The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, has issued new guidelines to protect nursing home residents from the threat of the coronavirus.
The new guidelines encourage nursing homes to restrict all visitors except for compassionate care situations, such as end-of-life visits. When these visits do occur, nursing homes are encouraged to make sure that visitors, staff, and residents follow safety protocols. These protocols include the use of masks, sanitizers, and restricting the visits to a single room. The guidelines also encourage nursing homes to end visits from people performing nonessential services, such as barbers and stylists.
Additionally, the new guidelines also advise restrictions for staff and nursing home residents. The restrictions advise nursing homes to end all group activities including communal dining. The guidelines also encourage nursing homes to increase monitoring of staff, residents, and visitors for symptoms of the coronavirus. Nursing homes should also ensure that all residents have access to hand sanitizers and adequately equipped hand washing facilities.
CMS has also waived the requirement for a minimum three day, in-patient hospitalization stay for Medicare coverage of a temporary stay at a skilled care facility.
To discuss either needing a nursing home stay, how the new guidelines affect your situation, or how to obtain assistance paying for a nursing home stay, please call Martha C. Brown & Associates at (314) 962-0186.
