Employee Appreciation June 2020

As of this writing, we have entered into Phase 2 of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s reopening plan. You or your loved ones may have already begun returning to work or you may be waiting patiently for the gates to lift. If you are returning to work now or in the near future, you’ll be met with many new challenges that didn’t exist several months ago. Having worked through this situation as it unfolded in real time, we encourage you to remain patient and keep an open mind. The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has shaken things up; there is no “normal” to return to. Look toward the future at ways you can reduce your risk of exposure to infectious diseases in your workplace.

The Department of Health visited the Lutheran Home and Rehabilitation Center this week for an infection control check-up in light of what is happening in the world around us. This was a routine visit similar to the one we received at the Hultquist Place Assisted Living Program several weeks ago which we wrote about in a previous letter. Our employees and efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 were commended by the surveyors visiting our campus during both visits. We also received some excellent advice and up-to-date best practices to implement going forward. Adjusting to new requirements and regulation changes almost daily is no easy task, but our employees continue to answer the call to meet the needs of our residents.

Though our staff have continued to work during this pandemic as essential employees, many of them are experiencing the same troubles as millions of others across the nation. Childcare struggles, laid off spouses or partners, home schooling, grocery access, peer pressures of social distancing, and more have affected them when they’re not within our walls. Combine all of that with the added pressure to now be tested for COVID-19 twice a week and you have a blueprint for a stressful and emotional rollercoaster. Despite it all, not a single employee has refused to test and our turnover rate has actually dropped. Their respect and ongoing service to our residents in the face of danger is incredible.

To show our thanks, we have implemented several programs to help our staff during this time, including: provided a home cooked meal for four once a week, increased wages for all staff during the NY PAUSE, provided meditation and stress reduction resources, increased our education and resources in-house for infection prevention, created fun contests and giveaways, provided several meals or food items to enjoy while at work, and more. Plus, our Board of Directors have ordered customized Lutheran face masks for every employee to use while not at work which should be arriving any day. These benefits and many more are available to new and veteran employees.

As always, it is a blessing to serve you and we thank you again for your patience and support. Please remember that you can check our website for an archive of COVID-19 related communications or call our hotline (716-720-9715) at any time to hear status updates as they arise.

Symptomatic Residents Tested for COVID-19 14
Residents Testing Positive for COVID-19 0
Employees Tested for COVID-19 (Mandated) – Round 4 ALL
Employees Testing Positive for COVID-19 1

Sincerely,

Tom Holt
President and CEO