As concern over the growing number of COVID-19 cases and deaths within nursing homes circulate among the nation, one Yazoo City facility has adjusted with the new times as the battle continues with a silent enemy.
The Martha Coker Green Houses has administered about 153 COVID tests amongst its residents since news of the virus began to make headlines.
“Our company, Methodist Senior Services and the Green Houses, was very proactive in trying to prevent the spread of COVID earlier on than most places,” said Julie Hoffman, executive director of the Green Houses. “We have weekly updates with our elders’ families to keep them informed. We have been very transparent to the families and the community.”
That proactive approach and the dedication of the staff has been the secret in addressing COVID within the residential houses, which houses elders, within the local facility. When news of COVID first arrived at the Yazoo City site on March 5, visitation hours were adjusted to only two immediate family members. Ten days later, the facility went into lockdown.
“We locked down on March 15,” Hoffman said. “No visitors or vendors are allowed inside the buildings. Only direct care workers are allowed inside the homes with the elders.”
Hoffman said the lockdown has been difficult for both the elders and their families. However, the facility has adjusted by allowing window and fence visits two days a week.
“The elders and their families have been understanding and thankful for those types of visits,” she said. “But it is hard because everybody wants to hug and touch. This may go on for a long time. We may not ever see normal.”
The Green Houses have been fortunate to allow window and fence visits. Most nursing homes have not been able to do that because of the layout of their facilities.
But behind every successful model is a team. And that team is the staff within The Green Houses.
“The staff has been phenomenal,” Hoffman said. “They have continued to work, not taking vacation time. It has been overwhelming the way they have shown their dedication and love to the elders by continuing to work with such commitment.”
“We are very blessed and fortunate,” Hoffman continued. “But I contribute that to our staff. They have done what has been put in place, and they are doing what they are supposed to be doing to protect the elders from this virus. I have to give all the credit to the staff.”
Hoffman said The Green Houses must go through three phases to be completely reopened. And that could take some time.
“Nursing homes are going to be the last of the facilities that open,” she said. “We have to go through three phases, and we are not even at phase one yet. Until Mississippians drop the number of cases and testing, we will not be able to get to phase one. Phase two would include allowing two immediate family members to visit. But if we have even one positive case, we go right back down to phase one.”
Although temperature screenings, questionnaires, face masks and social distancing may very well be the new normal, there is one thing that has always been found at The Green Houses…a dedicated staff. They continue to provide exceptional care while adjusting to the “new norm.” And their hard work shows.
“It has been incredible what our staff has done,” Hoffman said. “They are the true heroes.”
