National Guard also assisting
MANCHESTER, N.H. — Much-needed help from the federal government, in the form of additional staffing, is set to be delivered to some New Hampshire long-term care facilities this month.
FEMA is sending 10 United States Public Health nurses and two Health and Human Services support staff to facilities in Hanover, Manchester and Bedford.
Staff from Hanover Terrace said four registered nurses started work on Tuesday and can stay for up to 30 days. Five residents have died from COVID-19 in that facility and more than 60 residents have the virus.
“I have some staff members that have been here without a day off since the outbreak began, and so, this will be a nice break from them to be able to take some well-deserved time off,” said Martha Ilsley, the administrator at Hanover Terrace.
In just over a month, the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton has lost 35 residents to COVID-19. FEMA is extending their help for an additional two weeks through Dec. 28. The National Guard is also assisting at that facility with two nurses and 10 soldiers.
“It has been absolutely phenomenal, really has gotten us over the hump and helped us cover some really critical holes that we have,” Commandant Margaret LaBrecque said.
The New Hampshire Health Care Association said staffing was an issue before the pandemic. In two years, they said there was a net loss of 1,200 licensed nursing assistants.
As for vaccinations, Hanover Terrace said they have received a tentative date of Jan. 17 and the Veterans Home, as of Tuesday afternoon was still waiting to be given their date.
Both facilities are currently working on providing consent forms and educational materials.
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