Dear Residents, Families, and Associates of First Colonial Inn,
While we continue to closely monitor COVID-19 activity in our area, we are happy to share that our residents remain Covid-free and we have not experienced any new positive cases among our associates. We are also pleased to share that plans are in place for the remaining affected associate, who has successfully recuperated at home, to return next week. As we’ve learned we must stay cautious, therefore current COVID safety protocols and practices will remain in place. We will also begin our bi-weekly ongoing surveillance testing of FCI associates and employees of Silver Strands and Genesis Rehab on August 26th. If at any point we receive a positive result we will conduct a thorough review to determine if there is a need for wider testing. This ongoing surveillance testing will allow us to keep a “pulse” on any potential COVID-19 activity in the FCI community.
We would like to thank all residents who participated in the recent survey. The logistics of taking the survey were not as simple as previous experiences, therefore the response rate was impacted. We had 50% of residents participate in this survey versus a previous response rate of 78%. We will certainly work on a new process to ensure ease of access during our next survey period. Based on the responses we received residents are most satisfied with the FCI associates and their ability to go out of their way to make this community feel like home. Results also indicate confidence in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, one of the highest scores we received was in relation to our residents’ confidence level to refer a friend to live here. We appreciate your confidence in us and saw it in action this past month as 3 new residents joined us as a result of direct referrals from current residents!
Our main area of opportunity, based on the results from the survey, presents in how we can impact the dining experience for our residents. Our two greatest areas of opportunity based on the survey results are “variety of menus” and “quality of food”. We recognize that the COVID-19 meal delivery protocol has certainly shifted the “face” of our dining program. While it is our goal, and our residents desire, for us to reopen our dining rooms we do not have plans to do so in the near future. That decision, made along with our support at Kisco Senior Living, will only be made once determined safe enough to do so. With that in mind we are committed to working with our residents to improve the current experience. Brian and the Dining Team have already begun to ask residents for new ideas and are eager for you to share any thoughts and ideas you may have. They are working on a new menu format along with new menu selections/choices. In addition, Brian and MJ will soon be hosting their own FCI TV show, called Menu Monday, which will air on Channel 1960. They will share details of the upcoming week’s menu and other Dining updates.
In speaking with quite a few residents it has also become apparent that many are missing our resident update and roundtable meetings. While we can’t host a meeting with a large group, we are able to host smaller group meetings and videotape them for all residents to view on Channel 1960 as well. Based on your feedback we will begin offering “Talk Thursday” programs that will be hosted by myself or another leadership team member. We will keep you posted as to when both the “Talk Thursday” and “Menu Monday” programs will begin. We hope you enjoy, and as always, appreciate your feedback as to how we can improve life at FCI for you.
We certainly made quite a lot of residents happy this week as they enjoyed the live music at the Frank Sings Frank concert! Toes were tapping and smiling eyes were everywhere as all the great Sinatra hits livened up the back courtyard. Below are some other “bright spots” of our week:
• Jack Carter recently celebrated his birthday with his very own window parade! His friends made sure he felt extra special by treating him like a king. They serenaded him at his window while special birthday treats were delivered to him to enjoy.
• Congratulations are in order to Tim, one of our Career Lattice associates, who currently works for us as a Housekeeper. He recently shared his interest in the open Wellness Assistant position, and it was decided that he is a great fit for the role! We have already begun to recruit for the housekeeper role as we know Tim’s “housekeeping” shoes are no easy fill. He will transition to his new role on August 24.
• The Tasty Tuesday dish of Seared Jumbo Scallop was followed by Wednesday competition this week when residents were able to select from Fried Oysters and Grilled Ribeye. Next week the Tasty Tuesday special will be a return edition of Peking Duck as so many raved about it when served previously. We hope you enjoy!
• The community was a sea of yellow last Wednesday. We enjoyed a “Spirit Day” together by asking residents and associates to dress in yellow. Yellow is the color of sunshine, hope, and happiness, and as you will see below in just a few of the pictures from the day, it did brighten up our day!
• Joy, via painted rocks, is also being spread around the community by one of our talented residents.
They are placed in strategic places outside in hopes that they will bring a smile and a chuckle to you!
Our continued positive thoughts and prayers for everyone’s good health are with each of you. We hope you are able to find joy in your day no matter how big or small. Thank you for the continued support of FCI as we navigate this pandemic together. Please let me know if you have any concerns or questions. We appreciate your questions, feedback, and support.
Sincerely,
Chrissy Driscoll
Executive Director