to the residents' health and well-being. Many staff members contracted the virus, but recovered and returned to work, a testament to their courage and dedication. Some picked up extra shifts while others were out sick. Because of all these efforts, resident care was never threatened by staff shortages.
"Our staff has made fighting the coronavirus a mission of the heart," said Administrator Steve Izzo. "It's not about numbers for us. Each positive case is a person with a life-story and a future. When that future is derailed by sickness or worse, we struggle and mourn alongside the families."
Inglemoor residents, families and staff have suddenly become experts at using technology to help keep communications flowing since in-person visits were halted on March 13. Daily communications include emails with real-time updates, video chats using Skype, Facetime, Zoom and similar venues, along with "window visits" that allow residents to see and hear their families through first-floor closed windows or doors.
"Once again, our staff has stepped up to facilitate these communication methods," said Izzo. "For some of our residents, video chatting is a first-time experience that requires a little help from a tech-savvy employee."
When residents are cleared to come out of isolation or go home, there's a parade down a hallway called the “Road to Recovery” with signs, music and cheers. The dedicated recreation staff keeps the resident’s spirits high with room visits, handing out ice cream, painting nails, hosting hallway bingo and even International Dance Day, where staff performs dances from other cultures.
The crisis at long-term care facilities across New Jersey is clear, and Inglemoor urges a better partnership with the state Department of Health and the Governor’s office to put a lid on, and ultimately eradicate, this virus.
Source: Inglemoor Rehabilitation and Care Center
