Community Advocacy and COVID Positive Update

Back in March when I wrote my first letter home to our residents and families, I remember praying that the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic would pass quickly. I hoped for the sake of our residents that the “unprecedented times” wouldn’t just transition to the times and that some sense of normalcy may return. Unfortunately, that time has yet to come. Our most recent COVID-19 positive employee has recovered and returned to work. As of this writing, there are no active infections on campus, however I wanted to take a moment to remind you all of some basics that many of us have lost sight of along the way. These things are crucial pieces of us getting back to the “normal” we so desperately desire.

First and foremost, please remember that gifts, prepared foods, or other care packages dropped off at the front desk of the nursing home must be washable, cleanable, and/or searchable. Produce from local farmers markets should be intact so it can be washed. Meals should be able to be heated and in sealed containers that we can sanitize to remove any contagions inside and out. Gifts should be in bags (not wrapped) so we can make sure we’re avoiding any possible avenue for infection to enter our building. Along with this, masks are to be worn when entering our building. Although you may only be entering for a moment to leave a gift behind, many guests have been interacting with or mingling with our staff in the front lobby who use the entrance to go to and from their department. Please be mindful of this and help us protect our healthcare heroes at all costs.

Second, we have to remind you all that you must schedule window visits, video chats, and outdoor in-person visits (currently only available at Hultquist Place) ahead of time. This information should also be shared with others in your social circle who may not receive these communications but wish to visit on their own time. We’ve had several family members and friends show up unannounced expecting to see their loved ones. Many of these visitors are pushing the envelope when it comes to social distancing. These are safety and regulatory violations we’re obligated by law to enforce and report. Furthermore, we create cleaning and staffing routines based on our visitation schedules making it all the more important to let us know in advance. The numbers to plan these visits are as follows:

LHRC Units: (A1) 716-665-8164, (B1) 716-665-8115, (A2) 716-665-8165, and (B2) 716-665-8118
HP Front Desk: 716-720-9610 (NOTE: This number has been updated from previous letters.)

Last but not least, please remember that all of our employees are working around the clock to keep our facilities and residents clean, safe, and secure. Though it may seem trivial and may fall on deaf ears, your help enforcing social distancing, mask wearing, hand washing, and other infection prevention methods in the community will help us earn the right to reopen in the future. We are bound by Department of Health guidelines when it comes to reopening. The better we do as a community, the better we do on campus!

Symptomatic Residents Tested for COVID-19 23
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 3

Sincerely,

Tom Holt
President and CEO