One of the key players in the healthcare industry, Centers Health Care, offers skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and senior care services throughout New York and New Jersey. With a focus on prioritizing the health and well-being of its patients, the organization has long been committed to implementing the leading practices in the scope of infection prevention. Upon entering any of their facilities, visitors are greeted by readily available infection prevention measures such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers, disposable masks, and impactful messages on posters encouraging proper respiratory hygiene. Their system strictly follows the updated guidelines known as ‘enhanced barrier precautions’ proposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The measures they implement, combined with meticulous cleaning and disinfection protocols throughout their facilities, significantly lower the risks of viral and bacterial transmissions among residents, as argued by Bonnie Chustz, MSN Ed, RN, CIC, LTC-CIP. Chustz is the Corporate Director of Education and Professional Development at Centers Health Care, an experienced professional leading the fight against infections in the organization’s facilities.
Reflecting on the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chustz explains how the facilities have adjusted their emergency preparedness plans based on the lessons learned. Difficulty in securing essential personal protective equipment (PPE) and necessary cleaning supplies was a major issue, leading to the team scouring every available source to protect their residents during the peak of the pandemic. Every Centers Health Care facility, unlike short-stay hospitals or clinics, homes hundreds of people. The patients share a warm, close-knit environment, and the professional team is quick to intervene if a contagious infection is suspected amongst them.
Critically, the staff at Centers Healthcare acknowledges the significance of social interactions and their influence on the quality of living of the residents. Their infection control measures align with the regulations set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, aiming for the ‘least restrictive’ environment for residents. Chustz reinforces that unless absolutely necessary, residents will not face solitary isolation just because of an infection. The facility allows residents to socially distance themselves voluntarily during risky phases, such as flu seasons.
The battle against infections is being progressively won with the right mix of hygiene practices, apt use of PPE, infection management, and maintaining the residents’ liberty to maximum extent possible. Chustz points out that vaccines have also been a significant factor in enabling Centers Health Care to manage and prevent infections. She mentioned a marked growth in awareness about immunization since the coronavirus outbreak. Despite certain amounts of immunization fatigue, the healthcare facilities have ramped up their encouragement for COVID vaccines, RSV vaccinations, and influenza immunizations.
With changes borne of experience and learnings from the past, Centers Health Care facilities stand fortified, prepared to deal with any viral or bacterial threats. For additional details on the network and its efforts, visit centershealthcare.com.