Mask Donations and Video Chat Reminder (HP)

Since our last communication with you, there have been several confirmed cased of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Chautauqua County as well as adjacent counties, but we have NOT had a positive case on our campus at the time of this writing. As we continue to monitor the news surrounding this global health crisis, particularly those related to other senior care communities like ours, we thought it best to remind you of some things we’re doing at the Hultquist Place Assisted Living Program to keep you and your loved ones safe.

In relation to the virus itself, we continue to monitor our staff (and residents) for symptoms of COVID-19 on a daily basis and check their temperatures at the beginning of every shift. This is primarily done to help prevent anyone from bringing pathogens into the building from the outside community. All of our staff are educated on a regular basis on who and what to avoid while not at work to minimize any exposure to our residents or other staff while providing care.

While news outlets have been reporting many stories related to donating DIY cloth or fabric masks to help prevent the spread of infection, we are NOT accepting these items at this time. Although the cloth or fabric masks are helpful reminders to avoid touching the face and lips, they do very little to prevent the spread of infection. In some cases, they can do more harm than good when they become damp or soiled because the patterns hide any signs of wear or imperfections in the material. We are, however, accepting donations of N95 respirators, surgical masks, and disposable gloves/gowns if they are available. These items are the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that we need to keep our staff and our residents safe as best we can.

Lastly, we want to remind everyone that we still have a “no visitation” policy in place on campus. While we appreciate your desire to visit your family or loved ones outside our building (talking through windows, doors, etc.) we strongly urge against it for your own safety as well as the safety of our residents and staff. Congregating in small groups is detrimental to the social distancing practices we’re being asked to model. State and federal recommendations ask that you remain home unless absolutely necessary.

As an alternative, we want to remind you that we have a private video chat room available for you to Skype or FaceTime with your loved ones at any time. To schedule a video call, Hultquist Place residents can call our Activities Department at 716-720-9624. We also encourage you to drop off care packages at the LHRC front desk. Factory sealed items or containers that can be cleaned before going to the residents are preferred.

We will continue to update you as new information is received and especially if any individuals test positive for COVID-19 in our facility. We thank you in advance for your cooperation during this challenging situation.

Sincerely,

Tom Holt
President and CEO