ASB Mannheim/Rhine-Neckar Region supports employees and protects residents with additional safety measures.
(Mannheim/Heidelberg, 19.11.2021) Since Monday of this week, the Corona Taskforce has once again been deployed at all ASB Mannheim/Rhine-Neckar Region facilities. Preparations for this have already been in full swing for several weeks. "Among other things, we are in the process of training additional testers," reports Fabian Kaspar, head of the taskforce. So far, 23 testers have been hired on a temporary basis. This is primarily intended to relieve the nursing staff in the ASB's five senior citizens' homes. From November 20, additional staff will be available at the respective test stations. From the point of view of the ASB, this can no longer be done by the permanent staff alone. "We have taken quick and preventive measures," says Kaspar, "so that we are prepared for the new Corona regulations from the federal and state governments and can react accordingly." The 3G rule is currently in effect at all ASB facilities with visitor traffic. Since Friday, Nov. 19, everyone entering an ASB care facility has been tested, regardless of vaccination status. Testing stations have been set up on site for this purpose and are staffed from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day. ASB is committed to continuing to provide visits. For the residents, contact with relatives and friends is very important; renewed isolation would be too much of a burden psychologically.
Corona Taskforce reaches out to all ASB facilities.
"We already installed the Corona Taskforce last year," says Joachim Schmid, managing director of ASB Mannheim/Rhine-Neckar Region. "Especially with our focus on rescue services and care, we are particularly challenged to comprehensively protect both our employees and the people who need our help," Schmid continues. In this regard, the management relies on low-threshold and far-reaching testing offers in all facilities. In addition, strict hygiene measures continue to apply. In all facilities, it is once again mandatory to wear an FFP 2 mask during the entire stay. This applies to employees as well as visitors and residents. Nevertheless, all facilities will remain open until further notice, and offers such as first aid courses will continue. The 2G rule applies here with immediate effect.
High vaccination rates in all areas - further vaccination offers.
As early as January 2021, ASB began a comprehensive vaccination campaign for the more than 750 employees in the rescue service, in nursing, and in other facilities. This was very well received. Senior citizens in ASB's care facilities were also vaccinated as soon as possible. "Over 90 percent have been vaccinated here in every facility for a long time," reports Fabian Kaspar, "we also started the so-called booster vaccinations back in September." Despite the high vaccination rate, vaccination breakthroughs also occur at ASB facilities. "In view of the now dramatically high numbers again, this is unfortunately unavoidable," admits Managing Director Schmid. Fortunately, these have so far only been isolated cases. This makes it all the more important to be well positioned again with the task force. The management as well as the home directors expressly welcome a vaccination obligation for the nursing staff. "We don't see any problems with implementation," says Schmid. The vaccination rate is high among nursing staff, averaging around 90 percent in the homes. The unvaccinated employees are mainly housekeeping staff and service personnel.
Close cooperation with all relevant authorities
Of course, the task force works closely with all responsible authorities and agencies. In principle, the ASB is guided by the current Corona Ordinance of the state of Baden-Württemberg. "At the moment, many things are changing again within a short period of time," says Fabian Kaspar. That's why close consultation and close attention to the situation are important, he says.
ASB Mannheim/Rhein-Neckar operates five senior citizens' homes, three of which are in the Rhine-Neckar district and two in Heidelberg, as well as a senior citizens' advisory service and offers for outpatient care services, day care and assisted living. Fek