MRC is awarded a generous technology grant to keep residents connected to loved ones during COVID-19

MRC is awarded a generous technology grant to keep residents connected to loved ones during COVID-19

At the direction of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), since March of this year, nursing facilities have had to significantly restrict visitors and nonessential personnel from visiting in an effort to protect residents, many of whom are quite vulnerable to COVID-19. What this means in practical terms is that most residents have not had an opportunity to see their families in person for over 4 months. MRC staff have worked tirelessly to connect residents with their families through technology like Facetime, Skype, Zoom and other programs.
Recognizing the challenges these restrictions have caused, in June, CMS made a grant process available using Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment funds to provide residents with adaptive communication technologies like iPads and other tablets.

As a part of this initiative, MRC recently received notice that they have been awarded a grant totaling almost $15,000 for the purchase of tablets for the residents in the 6 communities with Skilled Nursing Facilities. Each MRC community has been awarded funds to purchase anywhere from 5-7 devices with that number being dependent on the number of residents being served by the community.
“One of the most difficult parts of the COVID-19 situation,” said Todd Partin, MRC’s Director of Engagement, “is to have to keep residents away from their families and other loved ones. There is no true substitute for an in-person visit with their families where residents can hug them and hold the hands of the ones they love. However, with the current restrictions to visitation, we are very thankful for the added devices that will make it easier for our teams to help residents connect electronically with their families.”