COVID Information and Updates

A SAFE ENVIRONMENT: Cleaning and Sanitizing Protocols

Our usual vigorous cleaning protocols have been upgraded and include a multi-faceted approach to disinfection and sanitation throughout the facility.  Stringent cleaning and disinfection protocols as recommended by the Department of Public Health, CDC, and EOEA with CDC-recommended, hospital-grade disinfectants are followed on a daily basis. We utilize state-of-the-art sanitizing equipment in common spaces, patient care areas, and offices. The rehabilitation gym is cleaned and sanitized throughout the day, with exercise equipment cleaned after every use.

PuraShield air filtration systems have been installed throughout the facility. These state-of-the-art multi-stage filtration systems remove 99.99% of aerosols that carry harmful viruses. The HEPA filtration also filters bacteria, dust, and reduces odors.

We utilized grant funding to purchase a state-of-the-art Arc LED Light disinfecting unit. Traditionally used in hospitals, we are very pleased to offer this level of disinfection in our skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility for your safety and peace of mind.   Although utilized in numerous areas, it is primarily used to disinfect our short term rehabilitation rooms prior to each new admission, and is routinely used in the rehabilitation gym.  Arc LED Light uses LED bulbs to emit Ultraviolet-C light at a wavelength of 254 nanometers. UVC at this wavelength destroys or inactivates 99.99% of harmful bacteria and virus by disrupting the molecular bonds of their DNA and RNA. The Arc can disinfect a 1,000 sq. ft. area in as little as 7 minutes.

COVID-19 Updates

The Elizabeth Seton Residence patient and resident population remained COVID-FREE between May, 2020 and January 2022, and has experienced just a few intermittent outbreaks since then.  Our private rooms, high rate of vaccination, infection control practices, and adherence to testing protocols have combined to create a safe environment for those who live and work here, as well as those who come for short term rehabilitation care.

If there are positive staff or resident cases with exposure concerns, we implement testing protocols in compliance with DPH regulations.  We have antigen tests available for immediate use when needed.

Current as of the 2nd Quarter 2023: 100% of our long term care residents are VACCINATED, with over 98 % of our residents up to date with the bivalent booster.  The vast majority of our short term rehabilitation patients are boosted and up to date, but if someone hasn’t received the bivalent booster, we can administer it while they are here.  100% of our eligible staff received at least one booster, and 45% are up to date including a bivalent booster.  We encourage all eligible residents and family members to remain “up to date” with the bivalent booster.

VISITING HOURS and PROTOCOLS

VISITING HOURS:      MONDAY through FRIDAY     10:00am – 7:00pm     /     SATURDAY and SUNDAY     10:00am – 4:30pm

2023 Current Visiting Protocols      NOTE: If the facility experiences a severe COVID outbreak, visit protocols may be changed per DPH guidance.  

Protecting the health of our frail population is of the utmost importance, so we follow all Department of Public Health requirements for safe visitation including asking all visitors to sign in and attest that they have no cough, congestion, fever or symptoms of concern, no known exposure to a COVID-positive person in the prior 10 days, and have not tested positive themselves in the prior 10 days.  If we have any resident or patient cases of COVID in the building, this will be posted on signage at the Reception Desk so you are informed prior to entering the nursing units for your visit.  Masks are OPTIONAL in the building effective May 12, 2023.  We have masks available, should you wish to wear one. We ask that you perform hand hygiene prior to entering the nursing units.  If you would like to be tested for COVID prior to your visit, please ask the Receptionist, who will assist you.  We suggest this if you have been traveling, or in a crowd, and want peace of mind prior to visiting.  The test is self-administered, and you will be asked to wait in the Reception Area for 15 minutes for it to result “negative” prior to visiting.

Virtual Visitation: Facetime, Zoom, WhatsApp etc. is ALWAYS available.  The Elizabeth Seton Residence has free WiFi service throughout the facility. Patients and Residents may use their tablets, IPads, or phones for virtual visits anytime. If YOU (the visitor) have COVID or are unable to visit in person for any reason,  please connect virtually!  If a patient or resident needs assistance with a call, a family member may contact our Activities Department by calling 781-997-1123 to schedule time for us to assist your loved one with a Virtual Visit. We will provide an IPad or Tablet for the call if the patient or resident does not have one, and will ensure the call is successfully connected at an agreed-upon time.