The Reformed Church Home, a senior community offering assisted living, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing care in Old Bridge, received a deficiency-free rating by the New Jersey Department of Health following a COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey conducted on June 26.
The home was found to be in compliance with specific state and federal infection control regulations established as a result of COVID-19, and also was found to have implemented the recommended COVID-19 preparation practices set forth by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), according to information released earlier this month.
“I am unbelievably proud of our exceptional staff, who have worked tirelessly to adhere to new infection control protocols while maintaining the superior care we are known for. Every department has done their part, but I especially want to thank nursing, housekeeping, and maintenance personnel for their dedication and thoroughness,” Kate Shepard, executive director/administrator at Reformed Church Home, said in the statement.
Some of the infection control parameters assessed included staff and resident hand washing techniques; sanitation procedures for high-touch surfaces; judicious use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gowns, and gloves; and adherence to social distancing guidelines for mealtimes and activities, according to the statement.
“We realize it is a difficult decision to enter a long term care setting under the best of circumstances, but we want the larger community to be aware we are doing everything possible to keep our residents safe and healthy,” Shepard said in the statement.
The home had 13 residents test positive for COVID-19 from early April through early June, with no deaths attributable to the virus. At present, all residents and staff undergo weekly testing and daily screening per the CDC guidelines to prevent further cases.
Reformed Church Home is located at 1990 Route 18, Old Bridge.
For more information, contact Andrea Walls, director of Marketing, at 732-607-9230, or visit www.reformedchurchhome.com.