Dear Residents, Families, and Associates of First Colonial Inn,
Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we monitor the ongoing Coronavirus situation. As you may be aware Governor Ralph Northam has issued a mandatory “Stay At Home” order that will remain in place until June 10th unless amended by another executive order. The safety of our residents and associates has remained our top priority since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis. We’ve tried to implement prudent measures to minimize the risk of infection for all and have continued to study this issue and endeavored to stay abreast of industry-wide best practices.
Given current conditions, Kisco Senior Living has decided to impose a company-wide self-isolation of all residents effective immediately. Residents must remain in their apartments (with exceptions to limited reasons listed below) for the foreseeable future and until significant risk of infection has passed. While some of you may perceive these measures as unnecessary, we have made this decision with resident health and safety first and foremost in our minds. At this time we have no confirmed or pending cases of the virus in the community.
These are unprecedented times, and life will return to normal. In the meantime, we have placed resident safety above all else and will do all we can to facilitate meaningful days for all residents despite these difficult conditions.
Below are further changes and updates that are effective immediately:
- Dining services is now limited to delivery only. Further information regarding delivery times by floor and area (Independent Living/Assisted Living) are being established–we will communicate that information as soon as possible. Each evening a “room service” flyer will be placed on all Independent Living apartment doors for you to place your orders one day ahead. This evening you will receive two as we will need to collect your order for tomorrow and Wednesday. The Assisted Living team will meet 1:1 with assisted living residents each day to complete their orders.
- All group programming is now suspended. The Wellness team is preparing additional creative ways to utilize Channel 1960 and daily activity packets that will be delivered to each apartment door.
- The laundry facilities will be closed for resident use. During this time we will provide free laundry service to all residents. Further details regarding sign-ups/schedules are being established–we will communicate this information as soon as possible. In the meantime, if you need laundry assistance please call the front desk so that we can help.
- We are requesting that residents eliminate all outings into the greater community in an effort to eliminate potential exposure to the virus. If you so choose to go against this guidance and request, we will be requiring you to quarantine in your apartment for 14 days upon your return. If you have a necessary medical appointment, we are available to provide that transportation for you.
- All residents returning to the community who have been staying off-site (for personal or medical reasons) will be required to quarantine in their apartment for 14 days.
- We will be requiring that all residents with pets must be able to self-manage the care of their pet. We will work with residents/families on potential options available if a resident is unable to do so.
- While we are not requiring you to stay in your apartments at all times it is extremely important for all residents to maintain a safe distance (at least 6 feet) and avoid any informal group gatherings. If you choose to take a walk through the community or outside you must be mindful to avoid prolonged interactions with others and to keep a safe distance (at least 6 feet). If you need assistance from the FCI team we ask that you call or email the front desk vs. coming down to make an in-person request. The front desk email address is: reception@kiscosl.com. We also request that only one person utilize an elevator at a time, unless a care provider must be with the resident to ensure safety. In addition, all outdoor furniture will be removed to avoid people sitting in close proximity to each other.
- The FCI team will provide daily door-to-door mail delivery while conducting the daily temperature checks. All temperature checks will now be conducted door to door.
- The FCI team will be utilizing personal protection (gloves, masks, safety goggles, gowns, etc.) as applicable when working and providing services.
As a continued reminder we are restricting ALL visitors except those deemed “Essential” as follows:
- “Compassionate” visits of direct family or verified close friends (only in instances of end-of-life)
- Individuals directly providing direct medically related assistance
These visitor restrictions prohibit family, friends, clergy, salon and other personal services providers, private duty aides, entertainers, and all other individuals deemed “non-essential” at this time. We apologize for the impact this may have on your “normal” visitation frequency, and we appreciate your support of our desire to prioritize the health of our residents. We appreciate your diligent compliance with this restriction.
All essential visitors are required to wear a face mask and gloves at all times while within the community.We will be able to provide these items to families who are considered essential visitors. For the professional providers who are providing services to the residents we are asking that they provide their own gloves and masks.
We continue to monitor the latest news and guidance and will keep you informed of any additional changes as often as possible via overhead PA announcements and door postings to residents along with emails to residents and families. If you would like us to add another family member on to the email distribution list please don’t hesitate to let us know.
Please let me know if you have any concerns or questions. And we hope that all our FCI families and friends are staying safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Chrissy Driscoll, Executive Director
757-428-2884
christina.driscoll@kiscosl.com
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/novel-coronavirus/