Resident passes away, resident tests positive for COVID-19

A memory care resident at Farmington Presbyterian Manor recently tested positive for COVID-19 and passed away.

It is never easy to say goodbye to a beloved resident. It’s even more difficult during this awful pandemic. The entire Farmington Presbyterian Manor family is in mourning at this time.

While we strive for transparency in what we do, we are bound by federal guidelines under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which protects the privacy rights of our residents even into death. Our medical director follows all established federal laws in notifying families of any change in the medical condition of their loved ones.

At this time, Farmington Presbyterian Manor continues its focus on ensuring the well-being of our residents and employees. We will continue to monitor residents for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 on each shift, and care for those residents who are positive in the COVID-19 isolation area.

Additionally, an assisted living resident has tested positive for the virus.

We have notified the St. Francois County Health Department and will follow their guidance. Visitation continues with infection control precautions and social distancing requirements per new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements. This brings our total since November 7, when the current outbreak began, to fifteen residents and eight employees who have tested positive.

The COVID positive resident will recover in isolation and be cared for by designated staff. We will follow CDC guidelines for when the resident may come out of isolation. Under the current guidelines, symptomatic residents may leave isolation when at least 24 hours have passed since resolution of the resident’s fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and the resident’s symptoms have improved and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Asymptomatic positive residents will quarantine for at least 10 days. Designated staff members are following doctor’s orders for treatment protocols and following CDC infection prevention protocols.

“Resident and employee safety remains our highest priority,” said Jane Hull, executive director.

All employees are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and best practices as these are continually updated. We have been screening individuals as they enter the community building for a shift and before individuals have any direct contact with residents.  We educate all staff to stay at home if they are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or not feeling well.

For more information about Farmington Presbyterian Manor’s response, go to PMMA’s (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s) website, PresbyterianManors.org/media-room.

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