Christian Care Center of Memphis strategically implemented widespread COVID-19 testing going above and beyond current regulatory requirements. The norm is to test individuals that feel sick or have exhibited symptoms. However, we concluded that while testing individuals with symptoms is helpful, it leaves too large a gap for potential unknown infection to exist. In order to enhance resident safety, though not required to do so, we elected to test 100% of the facility’s staff and residents and implement a system of periodic 100% facility – wide testing.

Of significant importance to us is discovering a staff member who say may have become infected at the grocery store, but who does not know they have COVID-19. These sorts of transmissions are indeed occurring in the general public which lends our facility to believe its staff are also at risk of similar infection. Our prayers are for no infections at all. Our strategy is to recognize infection quickly if it does occur and as such mitigate the opportunity for infection to spread.

It is our belief that soon regulations will require all healthcare facilities to conduct widespread testing. Below are a couple of articles that indicate such enhanced testing may be on the regulatory horizon.

Widespread testing is not without its difficulties and complexities. It is a very expensive lab to process, though we are encouraged that Medicaid and Medicare intend to assist facilities with the cost. Current available COVID-19 testing technologies are experiencing some degree of false positives, we are unaware of false negatives, but they may exist also. However, we decided that though imperfect the appropriate course for us to take is to commit to widespread periodic testing of all individuals, including those who do not feel sick.

The health, well-being, and safety of residents remains our facility’s number one priority.  As a measure of caution for our elderly population that is vulnerable, we are limiting visitors to our building at this time. We strive to provide as much protection to our residents as possible, especially during this challenging time. Others who wish to visit, in a critical circumstance situation, will need to be cleared by our administrator and director of nursing.

We take these steps not to cause anxiety or concerns on behalf of residents or loved ones, but to let everyone know we are committed to doing everything reasonably possible to provide a setting emphasizing sound health.