A Letter from the Gallatin Rest Home Administrator

Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still with us and our cases continue to spike along with the rest of the nation.  As of this writing Gallatin County is at a 13.9% positivity rate (number of positive tests/number of tests performed). This is a 7-day rolling calculation and comes out every Friday. You can see the information by going to: healthygallatin.org/coronavirus-COVID-19-19. There have been record highs in the last couple of months. 

We have been testing all staff twice a week per CMS (Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services) guidelines once the county numbers increased to above 10 percent. The Federal Government sent diagnostic antigen tests and the equipment to process the tests, we can get results in 15 minutes. These tests are listed as being 100% accurate on negative results but only 84% on positive results. That means there is the possibility of a false positive. 

As of Monday, October 26, 2020, because of the testing, we have discovered a staff member who tested positive for COVID-19. They were tested twice and came back positive twice. They were sent to get a PCR test at the hospital (a different type of test that is more accurate for positivity). We are awaiting results.

Our quarantine protocol has been implemented on the Rehab side of the building. This staff member only works on that side of the building. For those who are not familiar with our floor plan the rehab and long-term care sections are separated by a closed wing. Our staff were already wearing masks and eye protection while caring for residents, using standard precautions such as gloves when required and frequent hand washing or hand sanitizing. They will now be required to wear disposable gowns and gloves for any patient contact on the rehab side. Patients will be required to stay in their rooms. If they come out for a shower, they will be required to wear a mask as well as wear one in their room when staff enter. Staff will continue to be tested twice a week and now residents will be tested too. We will continue to test until we have 14 days without a positive result.

We will also do our best to keep residents in their rooms on the Long-Term Care side, with the exception, of those residents who need assistance with meals in the dining room.  All activities are canceled at this time, we had been allowing small groups of no more than 10 and required social distancing. 

There are families who have asked when we will be allowing visitation inside the facility.  That will not be considered until the county positivity rates is below 10% consistently for three weeks. In the meantime the vestibule has been popular for families to use for window visits, so much so that we now schedule visits, please continue to call ahead (582-3300). We do have a door and windows on order to help make it cozier for our weather, which has hit hard earlier than expected. We have spoken to our snow removal company to have the sidewalk and ramp cleared for easier access when it snows. You may want to use a phone to speak with your loved one as opening the window is very cold. But if that is what you both prefer, we will ensure they have a blanket to keep warm. They will be required to wear a mask when they are taken to the visit. Please give us some advance notice (30 minutes to an hour) so we can make sure your loved one is ready. When visits are completed please call us and let us know so we can make sure your loved one is assisted back to their room. 

As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions please feel free to contact me at 406-582-3304 (office); 406-404-4001 (work cell) or email darcel.vaughn@gallatin.mt.gov.

Sincerely,

Darcel Vaughn
Gallatin Rest Home Administrator