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Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Tool for Nursing Homes Preparing for COVID-19 There is never an issue of too much information or repeated redundancy of information when it comes to the current pandemic [COVID-19]. Take a moment to review these CDC overview guidance published May 8, 2020. CDC provides the much needed up to date research and educational materials on the topic – visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/assessment-tool-for-nursing-homes.html CDC’s COVID-19 Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) tool was developed to help nursing homes prepare for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities can take steps to assess and improve their preparedness for responding to COVID-19. This ICAR tool should be used as one tool to develop a comprehensive COVID-19 response plan. This tool may also contain content relevant for assisted living facilities. Health departments can use this tool to assess infection prevention practices and guide quality improvement activities (e.g., by addressing identified gaps). This tool may be used for remote (e.g., by telephone or video chat) or onsite assessment. This tool may also be used by healthcare facilities to conduct internal quality improvement audits. ICAR Items assessed in the ICAR support the key strategies of: Keeping COVID-19 out of the facility Identifying infections as early as possible Preventing spread of COVID-19 in the facility Assessing and optimizing personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies Identifying and managing severe illness in residents with COVID-19 Areas assessed in the ICAR include: Visitor restriction (HCP)[ 1 ]Education, monitoring, and screening of healthcare personnel Education, monitoring, and screening of residents Ensuring availability of PPE and other supplies Ensuring adherence to recommended infection prevention and control (IPC) practices Communicating with the health department and other healthcare facilities Health care personnel (HCP) are defined as paid and unpaid persons serving in health care settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials. The following link takes you to CDC published guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Tool. This is an infection control assessment and response tool (ICAR) that can be used to help nursing homes prepare for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This tool may also contain content relevant for assisted living facilities. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/hcp/assessment-tool-nursing-homes.pdf We wish to thank you for caring for our elderly population and for unselfishly dedicating yourself as essential personnel on the front lines each and every day, particularly during today’s current challenges - you are truly making a “world” of difference. . . With heartfelt gratitude from all those you serve and their loved ones! Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org This course will provide the Activity Director with the reasons that fostering inter-generational relationships are so beneficial for both younger and older populations. At one time families lived close to one another and developed deep relationships. In this course I will provide background on family traditions and help you to understand the importance of keeping younger and older people connected. Spending time with each other, being involved with each other’s activities, and showing love for one another gives each group a reason to live more fulfilling lives. Small children bring joy and delight to the elderly just by being in their presence. When teens and young adults listen to and appreciate the elderly reminiscing about life experiences it gives the elderly a feeling of significance. Many examples of existing intergenerational programs, ideas for group activities, 1-to-1 activities including family history discussion questions, arts and crafts projects, and educational activities are included in this course. Just remember we walk along the path of life together and that is what we want our younger and older population to do. Workshop Objectives: Upon completion the student will understand how intergenerational relationships benefit both young and old. The student will understand the importance of implementing programming that creates social connections between residents and children, teens, and young adults through activities. Upon completion the student will have many new ideas that will inspire them to start their own intergenerational program in their facility or in the community. The student will have a variety of activities, projects, and educational materials that may be incorporated directly into their activity programming. Workshop Content: Family Traditions of the Past Where We are Today Preschools within Nursing Homes Intergenerational Programs for Nursing Homes Intergenerational Programs in the Community Group Activities 1-to-1 Activities Arts and Crafts Projects Educational Activities Resources ENROLL Now Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2020 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351