Covid-19 Update (August 2020)

We had a staff test positive for COVID-19 on July 28. The good news is, they haven’t been in the building since, and they had a negative test just two weeks prior so we know their exposure to others is very limited. Also, the staff person is not on the nursing team, and has limited direct care responsibilities.

We contact-traced and identified everyone they came in contact with, both staff and residents: Only 4 residents were in direct contact an additional 11 people were in in-direct contact.

We are currently under testing surveillance—separate from this issue—as required by the Department of Health. We baseline tested all staff and 100% of them in that group came back negative. The subsequent surveillance testing revealed the 1 positive, all others tests came back negative.
No residents or patients have been affected—meaning their tests have been negative. This is believed to be an isolated incident with the staff person. But we have implemented a series of aggressive measures to be on the safe side:
Any resident in contact with the positive staff has been retested. Any staff in contact with the positive staff, has been retested.
Any resident room affected is on full precautions and vital signs are being monitored 4 times per day.
All facility outdoor visits have been suspended through August 10. All non-essential persons are not allowed in until further notice. We are in effect in full lock-down mode for the safety of all we serve.

We anticipate this is contained and fully under control, but as we know with COVID, anything is possible and we will always operate with the health and safety of our residents, patients, and staff as our top priority and make drastic decisions to keep people safe.

We can’t stress enough that people remain diligent in their personal lives and take this very seriously and wear masks, limit social gatherings, wash hands, and remember your actions affect significant amounts of people around you. Together, let’s keep everyone safe.

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Covid-19 Update (June 2020)

As of this letter, QVHC still has no residents or patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis. As a matter of fact, when we admit anyone new to the facility, we require them to have a COVID test that returns a negative result before they come to us. Additionally, they are admitted to a private room for 48 hours to be sure they are not exhibiting any signs and symptoms, even though their test is negative. This is just another layer of protection we are taking to ensure everyone’s safety.

We also have to continue to act responsibly and plan for a situation where if we were to have a patient or resident test positive for COVID-19, we would have a safe and secure place for them to move to so that we protect the rest of our community from possibly contracting the virus. So to be sure we have an appropriate place that is isolated from the rest of the facility, we have decided to set up a unit on our lower level, because it is ideally set up—it has a separate entrance and exit, and can be safely used as a COVID-19 recovery center because it is entirely closed off from the rest of the facility. Our intention is to act in a very proactive way so that it minimizes the possible chaos that would arise should we be faced with this situation without a solid plan in place.

If we need to use the unit, we have staff who requested to be dedicated to that unit to care for these individuals, and we have enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in stock—N95 masks, surgical masks, gowns, gloves, hair bonnets, shoe booties, face shields, goggles, and hand sanitizer. We will continue to get the necessary PPE in and keep our stock at robust levels.

We know that rumors can take on a life of their own, and when we meet with staff to discuss ideas and strategy, we understand word gets out. But it’s often rumor—not fact—which in turn alarms the community and the people who have loved ones with us. We are issuing this letter because, as we have been from the very beginning, we believe in being honest and transparent with you. We view this as the responsible thing to do and want to be as prepared as possible so that we keep everyone as safe as possible.

In the meantime, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has determined that all residents, patients, and staff at long term care facilities be tested for COVID-19 by May 25, regardless of whether anyone is exhibiting signs and symptoms. We will need to comply with that mandate and complete the tests in the given time frame. You will be notified of the results of the tests when they come back. Our goal is to start widespread testing the week of May 4. QVHC implemented an aggressive COVID monitoring process on March 11, 2020, which included taking temperatures of all residents and patients at least 2 times per shift and monitoring any other associated symptoms. We also screen and take temps of all staff and any visitor allowed at the facility. That process led us to conduct 5 tests—all of which came back negative. No other person has exhibited any symptoms since, leaving us with no COVID cases at the facility. Please note that widespread testing of asymptomatic people may, in fact, result in “positive” cases, which will require us to move those people to the new space to isolate and be treated while we work to protect everyone else. Because of our aggressive approach to screening new admissions, we think the likelihood of exposure is limited, but it’s never eliminated completely.

Welcome to Quabbin Valley Healthcare.

Quabbin Valley Healthcare offers a variety of individualized healthcare services and therapy programs to families and patients in Athol, Gardner, Orange and surrounding communities throughout Worcester County. Whether you are here for a brief visit or plan to make QVHC your new home, we will develop a specialized program that will help you reach your highest potential level of function and independence.

“The two weeks I spent at Quabbin Valley, I was treated extremely professionally, but also like a guest in someone’s home and returned home healthier and in less pain than I have been in, in over two years. I really cannot say enough about how pleased I am with my experience at Quabbin Valley Healthcare. Should I ever need any rehab or longer term care, I will undoubtedly choose your facility.”

Alan T.

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“Dear All, Thank you so much for all your tender loving care and aid to walk again. When I arrived at your facility, I never thought I would be able to move, sit or be so independent after such an extensive surgery. You all showed me your professionalism and compassion. I appreciate and will never forget how you helped me to believe all can be better again. Thanks to all of you,”

Sherry H.

Exceptional Care and Service.

Our family of administrators and staff treat everyone with the greatest empathy, compassion and respect. It certainly shows in everything we do!