COVID-19 Precautions Taken at Brookside Rehabilitation & Wellness

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brookside Rehabilitation & Wellness (BRW) follows CDC guidelines as well as the precautions and directions of state and local officials to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. Our utmost concern is for the health and well-being of our patients and staff. In furtherance of our infection prevention and control program, we cannot currently provide certain activities and services that we generally offer. However, we are mindful of the considerations that may allow us to relax these restrictions in the future, consistent with state and federal agency guidance, and we are hopeful that we can begin to offer these services again soon.

Symptoms of Respiratory Infection, including COVID-19

• • • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fever
    • Chills
    • Muscle pain
    • Sore throat
    • New loss of taste or smell
    • Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (less common)

COVID-19 Precautions at Brookside Rehabilitation & Wellness

• • • Communication
      • Clear and consistent communication with staff, patients, and visitors
      • Posting signs and reminders throughout the facility
      • Communicating answers from staff to patients and visitors
      • Posting information to our website
    • Workforce Protection
      • Daily screening of employees, patients, and visitors for symptoms of acute respiratory illness (fever, cough, difficulty breathing)
      • Sick leave policies are non-punitive and flexible
      • Insisting that sick employees stay home and call in replacement staff
      • Constant training and ensuring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
      • Verifying an inventory of PPE
    • Patient Protection
      • Separating patients who show respiratory symptoms
      • Restricting field trips and activities outside the facility
      • Providing in-room activities to reduce exposures
      • Allowing for in-room dining to reduce exposures
      • Increased cleaning throughout the facility
    • Visitor, Vendor & Delivery Protection
      • Restricted visitation consistent with State and Federal guidelines
      • Maintaining social distancing
      • Encouraging family and friends to reach out socially (phone calls, video conferencing) to patients to help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness