![Covid-19: New measures in nursing homes](https://img.passeportsante.net/1000x526/2020-09-22/i96647-mesures-ehpad-covid-19.jpeg)
Although a circular for the return to normal of residential establishments for the elderly was introduced last June, the government recently announced the establishment of a new protocol in the event of a deterioration of the epidemic situation. Let’s take stock of the new health measures that nursing homes must follow.
A new protocol in the event of a deterioration of the situation
Faced with the upsurge in the number of Covid-19 cases in France, the Ministry of Health and Solidarity has posted a protocol relating to the strengthening of preventive and protective measures for medico-social establishments accompanying people at risk of a severe form of Covid-19, in the event of a deterioration of the epidemic situation.
The document indicates all the measures to be taken in the event of ” deterioration of the epidemic situation, […] characterized by the appearance of a suspected or confirmed case of Covid-19 within the establishment, or by the deterioration of the indicators of the territory to which the establishment belongs “.
Sanitary measures
If a residential establishment for dependent elderly people is confronted with one of these situations, the ministry recommends applying more restrictive measures. The hygiene protocol must be strengthened, a generalized screening strategy for professionals and residents must be implemented in the event of a positive case detected. A sector dedicated to suspected or confirmed cases of Covid-19 must also be set up.
Health measures must be taken into consideration, even if an nursing home is not affected by a situation of epidemic degradation within its territory. Indeed, the government recommends that establishments anticipate the measures to be reactivated if necessary.
Measures that may vary depending on the establishment
If the protocol brings together national recommendations, each nursing home can decide on its own health protocol. The document thus states: “ It is up to the directors of the establishment to decide on the measures applicable locally, after collegial consultation with the healthcare team, in particular the coordinating doctors in the accommodation establishments for dependent elderly people (Ehpad), in depending on the health situation of the establishment and in compliance with the local recommendations issued by the ARS. “
At the same time, the prefects of the departments classified in red may decide to impose new measures depending on the epidemic situation of the territory concerned. In Marseille and Bordeaux for example, nursing homes are already subject to a restriction on visits. Only two people can plan one visit per week and per resident.