Previous Crest Services Covid-19 Updates
Posted on: April 21, 2020Update 9-23-20:
At this time Crest Services is pleased to announce that we have no members who are positive for COVID-19. We continue to follow the precautions set by the CDC which include:
- Maintaining social distancing
- Enhanced infection control protocols
- Screening staff health status prior to coming to work
- Expanded use of Personal Protection Equipment (masks, face shield, gowns etc.)
Communication Schedule:
Moving forward we will post updates on a monthly basis or as needed. If you have any questions about the ongoing COVID protocols please feel free to contact our offices and we will be happy to answer your questions.
If you have questions regarding your loved one we encourage you to call our staff or offices. Please continue to check our website for future updates.
Thank you for your support.
Bob Swigert
Director
Crest Services
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Update 8-13-20:
At this time a single member of Crest Services has tested positive for COVID-19. We will be following all CDC protocols including isolation and thorough monitoring of the member’s health status until they recover.
We continue to follow the precautions set by the CDC.
- Maintaining social distancing
- Enhanced infection control protocols
- Screening staff health status prior to coming to work
- Expanded use of Personal Protection Equipment (masks, face shield, gowns etc.)
New Communication Schedule:
Moving forward we are posting COVID updates to our website every three weeks. If you have any questions about the ongoing COVID protocols please feel free to contact our offices and we will be happy to answer your questions.
If you have questions regarding your loved one we encourage you to call our staff or offices. Please continue to check our website for future updates.
Thank you for your support.
Bob Swigert
Director
Crest Services
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Update 7-9-20:
Once again Crest Services would like to thank everyone for their continued support during this difficult time. Through the coordinated efforts of many people and organizations the members of Crest Services are free from COVID-19.
New Communication Schedule:
Moving forward we are changing our COVID website updates to every three weeks. If you have any questions about the ongoing COVID protocols please feel free to contact the community and we will be happy to answer your questions.
To maintain a healthy environment we will continue to follow CDC recommendations regarding Personal Protective Equipment, sanitation procedures and visitation restrictions.
CDC precautions that remain in place:
- Maintaining social distancing
- Continuing our enhanced infection control protocols
- Screening staff health status prior to coming to work
- Expanding use of Personal Protection Equipment (masks, face shield, gowns etc.)
If you have questions regarding your loved one we encourage you to call our staff or offices. Please continue to check our website for future updates.
Thank you for your support.
Jan Caldwell
Executive Director
Crest Services
____________
Update 6-25-20:
Crest Services wants to thank everyone for the overwhelming support during this difficult time. We have received countless notes and phone calls of encouragement which kept us coming back to work each and every day. Words cannot express how your support has made a difficult time better with donations of supplies, food and so much more. We are so fortunate to have an amazing group of members and families.
We are happy to say that our efforts are working and the members and staff at Crest Service are free from COVID-19. To ensure the continued safety and well-being of all concerned we will continue to follow CDC recommendations regarding Personal Protective Equipment, sanitation procedures and visitation restrictions.
CDC precautions that remain in place:
- Maintaining social distancing
- Continuing our enhanced infection control protocols
- Screening staff health status prior to coming to work
- Expanding use of Personal Protection Equipment (masks, face shield, gowns etc.)
If you have questions regarding your loved one we encourage you to call our staff or offices. Please continue to check our website for future updates.
Thank you for your support.
Jan Caldwell
Executive Director
Crest Services
_____________
Update 6-16-20:
We want to thank all the members, families and staff for their continued effort during this time of uncertainty. The precautions you have taken to protect yourself and others has been effective and Crest Services members and staff are free from COVID-19, and for that we are thankful
We understand the visitor restrictions have been difficult. We encourage you to let us know what we can do to ensure you are able to connect with each other by means of Zoom, Facebook video chat, Skype and of course phone calls.
As we learn more about COVID-19 we anticipate receiving additional guidance from our state and federal government agencies and how we can best protect residents, families and staff.
CDC precautions that remain in place:
- Maintaining social distancing
- Continuing our enhanced infection control protocols
- Screening staff health status prior to coming to work
- Expanding use of Personal Protection Equipment (masks, face shield, gowns etc.)
If you have questions regarding your loved one we encourage you to call our staff or offices. Please continue to check our website for future updates.
Thank you for your support.
Jan Caldwell
Executive Director
Crest Services
_____________
Update 6-10-20:
The easing of COVID restrictions around the country is an encouraging trend and we are pleased to see the precautions we have taken to keep members, families and staff healthy and safe continue to be effective. To help maintain the health of our staff and those we serve we are will continue following the CDC and State restriction related to visitation and social interaction.
We appreciate the sacrifice you have made and the steps you are each taking to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. We know the visitor restrictions have been difficult. We encourage you to let us know what we can do to ensure you are able to connect with each other by means of Zoom, Facebook video chat, Skype and of course phone calls.
As we learn more about COVID-19, we anticipate receiving additional guidance from our state and federal government agencies about how we can best protect residents, families and staff.
CDC precautions that remain in place:
- Maintaining social distancing
- Continuing our enhanced infection control protocols
- Screening staff health status prior to coming to work
- Expanding use of Personal Protection Equipment (masks, face shield, gowns etc.)
If you have questions regarding your loved one we encourage you to call our staff or offices. Please continue to check our website for future updates.
Thank you for your support.
Jan Caldwell
Executive Director
Crest Services
____________
Update 6-2-20:
With the first part of June arriving we see communities around the country ease COVID restrictions and Crest is pleased to say our members remain free of the COVID -19 virus. As a provider of residential home services our path will continue to be a balance between the safety of isolation and the unfortunate stress isolation can cause members and families.
To make sure members and families have an opportunity to connect with one another we want to remind you that we have several communication avenues available to you, Zoom, Facebook video chat, Skype and of course phone calls.
Moving forward we will continue to work with state and federal agencies to shape our plans and ensure the wellbeing of our members and staff.
CDC precautions that remain in place:
- Maintaining social distancing
- Continuing our enhanced infection control protocols
- Screening staff health status prior to coming to work
- Expanding use of Personal Protection Equipment (masks, face shield, gowns etc.)
If you have questions regarding your loved one we encourage you to call our staff or offices. Please continue to check our website for future updates.
Thank you for your support.
Jan Caldwell
Executive Director
Crest Services
______________________
COVID-19 Update: 5-27-20:
During the past week, as businesses continue to re-open across the state and restrictions are relaxed, we are encouraged to a see aspects of life return to normal. However for us in residential home services, it will take some time before we see a full return to “business as usual”. As a result we must continue to adhere to federal and state guidelines that restrict us from relaxing rules for visiting the community and other group activities at this time.
Crest Services is pleased that the steps we have taken continue to be effective and at this time only one member has tested positive for the COVID virus (COVID-19). For this member, Crest is following all CDC protocols including isolation and comprehensive monitoring.
CDC precautions that remain in place:
- Maintaining social distancing
- Continuing our enhanced infection control protocols
- Screening staff health status prior to coming to work
- Expanding use of Personal Protection Equipment (masks, face shield, gowns etc.)
If you have questions regarding your loved one we encourage you to call our staff or offices. Please continue to check our website for future updates.
Thank you for your support.
Jan Caldwell
Executive Director
Crest Services
___________________________
COVID-19 Update: May 19, 2020
On May 15th, the State of Iowa took initial steps to re-open many business and other establishments with the understanding they would follow certain guideline set forth by the Iowa State Government and on May 18th the State of Minnesota took similar steps. Like you, Crest Services is anxious for a return to normalcy where visitors are warmly welcomed into our homes and our members and their families can interact without restrictions.
However, because our members are considered high-risk for COVID-19 infection, federal and state guidelines restrict us from relaxing rules for visiting and other group activities at this time. Please understand this is a difficult time for all concerned and we will continue to do all we can to keep members and families connected in a way that is safe for everyone.
Crest has minimalized member’s exposer and will continue to maintain the precautions recommended by the CDC, these include:
- Maintaining social distancing
- Continuing our enhanced infection control protocols
- Screening staff health status prior to coming to work
- Expanding use of Personal Protection Equipment (masks, face shield, gowns etc.)
If you have questions regarding your loved one we encourage you to call our staff or offices. Please continue to check our website for future updates.
Thank you for your understating.
Jan Caldwell
Executive Director
Crest Services
______________
Update: 5-12-20
Crest Services continues to be in close contact with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and State Healthcare Officials to get the latest information and implement any new protocols.
By maintaining the precautions recommended by the CDC, Crest has minimalized members the risk of exposure to COVID-19. At this time only one member has tested positive for COVID-19 and we continue to follow all protocols including isolation and thorough monitoring of the member’s health status.
The recommended precautions that remain in place include:
- Maintaining social distancing
- Continuing our enhanced infection control protocols
- Screening staff health status prior to coming to work
- Expanding use of Personal Protection Equipment (masks, face shield, gowns etc.)
As always, if you have questions regarding your loved one we encourage you to call our staff or offices. Please continue to check our website for future updates.
Thank you for your understating.
Jan Caldwell
Executive Director
Crest Services
____________
Update 5-5-20
To keep members and staff safe and healthy Crest Service Homes continue to follow recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and State officials.
These measure have proven effective and we are pleased to say that at this point only one member has tested positive for the COVID virus (COVID-19). To ensure the health and wellbeing of the member and others, Crest is following all treatment protocols including isolation and comprehensive monitoring of the member’s health status.
The recommended precautions that remain in place include:
- Maintaining social distancing
- Continuing our enhanced infection control protocols
- Screening staff health status prior to coming to work
- Expanding use of Personal Protection Equipment (masks, face shield, gowns etc.)
As always, if you have questions regarding your loved one we encourage you to call our staff or offices. Please continue to check our website for future updates.
Thank you for your understating.
Jan Caldwell
Executive Director
Crest Services
_________________
Update 4-30-20
I wanted to reach out to you as our State is beginning to slowly re-open. As far as Crest Services, we are following the Phase 1, 2 and 3 recommendations from the President’s Coronavirus Task Force. We will not be changing any of our procedures during this time. We are still keeping our members who live in our daily sites home. At this time no vocational sites have re-opened and as they do, we will assess each location based on data from Iowa Department of Public Health. We are limiting community activities. We will ensure members have groceries. We have implemented on-line ordering, delivery or have the Program Director/Assistant Program Director doing the shopping. We cancelled all non-essential medical appointments. If a member has a medical condition that needs attention, we have ensured medical treatment, but all other appointments have or will be rescheduled. We will continue to follow the CDC and Task Force recommendations to refrain from visiting in person with your loved one. We have encouraged phone calls, FaceTime, Skype etc. as ways to stay in touch.
I have included the Phase 1, 2 and 3 recommendations below to help you understand our decisions.
Phase 1
ALL VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS* should continue to shelter in place. Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home. Precautions should be taken to isolate from vulnerable residents.
VISITS TO LONG TERM CARE/HCBS HOMES should be prohibited. Those who do interact with residents and patients must adhere to strict protocols regarding hygiene
Phase 2
ALL VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS* should continue to shelter in place. Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home. Precautions should be taken to isolate from vulnerable residents. VISITS TO LONG TERM CARE/HCBS HOMES should be prohibited.
Those who do interact with residents and patients must adhere to strict protocols regarding hygiene
Phase 3
VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS can resume public interactions, but should practice physical distancing, minimizing exposure to social settings where distancing may not be practical, unless precautionary measures are observed.
VISITS TO LONG TERM CARE/HCBS HOMES can resume. Those who interact with residents and patients must be diligent regarding hygiene
Please remember that the Task Force recommends 14 days (at least) between Phases. If there is a spike in infections, then we would go back to Phase 1 and another 14 days with no spikes would need to pass before moving onto Phase 2. We will continue to evaluate our processes during this time.
Jan Caldwell
Executive Director
Crest Services
____________________
Update 4-28-20
At this time no members of Crest Services have tested positive for the COVID virus (COVID-19). The staff continues to work diligently to keep the homes clear of the virus and we appreciate the understanding from members’ families and friends
The precautions recommended by the CDC and the State of Iowa and Minnesota’s Department of Health will remain in place. These include:
- Maintaining social distancing
- Continuing our enhanced infection control protocols
- Screening staff health status prior to coming to work
- Expanding use of Personal Protection Equipment (masks, face shield, gowns etc.)
Crest Services strives to maintain open communication and we encourage you to call our staff or offices if you have any questions regarding your loved one. Please continue to check our website for future updates.
Thank you for your supporting Crest Services.
Jan Caldwell
Executive Director
Crest Services
____________________
Update 4-21-20
Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Questions & Answers:
American Baptist Homes of the Midwest (ABHM) understands the concern family members have for their loved ones. The COVID-19 outbreak only heightens that concern. Hopefully, the answers to the questions below give you peace of mind that ABHM is doing everything possible to keep your family member safe.
How is ABHM monitoring and keeping residents from being exposed to COVID-19?
• ABHM is in contact with our state Health Departments and Centers of Disease Control (CDC).
• Centers of Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) sends out communications and updated information.
• Transportation is only provided for essential doctor appointments.
• Social gatherings have been discontinued until further notice.
• Proper Hygiene and social distancing is being taught to and implemented by our members and employees.
• Staff have increased cleaning at all levels of care.
• Staff have been instructed to check their own temperatures prior to reporting to work.
What are the signs and symptoms COVID-19 and will my loved one go to the hospital if diagnosed?
• The signs and symptoms are similar to the A/B Flu: difficulty breathing, cough, fever (100 degree F), a general feeling of being sick or having no energy, or an uncomfortable feeling that something is wrong (malaise).
• We will place the positive COVID-19 loved one (pending or positive test results) in isolation to prevent spreading it to other residents.
• ABHM will care for your loved one as long as their symptoms remain mild and their other medical conditions do not flare-up, which could complicate the recovery process.
• If symptoms do become severe and require more hours of nursing and medical team attention, the member may be transferred to the hospital.
What happens if an ABHM employee gets COVID-19?
• ABHM is following all CDC recommendations related to employee and COVID-19. Unfortunately if one of our employee does become ill with COVID-19 that employee will need to be quarantined at home and recover under the care of their physician. Once recovered that employee will be screened prior to coming back to work to assure that he/she is ready to return to work per the CDC guidance and approval of their physician.
Is there COVID-19 test kits readily available at ABHM communities?
• At this time test kits are not available at ABHM communities. The local health department and the primary care physicians will decide who should be tested based on the symptoms of the resident.
• The health department will provided the test kits or instruct a private lab to deliver the test kit to the community.
Are there concerns with medical/cleaning, food supplies or deliveries?
• Staff will continue to assist members to purchase needed medical, cleaning supplies, and groceries as needed.
• There have been reported shortage of personnel protection wear (PPE). However at this time ABHM is experiencing routine deliveries and is in continuous contact with suppliers.
Does the CDC recommend the use of a facemask to prevent COVID-19?
• CDC does not recommend that people who are healthy wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.
• You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it.
• A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms.
• The use of facemasks is crucial for health workers and other people caring for someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings.
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From: Jan Caldwell- Director Crest Services
I wanted to reach out to members, guardians, parents and family members regarding the COVID-19. Information around COVID-19 situation is continually evolving and where appropriate we are implementing protocols recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in an effort to keep people safe, healthy and prevent the spread of all communicable illnesses. I am pleased to say at this moment we don’t have any confirmed cases in the locations of our program.
The symptoms of the coronavirus are wide ranging. Most individuals have little or no symptoms while others have been severely ill. Typical symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, and sometimes shortness of breath. The coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person when they are in close contact with one another. Individuals may also contract the coronavirus by touching an object with the virus on it and then touching their nose, mouth or eyes.
I want to assure you we are taking the steps recommended by health officials to maintain the safety and health of the members we serve. We are purchasing supplies as they are available and have a limited supplies of Clorox wipes, masks and other personal protective items.
Staffing at the homes, unit based programs, and the office will remain as it is currently. If the coronavirus has an impact on Direct Care employees we will review staffing assignments in effort to maintain all necessary services. At that point Direct Care staff will need to prioritize job duties that involve supervision, personal cares, medication management and meal preparation. Crest Services is disseminating information to all Direct Care staff to review preventative measures, such as proper hand-washing techniques and how to work with a member that is ill, to limit the spread of the virus.
Should an individual(s) experience coronavirus symptoms, we will monitor and evaluate the exposure those members have to the greater community and large groups of people. Such as malls, movie theaters, grocery stores at peak times and recreational activities and events. By adopting a certain level of social distancing we may be able to limit the possible exposure to COVID-19.
I hope the situation has minimal impact on the day-to-day services Crest Services provides to the members and I want to assure you we are doing all we can to protect the members we serve. If you have any questions, just let me know. Thank you.