Our top priority is keeping our community safe from COVID-19 and maintaining a healthy environment.
Selfhelp takes a person centered approach to meet the needs of residents and provide the highest quality of life while also taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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
Our safety protocols are developed to ensure the overall health, life style and wellbeing of the residents, staff and members of our community while using the guidelines from the CDC for Nursing Homes, The Illinois Department of Public Health and The Chicago Department of Public Health.
Wearing PPE
At Selfhelp everyone is required to use PPE. While in the building, masks are required to be worn, covering the mouth and nose. In some cases residents and visitors that are fully vaccinated are not required to wear masks. These rules are spelled out in our visitor guidelines. In some areas of the building and instances when appropriate PPE is required, gowns, gloves and shields are used. 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.
Screening
Screening takes place for everyone who enters the building including temperature checks, signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Every person entering the building will first have a health screening that includes temperature taking and screening questions.
Resident and Staff Wellness Checks
Our nursing team is monitoring every resident once a day for symptoms and checking temperature, pulse oxygen levels. Staff also have symptom and temperature checks once a day.
Testing
COVID-19 testing at Selfhelp is conducted as required for residents, staff, private caregivers and other Essential Healthcare Workers and visitors as when necessary. We are currently testing once a week.
Physical Distancing
Although we encourage socializing we are doing so with physical distancing in place. In some instances during communal dining and activities, when all residents are vaccinated, physical distancing is not required. Furniture in the common areas ensures we maintain proper distance from each other.
Cleaning / Sanitizing
Our environmental team cleans and disinfects high frequency touched surfaces, and common areas of the home frequently. Designated visit areas are cleaned between each visit. Selfhelp uses air filtration systems in common areas and uses 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.
Resident Activities
Selfhelp offers a full menu of activities for residents that can take place both in person and remotely. In some cases where all the residents are vaccinated masks do not need to be worn. Selfhelp also has an internal television channel where scheduled content is broadcast including exercise, films, live lectures and discussions, religious services and other digital content.
Communal Dining
We have resumed communal dining at Selfhelp. Residents may enjoy all three meals in person in our dining room. Meals may also be served in resident rooms if desired. Communal dining will take place when permitted while taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Meals may be served in resident rooms during phases when communal dining is not permitted.
