Dear Residents, Families, and Associates of First Colonial Inn,
Last week I shared that we are working with the Department of Health to coordinate a community-wide Point Prevalence Survey (baseline testing for COVID-19). I have confirmed the date of the testing for our residents and associates; it will be held here on Tuesday, July 14th. Early next week I have a meeting with our Department of Health representatives to discuss the logistics for that day. Following this meeting I will share another update letter with pertinent details.
While Virginia has officially entered Phase III of the Governor’s Forward Virginia Safer at Home Plan as of Wednesday, the current safety requirements in place remain in place at First Colonial Inn. Our resident population remains most vulnerable to the virus and we need to make the best possible informed decisions, therefore we will continue to only allow Essential Visitors into the community, utilize virtual visits and the outdoor visit station for other visitors, and require those residents who are making the decision to leave the community on their own to self-isolate for 14 days upon return. While we have remained COVID-19 free another week the baseline testing will confirm to us if we are indeed virus-free currently or if have any asymptomatic carriers of the virus within the community. The baseline testing results, combined with guidance from the Virginia Department of Health, the CDC and our support at Kisco Senior Living, will help us to better navigate how we move forward as a community.
I want to thank you once again for your understanding with the protocols and for taking these steps with us. As a reminder, 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 fci.reception@kiscosl.com. The safety of the FCI residents and associates is our priority. In addition, adding some fun and smiles to our days, which is something we have always thrived on here, has become indispensable to our days, too. Despite the stress that COVID-19 has brought upon us we make sure we find ways to make each other laugh and smile. I hope you enjoy some of the other “bright spots” from this week below:
• The FCI Coffee Cart, hosted by Barista Liz, made its way thru the 3rd floor halls this week with its delicious smells. Residents were so happy to enjoy the gourmet treat! Today Bartender Liz will be treating the 1st Floor residents to a door to door Happy Hour on wheels. Don’t worry 2nd floor residents—she’s got a special treat coming to you soon!
• Liz, our Sales Coordinator, has proven to be a jack of all trades. Not only is she creative with her door to door fun she is also a great photographer. Kisco Senior Living recently held a company-wide photo contest and she won! Associates were asked to submit their best photos of the entrances of our communities so that they can be used on our websites and for future collateral. Below you will see the beautiful and award-winning picture of FCI that Liz submitted. Congratulations to Liz!
• We recently celebrated some milestone anniversaries of 3 of our associates (pictured below). We congratulate Diane, Assisted Living Med Tech, and Tammie, Wellness Assistant, on their 5-year anniversaries, and we also congratulate Dan, our Housekeeping Supervisor, on his 7-year anniversary. I am so grateful for these associates, along with the entire team, for their unwavering dedication and all the love they share with FCI.
• Thru COVID-19 we continue to learn a lot, and certainly have had to make many changes. We’ve decided that some of those changes have been great and will stay–one of those being Tasty Tuesdays! This past Tuesday residents were able to enjoy Beef Wellington with a Chimichurri Sauce. This Tuesday we plan to please the taste buds with Blackened Ahi Tuna with a Mexican Corn Salsa. We hope you enjoy!
• Another great tradition that we recently started is recognizing the anniversaries of our FCI couples. We’re compiling a list of all of our couples’ wedding anniversaries so we can treat them to a “date night”. Pictured below, enjoying a special dinner made just for them, are Bing and Bunny Bassett who recently celebrated their 56th Anniversary. Cheers to you Bing and Bunny!
Last, but not least, Happy 4th of July to each of you. I wish you a peaceful and safe holiday weekend. Our continued positive thoughts and prayers for everyone’s good health and well-being during this pandemic situation are with each of you. Please let me know if you have any concerns or questions. We appreciate your questions, feedback, and support.
Sincerely,
Chrissy Driscoll, Executive Director