Caring for the Front Line

A collage of four RVNAhealth front line employees wearing their personal protective masks
for the professionals who have spent their days and nights caring for COVID-19 patients, on top of their own loved ones, grief and stress can run strong. RVNAhealth Hospice Social Worker Jana Wu, LCSW, LADC, leads support groups to help front-line workers navigate their feelings and dedicate a little time to themselves. .Continue reading

10 Points for Caregiving. 10 Points for Style.

Bonnets that Christine Burnett made for RVNAhealth nurses to protect their hair during COVID-19 hang on a coat stand in our lobby. To the right is a photo of Christine at her sewing machine.

RVNAhealth caregivers and clinicians bring joy to their patients in many ways. Through excellent care, kind words, taking time to truly listen, and now … with a pleasing dose of style, thanks to Christine Burnett and her fashion accomplice – her sewing machine.

Christine (a close family friend of Melissa Woodhouse, RVNAhealth Director of StayWELL Services) single-handedly created dozens of bonnets for our team to help protect and cover their hair while working. The bonnets are not only highly-functional, they are darling.  And reversible! 

Here are three of our favorites – hanging alongside the nurse’s cloak and glove display in the RVNAhealth lobby, relics of a bygone era.  When all is said and done, and these bonnets have done their jobs, perhaps they too will become part of the permanent RVNAhealth collection – an apt reflection of this most unusual time.

Coronavirus Information

Friday, May 29, 2020 – RVNAhealth has been monitoring news and updates on the COVID-19 front released by organizations including CDC, WHO, FDA, State of CT, and other news sources. Click the button below for the latest news and updates.

View Latest News and Updates ››

At RVNAhealth, the health and safety of our patients and team is always a top priority.  Amid the concerns around Coronavirus, we are ever-monitoring the situation, reinforcing our standard health care protocols both within the RVNAhealth building as well as with our field team, and taking additional steps for extra vigilance. 

Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. In additional to our internal measures, we remind all individuals of the following best practices to help keep yourself and others healthy: 

Learn more at CDC.gov
  • “Stay home, Stay safe,” per Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s executive order for non-essential workers to not report to their workplaces.
  • If you must leave your home, do not travel in groups.
  • Keep at least six feet away from others.
  • Cancel/avoid non-essential gatherings of any size.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after visiting the restroom; before eating; after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing or touching your face.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue, then discard the tissue in the trash. Clean your hands AGAIN.
  • Use alcohol gel hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available.
  • Utilize disinfectant wipes to wipe down high-touch areas such as counters, keyboards, doorknobs and other areas with frequent hand exposure.
  • Keep hand cleansers with you.
  • If you are sick, stay home; call (do not immediately visit) your health care provider for next steps; limit visitors.
  • Create a household plan of action in case of household illness or disruption of daily activities due to COVID-19 in the community.
  • Minimize trips to stores and other public places by keeping an advance supply of medications and groceries on hand.

RVNAhealth COVID-19 Newsletter Updates

The Pulse: May, 2020 – Caring for a Loved One with COVID-19; Daily Living Tips from Our Team

The Pulse: April 23, 2020 – A Video Tribute; Recent Updates; Rehab Center News

The Pulse: April 15, 2020 – Tip of the Day; Recent Updates; Staff Spotlights;

April 2020: The People Edition

The Pulse: March 31, 2020 – RVNAhealth Offers Advanced Care Planning to the Community

The Pulse: March 24, 2020 – RVNAhealth Operations Update; Ask the Chief Clinical Officer; Request for iPads and IPhones

The Pulse: March 19, 2020 – Call for PPE; Additional Statewide Closures

The Pulse: March 9, 2020 – How Infections Occur; Standard Health Protocols; CDC Guidance

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath) and feel you may have been exposed to the coronavirus, please stay home and call your health care provider or your local Health Department to discuss your options. The CDC provides guidance on symptoms and what to do if you feel sick. Download the CDC’s COVID-19 Fact Sheet from the CDC in English, Spanish, or Chinese.

Learn more at cdc.gov ››

Video: How to Wash Your Hands

This video is silent, but the messages are loud and clear. Here are valuable insights from the CDC into the hows and whys of proper hand washing.

For further information or with questions, please contact BeWELL@RVNAhealth.org.

On the Road with Theresa Santoro

One of a series, Daily Living with RVNAhealth -- glimpses into the daily and household processes of RVNAhealth's clinical team during the coronavirus. While many of us were unprepared for the level of caution and circumspection the virus would introduce into our daily lives, our nurses and clinicians were clearly ready to go.Continue reading