Dear Residents and Families of Abbotswood at Stonehenge,
In this email I want to share with you an update on the most recent round of COVID-19 testing, as well as inform you of an important change to the weekly testing routine at the community that will take effect next week regarding essential visitor testing frequency and test method. I will also address the latest COVID-19 vaccine developments.
On Monday, we tested a total of 167 individuals, consisting of residents, essential visitors, private duty caregivers and associates of Abbotswood, Aware and Legacy. Testing methods included the use of saliva samples, throat swabs and nasal swabs. I am pleased to report that all 167 tests were negative! Your faithful adherence to the guidelines and restrictions in place both inside and outside of the community is greatly appreciated and must continue.
Saliva testing for all essential visitors, private duty caregivers, Abbotswood, Aware and Legacy associates will take place on Thursday, January 7th in the Club Room between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. If you will not be able to be present on Thursday, you may leave a sample at the front desk anytime tonight (Wednesday) to be included in the Thursday pooled testing.
On Monday, January 11th, the testing program at Abbotswood at Stonehenge will change and the following weekly schedule will continue until further notice:
- Mondays – Saliva testing for all residents, Abbotswood, Aware and Legacy associates, essential visitors and private duty caregiverswill take place in the Club Room from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Residents needing assistance with their saliva sample and those who require testing via throat swab will be seen in their apartments. For those not able to be present during the testing hours on Monday, saliva samples can be left at the front desk on Saturday, Sunday or Monday afternoon until 5:00 pm.
- Thursdays – Nasal swab testing for all essential visitors, private duty caregivers, Abbotswood, Aware and Legacy associates will be provided in the Club Room between 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
It is our strong desire that you participate in both testing days each week. However, we realize that some may have obligations that could prevent you from participating in testing during those hours every Thursday. If in any given week you will not be able to take part in the Thursday testing, you will need to prioritize submitting a saliva sample for the Monday pooled testing. The Thursday test results will be individual (not pooled) and offer a great opportunity for you to maintain peace of mind about your health during these difficult days.
As you know, the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is continuing for the Phase 1A classification. Phase 1B is the grouping that Abbotswood is part of, and that vaccination initiative is just beginning. I am in frequent communication with our vaccine provider, Falls River Pharmacy, who will be onsite once they receive the vaccine to administer the first of the 2 vaccinations to our residents and associates. As soon as the pharmacy has received its supply and the clinics are scheduled, I will communicate that to you all. In the meantime, please take the necessary steps consistently to keep yourself and others safe.
I want to thank you again for being part of the Abbotswood family. Our community is a special place because of the wonderful combination of our sweet residents, their supportive families and friends, our dedicated associates and committed community partners. Together, we have the wonderful opportunity every day to make a difference in the lives of those we love and are privileged to care for.
David Sexton
Executive Director