Dear Residents, Families, and Associates of Abbotswood Irving Park;
We are sending this letter to inform you that a resident from our Elms-Parkside neighborhood has tested positive for COVID-19 today. This resident is currently in stable condition and being treated off campus. We are working closely with this resident’s family and medical providers to determine this resident’s care needs and most appropriate setting for treatment. Aligned with CDC protocols we are conducting a thorough review of this case and will notify and address any residents or associates identified as having potential exposure to this individual. At this time, we have not identified risk exposure outside of the Elms memory care neighborhood. In accordance with patient privacy laws, additional details about the resident and updates on their condition will be provided only by healthcare authorities. At this time, we have no other known cases.
In the Elms, we care for individuals living with cognitive impairment and the residents’ ability to shelter-in-place and comply with distancing can be challenging. We continue to maintain heightened safety protocols to insulate our memory care residents from outside exposure. Out of an abundance of caution and to help us reduce potential spread we plan to test all associates and residents that work or live in the Elms. We have notified the Guilford County Department of Health and our Licensing Monitor and will work closely with these groups to prepare for testing. Additionally, we will temporarily suspend move-ins or transfers for the Elms neighborhoods until August 1st.
The protocols that we put into place earlier, remain critical. These include restricting visitors for essential needs only, daily monitoring each resident and associate for temperature and respiratory symptoms, delivering all meal service, modified wellness activities to maintain social-distancing, and increased disinfecting of all high-traffic/high-touch areas. Our associates are required to wear masks at all times, as well as any residents leaving their apartment for an essential purpose.
For the safety of all residents, we will continue to require all residents to shelter in their apartments and have provided masks for residents as needed. To support our residents social and emotional needs, we continue to offer small group wellness programs by reservation and ensuring social distancing and the use of masks. The measures we maintain are aligned with requirements to manage an active COVID-19 case. We know that you share in our concern for the protection of our residents and appreciate your support in prioritizing the safety of the community.
As we continue to monitor this situation, we will keep everyone informed of new information promptly and transparently. Rest assured that we will do all that we can to promote the safety and overall wellbeing of everyone at Abbotswood at Irving Park. We are proud to work for and with our residents, families, and associates as we navigate this unprecedented time together. Thank you for your support and partnership!
Sincerely,
Allison Pait, Executive Director &
Will Eubank, Assistant Executive Director