Getting the job done: Baisch Nursing Center combats virus with changes in protocol
Baisch Nursing Center has made numerous changes in the last five months to protect its 53 residents in the midst of a pandemic.
The facility – 3260 Baisch Drive, east of De Soto – implemented a number of new procedures and regulations to help stem the spread of COVID-19 in mid-March.
Administrator Jennifer Otte said family members have not been allowed to visit residents inside the building since March, and the facility’s 60 staff members have been instructed to always wear personal protection equipment while on duty.
“The families, residents and staff have been supportive of the regulations,” Otte said. “They completely understand why we are doing this, not that it makes it any less difficult.”
Otte said the center has been able to ease restrictions regarding contact between residents and their loved ones. In August, residents and families were able to meet either outside the center or at a window.
“Before that, we did a lot of FaceTime calls and there were a lot of telehealth appointments,” Otte said.
She said staff members responded well to the requirement to wear masks and other protective equipment throughout the day.
“Our residents are their family, too,” Otte said. “They (employees) took it in stride and did what they needed to do to make sure the residents were protected.”
As of Aug. 24, Otte said no residents or employees had tested positive for COVID-19, and all parties remained supportive of the measures put in place to control the spread of the virus.
“We will do what is best for our residents,” Otte said. “Keeping the infection controlled is a priority, and keeping in communication with the family is important.
“Hopefully, we will be back to normal soon.”
