Dear Residents, Families, and Associates of First Colonial Inn,
I am happy to share that First Colonial Inn remained COVID-19 free this week. This is great news and I’d like to remind everyone that all of the safety measures that we have put into place are assisting our residents and associates to remain healthy. Virginia remains in Phase 1 at this time with an additional requirement put into effect today by our Governor that requires face coverings to be worn in public places. The FCI residents and associates are already in the routine of wearing masks so we really won’t have to shift our mindsets. We will continue to require all associates and visitors (both essential, those utilizing the Visit Station and those dropping off items at the drop off table) to wear a mask when in the community or on the property. All residents are required to wear a mask when out of their apartment. While not always comfortable it’s important to remember that wearing masks is to ensure we are protecting each other. We need to keep in mind that our resident population is extremely vulnerable and very susceptible to get this terrible virus.
Our goal, and the efforts we are putting forth, are to keep our community as safe as possible. We are not immune to this very scary and terrible virus, and we need everyone’s help in maintaining our safety protocols and processes. We thank you for partnering with us in keeping FCI safe. As a reminder please review the details below:
For us to stay as safe as possible we do ask for your help and adherence to the following:
- We need ALL residents to continue to wear their masks when outside the apartment, even if no one is watching! The mask must always cover your nose and mouth. If you need a new mask, please let us know and we will deliver it to your apartment.
- Residents should wash their hands before leaving the apartment and when they return.
- Residents are asked to practice safe social distancing and to not congregate in groups.
- Residents that leave the community for any reason, unassisted from our transportation, will still be instructed to self-isolate in their apartments, and it is important to note that these residents will not be able to utilize the beautician services, the Visit Station or any group programs during their self-isolation period.
- Family members of residents are asked to utilize the Visit Station and/or a virtual visit to ensure safe measures are in place; those that “sneak” a visit are placing the entire FCI community unfairly in a vulnerable spot. **More details are shared below re: the continued sound-proofing updates being made to the Visit Station.
- Family members are asked to practice safe social distancing and to wear masks when coming to the community to drop off items. Our front entrance, where the drop-off table is located, is our sole point of entry and exit. It is important that this area remain as clear and safe as possible. We ask people to not linger in this area and to ensure a mask is worn.
- We will follow all safety protocols if someone has any symptoms. We are ready if there is a case in the community. We have plenty of personal protective equipment and received all required training to keep the community safe. If a resident or associate receives a positive diagnosis, I will alert everyone immediately. The chances of a resident contracting COVID-19 are much less if they stay in their apartment and we continue to encourage this as much as possible.
We understand that the limitations and restrictions can be very frustrating, but overall residents have shared their appreciation and understanding as they feel safe and are grateful to be healthy. We continue to consult with local, state and national agencies, and Kisco Senior Living regarding the appropriate actions and next steps. We are hopeful that as we safely navigate thru Phase 1 and move into Phase 2 of the Governor’s plan there may be additional opportunities to continue to ease restrictions in a safe manner. We will continue to keep you updated as things progress.
As shared last week, we understand that the duration of this crisis and staying isolated can be mentally and emotionally challenging to our residents. On another level our associates are challenged in working in such different ways that some days can be quite overwhelming. If you feel like you need to talk with a professional about your feelings during this unsettling time, we do have resources for both our residents and associates. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or anyone on the leadership team so that we can help you navigate.
All in all, the spirit of FCI, that which makes us such a great community, remains and prevails! We have all learned to adapt to new ways all the while strengthening and forming new bonds, filled with respect and love, amongst residents and associates. We have found safe ways to continue to lean on each other, have some fun and keep spirits up. I hope that you enjoy this week’s “bright spots” as detailed below:
- Small group programs have returned! The Wellness team did a great job at getting areas, both inside and out, set up to ensure safe social distancing while allowing residents to participate in various programs including even some outdoor exercise classes by the pond. We encourage all residents to try one out—just sign up via the Front Desk prior to the program to ensure there is a spot available.
- A resident recently suggested that we should have a “Guess Who” Mask Contest so on Wednesday associates and residents had some laughs as we enjoyed viewing some creatively decorated masks. The guessing portion of the contest is in progress, so I’ll let you know who won the game next week!
- We were honored to receive vases full of flowers yesterday from an organization called Flower for Seniors. Diane Raihle, who is one of our partners at the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, and her daughter decided to put their extra time and energy, while home during the pandemic, to establishing this great organization. Their goal is simple in that they want to provide smiles to seniors residing in communities. I believe they’ve accomplished that at FCI! Liz, our Sales Coordinator, transformed into the FCI Flower Fairy yesterday (and she’ll be out and about again today) to deliver a vase to each and every FCI resident. We thank Diane and her daughter for their kindness. If you’d like to learn more about the organization, you may visit the website at FlowersForSeniors.net.
- The Silver Strands Salon remains BUSY! It has been so great to see so many happy faces and great hairstyles. If you are interested in making an appointment, please call the Salon directly at 757-615-7373. Just a reminder that you must wait for the Salon to call you before coming down for your appointment as there is no waiting area.
- The FCI Resident and Family Visit Station remains open, although we know that it is currently challenging due to the background noise from an adjacent HVAC unit. We appreciate your patience as we continue to work on the sound barrier. We just need a break from the stormy weather so that we can successfully finish the project. Some families have suggested we relocate the Visit Station to the back courtyard near the pond, but that is not as safe of an area. There is a lot of resident foot traffic and utilization of that space by residents who enjoy sitting by the pond. This is an example of us working to get the “balance” correct while ensuring safety maintains a top priority. David, our Environmental Services Director, anticipates that we will be finished with the soundproofing on Sunday. To allow for all residents to enjoy this area we will require that you sign up for a time slot just as you do with the virtual visits. The Visit Station will be open from 10:30a-2p and 3p-6:30p daily. On Wednesdays visits will begin at 11a due to our weekly generator test that is conducted at 10:30am. We ask that visits be kept to 20 minutes and we will only allow 2 family members (max) at the Visit Station. Just a reminder that we also have Google Duo and Zoom set up as an option for families and residents to have “face to face” virtual visits. We have tablets set up that we can drop off to residents to use for 30-minute increments between 1p-6p each day. To sign up for either the Visit Station or a virtual visit please call or email the front desk team at 757-428-2884 or reception@kiscosl.com.
- Tasty Tuesdays brought some smiles this week with a delicious pan-seared Rockfish dish. Next Tuesday the featured item will be Lobster Meat served over Jumbo Cheese Ravioli so be sure to save some room.
- Below are pictures from some of this week’s Bright Spots—enjoy!
Our continued positive thoughts and prayers for everyone’s good health and well-being during this pandemic situation are with each of you. While we continue to monitor the latest news and guidance, we commit to keeping you informed of any additional changes. Please let me know if you have any concerns or questions. We appreciate all of your questions, feedback and support.
Sincerely,
Chrissy Driscoll, Executive Director
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/novel-coronavirus