Update from Administrator – January 26, 2021
Dear Families,
As always, we hope this letter finds you safe and healthy as we begin the New Year!
Last week we informed you of a new Covid positive resident within the facility and he remains as our only positive case at this time. Our employees are currently in the process of completing their weekly Covid testing and our residents will be tested tomorrow, Wednesday 1/27. We are hopeful that all test results will come back negative and the positive case last week will remain as an isolated incident.
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, 02/02/2021.
With the first round complete in most nursing homes and the second doses in many, the state has already reported a decrease in nursing home cases of COVID among residents and staff, further proof that the vaccine works and we’re doing our part to 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. 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.
Speaking of visitation, we are receiving many questions on whether in-center visitation can resume once vaccination of the center is complete. As mentioned earlier in this and other emails, we must remain vigilant. The vaccine will not provide immediate protection and we still need to see prevalence in the surrounding communities decline. Currently, community prevalence remains very high. Therefore, we need to continue with the same visitation and infection control practices put in place and enhanced throughout this pandemic. We will also continue to follow the guidance and recommendations of our public health officials (CDC, CMS, DPH) to determine how and when to adjust our policies for visitations and social activities and keep you updated.
Unfortunately, we continue to be on a lockdown for indoor visitation at this time until we eclipse the 14 days with no new positive cases. During this time, we do still allow for 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.
As a reminder, our next “Town Hall” meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 28th 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