Alva Review-Courier -

Share Convalescent Home Administrator Kelly Parker told the Alva Hospital Authority Tuesday that “as far as we know we are the first nursing home in the state” to provide the Bamlanivimab (Bam) infusions for residents with Covid. He said they have found the treatment to be very effective and expressed appreciation for staff who trained to provide the infusions.

Bam is a form of infusion therapy that can help people who have tested positive for Covid-19. Health officials say bam has the potential to lessen harsh symptoms that come with the virus.

Parker said they have scheduled with someone to look at the HVAC system at the nursing home to evaluate how it needs to be updated.

The state recently did a Covid-focused survey at the nursing home, which was cited for two deficiencies. One involved documentation of Covid tests and the other was about the thermal scanner kiosks like they use at the hospital. He said they did not anticipate the number of misreads due to people wearing masks, and a number of residents were passing the kiosks and having unneeded readings taken.

The nursing home submitted a plan of correction for the deficiencies. A second survey last week found no deficiencies at Share Convalescent.

Parker said a grandson of a resident who died gave the nursing home a $3,000 donation to split among the staff. This was accomplished through the purchase of Alva Chamber Bucks that were handed out for Christmas.

He noted that some residents were getting fed up with all the rules related to Covid and moved out, either back home or to another facility. However, three of them missed their friends and the staff and moved back.

Parker also reported on The Homestead retirement center. He said occupancy is approximately 70 percent so they have availabilities. They have found with the pandemic that some people are reluctant to move into a group housing situation. Meanwhile, empty apartments are being refurbished for future residents.