Dear Residents, Families, and Associates of Heritage Greens:
As promised, we will continue to share important information as soon as we can to ensure everyone is informed and prepared to keep our residents and each other safe! This letter is to update you on new protocols and the status of COVID-19 cases at our community.
The assisted living resident tested positive on March 30 was cleared by their doctor as non-contagious and fully recovered. Out of an abundance of caution, they will continue to be quarantined along with all other AL residents. One other resident has tested positive who lives in assisted living and has been cared for in the hospital since 3/24 and will remain there until cleared of COVID-19. We do not have any confirmed COVID-19 cases among associates or residents in our community. In accordance with patient privacy laws, additional details about the condition of the resident and associate must remain confidential.
We are increasing our safety protocols to maximize containment and safety for all. These measures, if followed diligently, should provide a low risk for spread and give us all confidence that we are doing everything we can to maintain a sanitized, safe environment. We have made the following changes to our operating procedures effective immediately:
· All AL and IL residents will shelter-in-apartment and will not be leaving unless for needed medical care.
· AL MC residents will shelter within their own neighborhood and in apartment when possible.
· Assisted Living/Memory Care Associates providing close/Direct care will use full PPE (gloves, mask, eye protection at minimum) when providing direct care or when needing to have close (in personal space) and prolonged (over 4-5 minutes) contact with residents.
· All Other Associates – Must wear masks and gloves throughout the community at all times
· The best ways to avoid catching the virus is to wash your hands, avoid touching face, and for us all to wear masks which prevents spread and helps you not touch your face. Lastly, when having close/prolonged time with a resident, using full PPE provides high protection.
· All medical providers/essential outside guests are required to wear masks and gloves at minimum and full PPE if working closely with residents.
· We have delayed/suspended move-ins until 4/15 and will revisit at that time.
· We will continue to offer in-room dining and wellness opportunities to help our residents feel as engaged and connected as possible.
· We continue to sanitize all high-touch surfaces such as rails, doorknobs, elevator and packages delivered to residents every 2 hrs. 24/7.
· We will continue to check all associates temperatures daily and ensure anyone with temp over 99.6 does not work. Please see ED or your supervisor if you feel unwell or have symptoms.
I feel fortunate to work for Heritage Greens and in the senior living industry where we are needed and have the ability to serve seniors in profound way. I am appreciative of everyone’s teamwork, dedication, and cooperation with new and challenging operating measures before us. Together, we can greatly impact the health and wellbeing of everyone at our community by following the protocols above, helping each other out, and sheltering at home when not at work. Our residents and greater community need our service now more than ever and I am proud to work alongside you to make a difference every day. Please reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.
Sincerely,
Jeramy Reid