A transition of residents from Belle Springs nursing and rehabilitation facility, 221 N. School St., was a proactive decision made out of an abundance caution for staff and residents of the long-term care center, agency administrators stressed Tuesday.
In all, 48 residents were relocated from the Bellefontaine location and transferred to facilities in Piqua and Waterville, said John Shaner, president of Business Development
Company administrators for Reach LTC, the parent company for Belle Springs, consulted with both the Ohio Health Care Association, as well as the Ohio Department of Health before deciding to transfer residents out of county. A total of 22 residents were transferred to Waterville Health and Rehab, and 26 were residents were transferred to Piqua Healthcare and Rehab.
Facility administrators have also stressed that there have been no confirmed coronavirus cases in any Reach LTC facility. Neither staff nor any residences have tested positive for COVID-19.
The move was made, “to keep your loved one safe during this global coronavirus pandemic,” according to a letter sent by facility administrators announcing the transition.
No staff members were laid off as a result of the consolidation, Reach LTC officials related. The transition allowed for more “robust” staffing at each of the facilities, while also maintaining a consistency in healthcare professionals for the residents making the transition.
Reach LTC is also paying for to put staff in hotels for the duration of the transition. The move allows for greater efficiency of staff, as well for personal protective items such as gowns, gloves and masks.
Transitioning of residents took place Thursday and Friday, April 3 and 4. Facility administrators began notifying residents and their families by mail and telephone last Monday, March 31.
Administrators worked actively with residents and their families to determine the best situation. Residents also had the option of transferring to Green Hills Community or to be discharged home, where home health care could was also arranged, if necessary.
“Because of the unknown nature of this global coronavirus crisis, we don’t have an exact date of when things will return to normal,” the letter concludes.