Dear Residents, Families, and Associates of Abbotswood at Irving Park;
We would like to update you on the status of COVID-19 at our campus and related changes to help you stay informed. We recently shared the news of our first active COVID-19 cases within Parkside of The Elms. Since this notification, we facilitated testing for all associates and residents who live or work in The Elms memory care neighborhoods to help us identify any other affected individuals and contain the spread. Currently, we have 5 residents and 2 associates from Parkside Elms who have tested positive for COVID-19. The residents who have tested positive are in stable condition and are being monitored and cared for off campus. We are working closely with their families and care providers to support their recovery. The two associates who have tested positive are self-isolating at home and will return to work when cleared of COVID-19 and symptom-free. We appreciate everyone’s concern and positive thoughts for our residents, associates and their families who are impacted by COVID-19.
Based on the testing completed yesterday, we expect results to be in early next week. We will continue to share the news of any positive test results and inform those who may have had risk exposure based on our tracing. In the meantime, our team has prepared provisions to care for additional residents who may test positive and or residents who may be discharged before clearing of COVID-19. We have planned additional staffing, set-up a separated living quarter for those with special quarantine needs and implemented a stipend to recognize and reward the extraordinary efforts needed from our Elms associates. Additionally, we have modified service schedules to allow for dedicated staff to support The Elms and avoid shared staff among different buildings in our campus. All other protocols remain in place, including: maintaining a single point of entry, requiring PPE for associates and residents when out of their apartment, daily symptom/temperature screenings, increased sanitation, and the temporary suspension of non-essential visitors until our test results are assessed. As a reminder, any resident who chooses to leave the campus for non-essential purposes will be required to shelter-in-place upon return to help us minimize outside exposure risk. Thank you for helping us uphold these critical safety measures.
We are thankful for the partnership of the Guilford County Department of Health and local physicians. A representative from the Health Department visited us this week to review and support our containment effort. We received affirmation and compliments from this visit that our prevention and response measures are appropriate. We have been working with Dr. Hatcher, Cone Infection Control Physician, regarding recovery plans specific to individual residents’ needs. Additionally, Dr. Haber, our consulting Geriatric Medicine Specialist, has made herself available to speak with family members and our staff who have health questions or concerns related to this situation. Please let us know if you are interested in learning more about any of these resources.
We are thankful for our dedicated associates who have rallied during this difficult time to do what is necessary for our residents. Many family members, fellow residents, and community partners have reached out to extend their support and we appreciate the much-needed camaraderie.
We will be in frequent communication to update you on our status and other important information to help our community stay informed, safe and well.
Sincerely,
Will Eubank Assistant Executive Director
Allison Pait, Executive Director