Update from Administrator – January 19, 2021
Dear Families,
As always, we hope this letter finds you safe and healthy as we begin the New Year!
We are happy to report that both staff members that previously tested positive for Covid-19 have recovered and been cleared to return to work after quarantining for the recommended period, based on guidance from the CDC and CT DPH. As of the writing of this email, we are currently Covid free for both residents and staff! All staff continue to be tested twice a week and our residents are being tested weekly as well.
Unfortunately, we continue to be on a lockdown for indoor visitation until we eclipse the 14 days with no new positive cases. If all goes well, we will be able to reopen for indoor visitation next Monday, Jan 25th. During this time, we do still allow for outdoor visits (weather permitting), window visits and Facetime/Skype visits. Please do not hesitate to contact us to schedule a visit or if we can assist with keeping you connected with your loved one.
We are very excited that our residents and staff have now had the opportunity to receive their initial and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from CVS here at our center. Any resident and staff member who did not participate in the first round, but did during the second visit, will have the opportunity to receive their second dose of the vaccine on our third date, Tuesday, February 2nd. With the first round complete in many nursing homes, the state has already reported a decrease in nursing home cases of COVID among residents and staff, further proof that the vaccine works.
We have encouraged as many residents as possible to get this vaccine and are excited to report that 90% of our resident population received the vaccine! As we have learned, the elderly and those with significant health concerns have a much higher risk for getting very sick, being hospitalized, or succumbing from COVID-19. The vaccine has been shown to provide a great deal of protection against serious illness due to COVID-19. The more residents that get vaccinated, the better we can protect our community against potential outbreaks, save lives, and hopefully impact changes to the state’s visitation guidelines. Our team here at Litchfield Woods feels very strongly about doing our part to stop the spread of this insidious virus and eliminate Covid!
We will continue to take all necessary precautions after the vaccine is administered, including wearing personal protective equipment and conducting regular testing, to ensure the safety of our residents and staff. We will also continue to follow the guidance and recommendations of our public health officials to determine how and when to adjust our policies for visitations and social activities and keep you updated.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We are hopeful that the vaccine will be a lifesaving turning point in the fight against COVID-19. We look forward to getting back to a “new normal,” with families and friends again visiting our center on a regular basis. Entertainers coming back into the center to further enrich the lives of our residents.
As a reminder, our next “Town Hall” meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 21st at 1pm. We encourage all residents and family members to call in with any questions or concerns you may have. Our commitment is to be as transparent as possible and work to address any issues that arise.
Thank you and please stay safe and healthy!
Marisa Jones LNHA, MBA
Administrator