Update from Administrator – July 6, 2020
July 6, 2020
Our team and I hope this email finds you safe and healthy.
Please remember that the outdoor visits must be pre-scheduled to ensure safe and healthy visits for you, the residents, and our staff. It also allows our team to ensure your loved one is available and ready for your visit to make the most of your time together. These visits require appropriate PPE (masks) to be worn at all times and a social distance of 6 feet between you and your loved ones for the entirety of the visit. As a reminder, no eating is allowed during these visits as masks would have to be removed to eat. Families may drop off food that will be given to the resident after the visit. Thank you for your understanding. Please remember safety is our number one priority!
We currently have 2 residents (previously recovered) that are + for COVID. As we have learned, residents can test positive for months following the Corona Virus. They were re-swabbed for upcoming appointments, but are not symptomatic. We have had NO new cases. We conducted our first round of resident and staff testing and all test results returned negative. We are working hard to reach out to all staff. We conducted another round last week and our awaiting results. We are currently waiting on more testing supplies to complete our second round of testing. Some of our families have inquired about increasing time outdoors so we are actively trying to get people out of their rooms while maintaining the appropriate safety measures. As we continue to work toward a COVID-free status, we will hopefully be able to reduce restrictions under the guidance of the CDC and CT Department of Public Health.
As some of you know, I have given my resignation as Administrator of Litchfield Woods. I have been truly blessed with the opportunity to have worked here for over fifteen years as Administrator. Over the years I have met so many residents and families and am truly grateful. The memories I have will truly last a lifetime. I am thankful to have worked with a team of dedicated health care workers and will miss all of you. Athena Healthcare will be announcing my replacement in the near future. Thank you for all of your support.
I am also attaching a letter from Mairead Painter, State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. This letter speaks to staffing levels in the nursing homes.
As always, we encourage any residents and family members to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have about the care we are offering. Our commitment is to be transparent as possible and work to address any issues that arise.
Thank you and please stay safe and healthy,
Denise Quarles, Administrator