Assisted Living Week 2020 (HP)

As I checked the date on the calendar to begin this letter, I was amazed to see that we were already in September. I’m sure that comes as no surprise to you, as it has been nearly six months since you were able to see your loved ones in person. While our fight against the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues, we’re pleased to continue our outdoor, supervised visitation at Hultquist Place.

Our administrator and relevant staff have been working around the clock to ensure our residents remain safe when visitors come to campus. Although the procedures may seem over blown, they’re important steps to take to keep everyone safe and ensure we can continue our progress when it comes to mitigating threats of infection, especially as this new virus will soon be paired with flu season. As a reminder, you can schedule in-person visits by calling our front desk at 716-720-9610.

Although the year has not been without its challenges, we’re honored to be celebrating National Assisted Living Week later this month. We have safe, socially distanced activities and giveaways planned for both residents and staff, but we have a couple requests of you; things you can do to celebrate and advocate for us as time moves forward.

First, consider writing or calling the governor’s office to ask if and when regulations can be loosened in adult care facilities with low community spread of COVID-19. With smaller cities and a more rural setting, we’ve been fortunate to have lower than average rates of infection, hospitalization, and spread. However, our county is currently experiencing a spike. The second thing you can do on our behalf is advocate for better hygiene, mask use, sanitization, and social distancing among your family and friends.

Over the last week, Chautauqua County’s cases soared past 160 infections, experienced another COVID-19 related death, and had multiple COVID-19 related ICU admissions. Schools are set to resume next week posting another challenge. If infection continues to spread in our small community, our staff are more likely to be exposed to infection in their personal life. If our staff test positive for COVID-19, visitation to Hultquist Place will abruptly end and we will have to wait twenty-eight (28) days after our employees all test negative before we can open again. We don’t like it; you don’t like it; but our community needs to work together slow the spread.

I cannot thank you all enough for believing in us, continuing to entrust us with your loved ones care, and for advocating on our behalf in the community. We’re blessed to have the support system we do.

Symptomatic Residents Tested for COVID-19 – 24
HP & LHRC Residents Tested for COVID-19 by DOH – 153
Residents Currently Testing Positive for COVID-19 – 0
Employees Tested Weekly for COVID-19 (Mandated) – ALL
Employees Currently Testing Positive for COVID-19 – 0
Former COVID-19 Positive Employees Recovered – 4

Sincerely,

Tom Holt
President and CEO