Updated November 10, 2022
Families, guardians, and the public may call (609) 239-3989 to leave an urgent message or address an issue or complaint. This line will be available 24/7.
The Masonic Village at Burlington – Skilled Nursing and Rehab is pleased to announce that we have achieved CMS 5-Star Rating Status!
COVID Updates – Please read – There have been changes from last week.
COVID Event # 21419. We currently have three active team member COVID cases and five active Independent Living COVID cases. See COVID Data Event form.
Please remember it is important to follow COVID-19 guidelines regarding distancing and masking. Family members that are feeling ill, have traveled or have been exposed should be tested for COVID-19 prior to visiting loved ones. Our recent cases can be attributed to family interactions and/or outside appts./functions or individuals returning from vacation.
Café 902 is currently open to in-person dining for Independent Living residents with limited seatingand overflow seating in the Cornerstone. The Café 902 remains open for takeout meals. Orders can be placed by calling 609-239-3994. Social distancing must be practiced while in line and masks must be worn.
Independent Living Activities have all restarted. In-person Church services have restarted with social distanced seating. The hair salon is opened for Independent Living, Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living residents.
For our residents in Assisted Living and Long-Term Care:
- Residents must be physically distanced during any group activity and masks must be worn.
- For bistro dining – residents must be physically distanced 6 feet apart. Masks must be worn when at the table unless eating.
- During care activities resident must wear a mask while care is being provided by healthcare team.
- Visitors should be wearing a mask and face shield or goggles during visits. They can remove when visiting in residents’ room but must be aware of the risks associated with removal. They must put them back on if staff enters the room.
Important: The NJ Department of Health, (NJDOH) has indicated that there is an increased in outbreaks and deaths in nursing facilities related to the diminishing effectiveness of the 1st booster shot. It is strongly recommended that all residents the new Bivalent booster vaccine.
CMS and the CDC requires that our community monitor the county transmission rate for COVID-19. Our county is considered in a high activity level. Our community must test unvaccinated individuals according to the community transmission level as reported by the CDC and our policy. Our policy currently this requires testing twice week.
The County transmission level can be viewed at: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view As we are a healthcare setting Universal masking is required.
Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Vaccine
The FDA’s advisory committee voted in favor of including SARS CoV 2 Omicron component in the booster doses in the United States for the fall of 2022. Pfizer and Moderna have both developed bivalent COVID 19 vaccine booster doses. Bivalent means a mix of the two versions of the vaccine. This vaccine will target the original COVID strain and the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants. We have begun administering this vaccine and it can be administered at the same time as the Influenza vaccine. This vaccine will replace the current COVID booster vaccines.
CDC and ACIP recommend that everyone, regardless of the number or type of previous COVID-19 doses, receives a COVID 19 bivalent vaccine this fall. You can receive an updated vaccine dose at least two months after your last COVID-19 vaccine dose. As 99 percent of circulating viruses in the United States are BA.5 or BA.4, updating our COVID-19 vaccines to match the circulating variants helps us to better be protected against these variants and future variants that might be closely related to Omicron.
Please continue to follow all COVID precautions, wear a mask and get vaccinated!
Revision to CMS Nursing Home Visitation – The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, (CMS), has revised QSO-20-39-NH – which addresses Nursing Home Visitation – COVID-19. CMS has indicated that facilities can allow indoor visitation for all residents at all times. We are no longer required to limit the length of visits or require advance scheduling of visits.
Although CMS has lifted some visitation restrictions, the NJ Department of Health, (NJDOH), in their recent Executive Directive, NO. 21-0121 still requires us to screen visitors, obtain consents, ensure that masks are worn and that physical distancing can be maintained during peak times of visitation. Visits must occur in the resident’s room or designated visiting area in the community. No large gatherings or parties are permitted at the current time.
COVID-19 Activity in Region – When our region is in a medium to high activity level we are required by the NJ Department of Health, (NJDOH) to wear eye protection of a face shield or goggles in addition to our medical masks for patient care encounters. This includes all team members and visitors in Assisted Living, Rehab and Skilled Nursing. No cloth masks will be permitted. Masks and face shields must be worn at all times. As our the COVID activity level for our county is high, face shields or goggles are required.
COVID-19 Testing – Any unvaccinated team members and partially vaccinated individuals and individuals not-up-to-date with vaccine boosters (must have the bivalent vaccine to be considered up-to date) are required to continue with COVID-19 testing based on the community transmission rate as posted by the CDC for our county and MVB policy. Unvaccinated team members are required to wear a N95 mask and face shields in the community. Unvaccinated residents are required to wear a facemask when out of their room.
Deliveries to Residents – All items for drop off to residents should be directed to the Main Entrance. Items need to be in labeled bags that have the Resident’s Name and Room/Apartment number on it. Please keep in mind for any perishable items brought to the community that we cannot guarantee that items are immediately delivered. After handling items, the CDC indicates that team members and residents should sanitize or wash their hands thoroughly.
Visitation
General Indoor Visitation. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, (CMS), has revised QSO-20-39-NH – which addresses Nursing Home Visitation – COVID-19. CMS has indicated that facilities can now allow indoor visitation for all residents at all times. We are no longer required to limit the length of visits, or require advance scheduling of visits.
Although CMS has lifted some visitation restrictions, the NJ Department of Health, (NJDOH), still requires us to screen visitors, obtain consents, monitor visitation, ensure that masks are worn and that physical distancing can be maintained during peak times of visitation.
CMS acknowledges that there are still risks associated with visitation and COVID-19. However, the risks are reduced by adhering to the core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention. (See Core Principles). Visitors, residents, or their representative will be made aware of the potential risk of visiting and necessary precautions related to COVID-19 in order to visit the resident. If a visitor, resident, or their representative is aware of the risks associated with visitation, and the visit occurs in a manner that does not place other residents at risk (e.g., in the resident’s room), the resident will be allowed to receive visitors as he/she chooses. There is no limit as to the number of visitors a resident can have at one time, however visits must still be conducted in a manner that adheres to the core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention and does not increase risk to other residents. Visitors must be able to safely distance 6 feet from each other in a resident’s room.
CMS strongly encourages all visitors to become vaccinated. Visits are required to occur in the resident’s room, or in MVB’s designated visitation area in the Chapel or outside. Visitors must take the most direct route to a resident’s room. Visitors should not be in common areas. If you are not vaccinated, please inform the person assisting you with screening as the resident or POA has the right to determine if they want you to visit.
Pets Visits – If you would like to have your pet visit inside the community, please contact our Activities Department at (609) 239-3913 so they can review requirements with you.
CMS indicates that visitation can be conducted through different means based on a facility’s structure and residents’ needs, such as in resident rooms, dedicated visitation spaces, and outdoors. Core principles and best practices reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and should be adhered to at all times.
Core Principles
- Visitors who have a positive viral test for COVID-19, symptoms of COVID-19, or currently meet the criteria for quarantine, should not enter the facility.
- Facilities must screen all who enter for these visitation exclusions.
- Frequent Hand hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand rub is preferred).
- Face covering or mask (covering mouth and nose) and physical distancing at least six feet between people, in accordance with CDC guidance.
- Visitor education on COVID-19 signs and symptoms, infection control precautions, vaccination, other applicable facility practices, (use of face shields, specific entry and exit, direct route to rooms, hand hygiene, no use of communal areas, social distance from other residents and team members)
- Vaccination should be encouraged for all visitors, team members and residents.
CMS indicates that visitors that are unable to adhere to these core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention should not be permitted to visit or should be asked to leave.
CMS also acknowledges that there is no substitute for physical contact, such as the warm embrace between a resident and their loved one. Therefore, if the resident is fully vaccinated, the resident can choose to have close contact (including touch) with their visitor in accordance with the CDC’s “Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.”
CMS strongly recommends that visitors wear face masks when visiting residents in a private setting, such as a resident’s room. However, when alone, they may choose not to wear a mask.
While not recommended, if a resident (or responsible party) is aware of the risks of close contact and/or not wearing a face mask during a visit, and they choose to not wear a facemask and choose to engage in close contact, the facility cannot deny the resident their right to choose, as long as the residents’ choice does not put other residents at risk.
Visitors should be made aware of the risks of engaging in close contact with the resident and not wearing a face mask during their visit.
Can a visitor share a meal with or assist the resident they are visiting with eating?
Visitors may assist a resident with eating or share a meal in the resident’s room as long as the resident (or representative) and the visitor are aware of the risks of potentially contracting COVID-19 and adhere to the core principles of infection prevention. They may assist a resident with eating in the bistro as long as they are at a separate table and 6 feet away from others.
Visitation for those on Quarantine
While not recommended, residents who are on transmission-based precautions (TBP) or quarantine can still receive visitors. In these cases, visits should occur in the resident’s room and the resident should wear a well-fitting facemask (if tolerated). Before visiting a resident on quarantine, visitors should be made aware of the potential risk of visiting and precautions necessary in order to visit the resident. Visitors should adhere to the core principles of infection prevention.
Indoor Visitation during an Outbreak Investigation
An outbreak investigation is initiated when a new nursing home onset of COVID-19 occurs among residents or staff. While it is safer for visitors not to enter the facility during an outbreak investigation, visitors will still be allowed in the facility.
Visitors will be made aware of the potential risk of visiting during an outbreak investigation and adhere to the core principles of infection prevention. If residents or their representative would like to have a visit during an outbreak investigation, they should wear face coverings or masks during visits, regardless of vaccination status, and visits should ideally occur in the resident’s room.
Compassionate Care Visits
As visitation is allowed at all times for all residents, CMS expects Compassionate Care visits to be rare events, however they will be allowed at all times.
Suggested Visitation Hours/Entrance
Masonic Village is suggesting that visits be made during the following hours, 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM, to allow us to ensure we are meeting the screening, consents, physical distancing and education requirements. All visitors are to enter through the main entrance. If your loved one is at our community for Short-Term Rehab we suggest that visitation occur in the afternoon to allow for their therapy services to be completed. You can call (609) 239-3979 to find out specific therapy times for an individual.
Effective 11/1/2022, the Chapel Entrance will be closed to visitors in preparation for renovations. Please use our Main Entrance starting 11/1/2022. Please note that other entrances are secured for the safety and security of our residents and team.
Rehab Visitation
While visitation is now allowed at all times, we are requesting that visitors for Rehab contact the neighborhood after 8:00 AM at (609) 239-3979 to determine time frames for visiting that will not conflict with the individual’s physical, occupational and speech therapy sessions.
Communal Activities, Dining and Resident Outings
While adhering to the core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention, communal activities and dining may occur. The safest approach is for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a face covering or mask while in communal areas of the facility. Visitors should not be using communal areas during visitation in Skilled Nursing or Assisted Living.
Masonic Village will permit residents to leave the facility as they choose. Should a resident choose to leave, Masonic Village will remind the resident and any individual accompanying the resident to follow all recommended infection prevention practices including wearing a face covering or mask, physical distancing, and hand hygiene and to encourage those around them to do the same.
Upon the resident’s return, Masonic Village will take the following actions:
- Screen residents upon return for signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
- If the resident or family member reports possible close contact to an individual with COVID-19 while outside of the nursing home, we will test the resident for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status.
- Place the resident on quarantine if the resident has not been fully vaccinated.
- If the resident develops signs or symptoms of COVID-19 after the outing, we will test the resident for COVID-19 and place the resident on Transmission-Based Precautions, regardless of vaccination status.
- Masonic Village will test unvaccinated residents without signs or symptoms if they leave the nursing home frequently or for a prolonged length of time, such as over 24 hours.
- Masonic Village will consider quarantining unvaccinated residents who leave the facility if, based on an assessment of risk, uncertainty exists about their adherence or the adherence of those around them to recommended infection prevention measures.
- Monitor residents for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 daily.
- Residents who leave the facility for 24 hours or longer will be managed as a new admission or readmission, as recommended by the CDC’s “Interim Infection Prevention and Control recommendations to Prevent SARS-CoV-2 Spread in Nursing Homes.”
Visitors, must adhere to COVID-19 precautions of wearing tight fitting mask and face shield, (if required) at all times, performing hand hygiene, and social distancing.
Outdoor Visitation is available daily, weather permitting. Visitors age 2 and above can visit, however they must adhere to COVID-19 precautions of wearing tight fitting mask and face shield, performing hand hygiene, and social distancing. Pets are permitted for outdoor visits but must be on a leash. Visitors are responsible for any pet clean-up required.
End-of-Life or Compassionate Care Visits
As visitation is now allowed at all times for all residents, CMS expects Compassionate Care visits to be rare events, however they will be allowed at all times.
For Skilled Nursing Contact Keystone Administration Office Monday-Friday at (609) 239-3871 or (609) 239-3924. On weekends contact the nursing supervisor at (609) 239-3840.
For Assisted Living contact Brandy Kaur, Administrator Monday-Friday at (609) 239-3844. On weekends contact the nursing supervisor at (609) 239-3840.
Visitor Parking
Effective 11/1/2022 Visitors for Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living are requested to park in the parking lot located off Jacksonville Road and proceed to the Main Entrance for screening.
Independent Living
Front Entrance
All deliveries should be directed to the Main Entrance.
The Wellness Center and Independent Salon has reopened for IL Residents. IL Residents can participate at in-person Chapel services with masks and social distancing.
Dining Services
Café 902/Cornerstone Restaurant
In-person dining in Café 902 has resumed.
Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living
Residents entering our community from a hospital stay or returning from an outside doctor’s appointment are assessed to determine if they need to be quarantined and monitored for any signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
Activities
We continue to provide in room engagement, based on a resident’s individualized need, for our residents who prefer to stay in their rooms. In room engagement can include: games, crossword puzzles, seek and find, adult coloring/painting, magazines, reading books, jigsaw puzzles, computer/tablet/smart phone surfing the web, reading mail, conversation with Team Member, Music Therapy, Happy Hour and Snack Chats and utilizing the Computerized IN2L (It’s Never 2 Late) Activity software programs, 1:1 visits.
We are encouraging residents to come and join the Neighborhood groups and to enjoy socializing with your Neighbors and friends.
November Events
Friday, November 11th– Veterans Day – 2:00 pm – Let’s Salute are Hero’s Veterans Day Program – Patriotic Music with Kirk Mauer – Broadcasting Channel #49
Week of November 14th-Pizza for Lunch Today-Pizza being delivered from local Pizza Parlor-Tuesday, November 15th-2nd Floor Cedar Gardens Neighborhood; Wednesday, November 16th-3rd Floor Keystone Center Neighborhoods; Thursday, November 17th-1st Floor Cedar Cove and North Cape May Neighborhoods. Enjoy!!
Week of November 21st- the Ice Cream Cart will be around the Neighborhoods in the afternoon – Monday, November 21st- on 2nd Floor Cedar Gardens Neighborhood; Tuesday, November 22nd-on 1st Floor Cedar Cove and North Cape May Neighborhoods; Wednesday, November 23rd-3rd Floor Keystone Center Neighborhoods.
Thursday, November 24th- Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone! – 10:00 am Thanksgiving Service – Broadcasting on Channel #49
Week of November 28th we will begin decorating for the Holiday Seasons on the Neighborhoods.
Can’t forget Bingo- Bingo Monday and Saturday – 2:00 PM on the Neighborhoods.
MVB Resident Care Staffing Report
MVB is required to post our skilled nursing staffing each shift where it can be viewed by the public. As visitation is now open, the resident care staffing reports are now posted outside the Nursing Administration Office located on the 3rd floor. If you have any questions, please contact Cindy Shemansky at (609) 239-3924.
Questions and Concerns
Please feel free to contact Cindy Shemansky, Assistant Executive Director, with any questions or concerns at (609) 239-3924. Again, we thank you for your continued patience and support as we continue to navigate through COVID challenges.
