Admissions During COVID-19
“I’m truly grateful that my mother is thriving as she is surrounded by loving, caring and devoted staff members. Selfhelp goes above and beyond to keep the families informed and the residents happy and healthy.”
SUZANNE H., resident family member
Additional Changes at The Selfhelp Home
What To Know When Moving In During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Independent Living & Assisted Living
Although our process looks different, at Selfhelp we remain committed to working with families to make the transition of moving easy for new residents. Keeping our residents safe from COVID-19 and maintaining a positive and healthy environment is our top priority. We are following guidelines from the CDC, The Illinois Department of Public Health and The Chicago Department of Public Health and closely monitoring changes to the guidelines.
Virtual Tours
Residents and their families can view their apartment and the community through a virtual tour.
Health Assessments
Before moving in, residents will undergo a virtual health assessment by our Nursing team.
COVID-19 Test
Before moving in, residents (and caregiver if needed) must have a COVID-19 test 3 days prior to the move in date.
The First 14 Days
During the first 14 days at Selfhelp, residents will undergo a precautionary isolation period.
Private Caregiver
During the first 14 days, residents that require assistance should hire a private caregiver for no less than 8 hours and up to 24 hours a day. The need for a caregiver may be determined during the virtual health assessment. Private caregivers must also have a COVID-19 test 3 days prior to the move-in date. Private caregivers must be properly registered with The Selfhelp Home.
Semi-Furnished Apartment
For the time being, Selfhelp will provide new residents with a semi-furnished apartment. Under the current conditions, we are restricted and may not allow movers into the building. Therefore, we encourage new residents to bring a limited amount of personal items. A television and television stand should be provided by the resident. Selfhelp staff will bring your belongings into the building, and assist with unpacking.
Life At The Selfhelp Home During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Life at Selfhelp looks a bit different than what we’re used to. Selfhelp is taking every precaution to stop the spread of COVID-19 while maintaining a positive and healthy lifestyle. We are following guidelines from the CDC, The Illinois Department of Public Health and The Chicago Department of Public Health and closely monitoring changes to the guidelines.
Safety First
At Selfhelp everyone is required to wear a mask while in the building. Residents are not required to wear a mask inside their own apartment. Staff that are entering an apartment will be wearing a mask, shield and gloves if necessary.
Testing
COVID-19 testing at Selfhelp is conducted regularly for both residents and staff as well as private caregivers and privileged practitioners that have tested negative in the past. The frequency of testing may change, but may be as frequently as once a week.
Visitor Policy
To comply with local and state guidelines only residents, employees, private caregivers and essential workers are allowed inside our community. Our staff is happy to assist you in arranging a video call to stay connected. Outdoor visits are permitted, and should be scheduled in advance. Please review the outdoor visitation guidelines to arrange an outdoor visit.
Meals
During this pandemic, we have moved to in-room dining. Resident meals and snacks are delivered directly to resident apartments by friendly staff. Once restrictions are lifted, communal dining may resume in a modified capacity.
Physical Distancing
Although we encourage socializing we are doing so with physical distancing in place. Furniture in the common areas has been arranged to ensure we maintain proper distance from each other.
Cleaning /Sanitizing
Our environmental team cleans the common areas of the home at least 3 times a day. Selfhelp has also invested in an electrostatic disinfectant sprayer to ensure we are keeping the Home clean and safe.
COVID-19
Residents that test positive for COVID -19 may be moved to a designated area in the home to be cared for or will be quarantined in their apartment. Residents may also be transferred to the hospital for further treatment.
Wellness Checks
Our nursing team is monitoring every resident twice a day for symptoms and checking temperature, pulse oxygen levels. Staff also have symptom and temperature checks twice a day.
Engagement
“Selfhelp Live” is our internal television channel where we broadcast content we choose. Regularly scheduled programming includes morning exercise, films, Friday night Shabbat services and some homemade content including video messages from families. Group activities are taking place via zoom from resident rooms such as film review and other lectures.
Jewish Life
Selfhelp is committed to celebrating and observing the Jewish holidays, while maintaining physical distancing. Kabbalat Shabbat Friday’s keep us connected as we bring the Shabbat traditions to the resident’s door.
Admissions Guidelines During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Short-Term Rehabilitation
Although our process looks different, our commitment to guiding and motivating you to heal and regain your abilities remains the same. Our goal is to work with you and your family to achieve your rehabilitation goals and make the transition from rehab to home simple and smooth and… ensuring you have a positive experience along the way.
Virtual Tours
Residents and their families can view the short-term rehab unit and the rest of the Selfhelp community through a virtual tour. Click here to take the virtual tour.
Hospital Referrals
We require a referral from the hospital case worker, including a COVID-19 test within three of admission or the most recent COVID-19 test. Other necessary documents include a History & Physical, recent laboratory test results, therapy notes, MAR and nursing/ medical professional notes. All referrals are considered on a case-by-case basis.
The First 14 Days
During the first 14 days at Selfhelp, residents will undergo a precautionary isolation period and will be quarantined in their room.
Therapy Services
Therapy will take place in the resident’s room for the first 14 days, during the precautionary isolation period. Following that, therapy will be conducted in our therapy gym. We will limit the number of people in the gym at one time to ensure proper physical distancing. More information about the various types of specialized rehabilitation programs offered is available on our website.
Care Plan Meetings
Care plan meetings will be arranged with our care team members by phone call to review treatment and review the rehabilitation goals.
Private Caregiver
Individuals coming to Selfhelp for short-term rehabilitation may have a private caregiver. The private caregivers must have a COVID-19 test three days prior to admission. Private caregivers must be properly registered with The Selfhelp Home.
Lifestyle At The Selfhelp Home During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Life at Selfhelp looks a bit different than what we’re used to. Selfhelp is taking every precaution to stop the spread of COVID-19 while maintaining a positive and healthy atmosphere. We are following guidelines from the CDC, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Chicago Department of Public Health and will update our protocols accordingly.
Safety First
At Selfhelp everyone is required to wear a mask while in the building. For the healthcare floors, including our short-term rehabilitation floor, all employees and private caregivers are required to wear a mask and face shield. Residents are not required to wear a mask inside their own rooms. Staff are being screened for symptoms and temperature twice during their shift.
Visitor Policy
To comply with local and state guidelines visitors are not allowed inside the building. Our staff is happy to assist you in arranging a video call to stay connected. Families may make an appointment to visit in our outdoor visitation area or vestibule area of our lobby.
Outdoor Visitation
Outdoor visits will be accommodated by appointment only with a maximum of two visitors at a time, in the front of the building. Visitors will have an on-site screening as well as a screening by phone 24 hours in advance of the visit. Specific guidelines and rules apply. Please see the Outdoor Visitation Guidelines for more information on scheduling visits.
Meals
During the pandemic, we have moved to in-room dining. Resident meals and snacks are delivered directly to our residents’ rooms by friendly staff. Once restrictions are lifted, communal dining may resume in a modified capacity.
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 testing at Selfhelp is conducted regularly for short-term rehab patients, long-term residents, staff, private caregivers and medical providers. Testing is based on Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines and IDPH recommendations, and may be as frequent as every week.
Cleaning /Sanitizing
Our Environmental team cleans the common areas of the home at least three times a day. Selfhelp uses an electrostatic disinfectant sprayer to ensure we are keeping the Home clean and safe. Resident rooms are cleaned daily with enhanced “deep” cleaning between rehab residents.
COVID-19
While here, any resident that tests positive for COVID-19 may be moved to a designated unit to be cared for. Residents may also be transferred to the hospital for further treatment.
Wellness Checks
Our nursing team monitors every resident at least every eight hours for temperature, respiratory pulse, oxygen saturation, pulse rate and for COVID-19 like symptoms.
Engagement
“Selfhelp Live” is our internal television channel where we broadcast content we choose. Regularly scheduled programming includes morning exercise, films, Friday night Shabbat services. Let our engagement team know if there is a certain activity you enjoy, and we will do our best to meet your needs.
Admissions Guidelines During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Long-Term Skilled Nursing Care
At The Selfhelp Home our top priority is keeping our community safe from COVID-19 and maintaining a positive and healthy environment.
Although our process looks different, our commitment to providing the highest quality of care remains the same.
Admission
Admission to our Long-Term Skilled Care unit requires physician assessment either from a hospitalist or your primary care physician. Other necessary documents include a history & physical, any recent laboratory test results, therapy notes, MAR and nursing/medical professional notes. A telehealth evaluation may be required. All referrals are considered on a case-by-case basis.
COVID-19 Test
New admissions must have a COVID-19 test within three days of admission.
Virtual Tours
Residents and their families can view the long-term care unit and the rest of the Selfhelp community through a virtual tour.
The First 14 Days
During the first 14 days at Selfhelp, residents will undergo a precautionary isolation period in their room.
Therapy Gym
Our therapy gym is open for residents that qualify for therapy or have elected restorative therapy services. The number of people in the gym is limited to one at a time to ensure proper physical distancing. Read more about the various types of specialized rehabilitation programs offered.
Care Plan Meetings
Care plan meetings will be arranged with our care team members by phone call.
Private Caregiver
Individuals moving into to Selfhelp may have a private caregiver. The private caregivers must have a COVID-19 test three days prior to admission. Private caregivers must be properly registered with The Selfhelp Home.
Lifestyle At The Selfhelp Home During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Life at Selfhelp looks a bit different than what we’re used to. Selfhelp is taking every precaution to stop the spread of COVID-19 while maintaining a positive and healthy atmosphere. We are following guidelines from the CDC, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Chicago Department of Public Health and will update our protocols accordingly.
Safety First
At Selfhelp everyone is required to wear a mask while in the building. For the healthcare floors, including our short-term rehabilitation floor, all employees and private caregivers are required to wear a mask and face shield. Residents are not required to wear a mask inside their own rooms. Staff are being screened for symptoms and temperature twice during their shift.
Visitor Policy
To comply with local and state guidelines visitors are not allowed inside the building. Our staff is happy to assist you in arranging a video call to stay connected. Families may make an appointment to visit in our outdoor visitation area or vestibule area of our lobby.
Outdoor Visitation
Outdoor visits will be accommodated by appointment only with a maximum of two visitors at a time, in the front of the building. Visitors will have an on-site screening as well as a screening by phone 24 hours in advance of the visit. Specific guidelines and rules apply. Please see the Outdoor Visitation Guidelines for more information on scheduling visits.
Meals
During the pandemic, we have moved to in-room dining. Resident meals and snacks are delivered directly to our residents’ rooms by friendly staff. Once restrictions are lifted, communal dining may resume in a modified capacity.
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 testing at Selfhelp is conducted regularly for short-term rehab patients, long-term residents, staff, private caregivers and medical providers. Testing is based on Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines and IDPH recommendations, and may be as frequent as every week.
COVID-19
While here, any resident that tests positive for COVID-19 may be moved to a designated unit to be cared for. Residents may also be transferred to the hospital for further treatment.
Wellness Checks
Our nursing team monitors every resident at least every eight hours for temperature, respiratory pulse, oxygen saturation, pulse rate and for COVID-19 like symptoms.
Engagement
Group activities have been replaced with person centered activities. Staff is working with residents one-on-one to keep them engaged. “Selfhelp Live” is our internal television channel where we broadcast content we choose. Regularly scheduled programming includes morning exercise, films, Friday night Shabbat services. Let our engagement team know if there is a certain activity you enjoy, and we will do our best to meet your needs.
Cleaning /Sanitizing
Our Environmental team cleans the common areas of the home at least three times a day. Selfhelp uses an electrostatic disinfectant sprayer to ensure we are keeping the Home clean and safe. Resident rooms are cleaned daily with enhanced “deep” cleaning between rehab residents.
Outdoor Visitation At The Selfhelp Home During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Starting on Monday, June 29 we will allow a limited number of daily outdoor visits. Our process has been developed based on the guidelines issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). We ask for your cooperation and that you take the time to carefully review our guidelines to ensure we are all doing our part to keep our community safe.
Scheduling the Visit
- Families must schedule an outdoor visit in advance. Joni Schaum will be managing the visitation schedule. To schedule a visit, contact Joni by phone 773-596-5813 or email [email protected]
- Visiting times are 30-min long and are limited to two visitors per resident (or resident couple).
- Every visitor must answer prescreening questions 24 hours before the appointment. We will contact you for the prescreening so please make yourself available.
- We will accommodate up to eight scheduled visits a day. Initially, as we introduce this schedule, we are only arranging one visit per family in order to accommodate as many visitors as possible.
During Your Visit
- We understand you may want to give hugs and have physical contact during the visit, however, it is very important that you do not have physical contact with each other and maintain the 6-foot distance.
- During your visit everyone must be wearing a mask. Please wear your mask correctly, pulled up over the nose!
- You do not need to bring lawn chairs. Furniture has been arranged to ensure there is proper physical distancing. Please do not move the furniture.
- Do not bring food or drinks to share during your visit. You may bring food to enjoy later but eating during the visit will require masks to come off and this is not permitted.
- If hearing is an issue, a portable voice amplifier (“Pocket Talker”) is available. Please let us know in advance if you would like to use this technology.
Additional Information
- Residents with an active COVID-19 infection will not be allowed to participate in an outdoor visit.
- Residents that are in quarantine or are pending test results should not participate in an outdoor visit.
- The outdoor visitation areas will be cleaned and sanitized between visits.
- If you have specific questions for staff about your family member, please contact us separately to discuss. Staff will not be available to address general care concerns while you are here visiting.
- If after your visit you develop any symptoms of COVID-19 such as a low-grade fever or cough, please inform us immediately.
Rescheduling/Missing Visits
- In the event of inclement weather, we will reschedule your visit to the next available time, or you may proceed with your visit via the glass-enclosed vestibule area (the resident in the lobby and the visitor in the vestibule).
- If you are running late, please let us know. You may still proceed with the visit, however, we cannot allow you to go over the allotted timeframe.
When You Arrive
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time.
- When you arrive, pull into the driveway in front of the building. A greeter will conduct an on-site screening – you do not need to exit your vehicle. If you are on foot, you can meet the greeter in front of the building.
- If you do not see anybody outside of the building when you arrive, please call the Front Desk (773-271-0300) and let us know you are here.
- After the on-site screening, you may park in the back of the building and walk around to the front of the building for your visit. We have blocked off a few spots in front of the building for outdoor visitors on a first-come basis.
- If you park in the back of the building, please do not walk through the building. Please walk around to the front of the building.
- Bathroom visits are not permitted during the visit.
- Two canopy areas on the lawn in front of the building have been designated for visits. Please wait in the designated area under the canopy.
- Staff will bring the resident to the visitation area.