Technology importance amidst COVID-19
Many people tend to feel isolated during COVID-19, as we keep our distance for the safety and well-being of others. Technology became our connection to our family and friends – all those we love most.
The same is true for patients and residents in Avamere’s 33 skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). With the quickly spreading pandemic, Avamere closed their doors to visitors, only allowing in essential workers and visitors with special permissions, such as visiting loved ones nearing end-of-life.
Avamere employees helped and continue to assist patients and residents in maintaining these crucial connections with family and friends through window visits and technology. And this pursuit just became a lot easier with government-reimbursed iPads.
Avamere receives funds for iPads
All 33 of Avamere’s skilled nursing facilities across Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington received iPads to connect with loved ones and meet with their doctor through telehealth. Each building received devices depending on the amount of beds. Avamere received between six and eight per building for a total of 257 devices.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services funded the iPads and required accessories.
“These iPads are specifically for our patients and residents to connect with family and friends and meet with their doctors,” stated Tim Esau, Chief Compliance & Privacy Officer with the Avamere Family of Companies. “Thank you to CMS for helping provide our seniors easy access to their loved ones through technology.”
Avamere applied for the funds in May and began receiving the funds at the end of June. By August, all 33 of Avamere’s skilled nursing buildings had iPads in their patients’ hands.
Team members contribute to the effort
Critical to this effort were:
- Colby Strunk, Risk and Compliance Coordinator
- Larry Lopardo, Chief Legal Officer
- Chris Olson, Paralegal
- Avamere’s dedicated Legal Department
- Avamere’s hard-working IT Department
Colby was instrumental in applying for the funds. Larry, Chris, and the rest of the Legal Department managed all necessary legal duties, and the IT Department led a quick and efficient purchase and distribution process.
Avamere sincerely thanks CMS for the generous iPad funding, significantly contributing to life enhanced at Avamere.
