As the coronavirus continues to affect our state and local area, we would like to provide our weekly update on how the virus is impacting Luthercare communities.
We do not have any active cases among residents or team members in our three communities at this time. We will continue to complete regular rounds of testing of both residents and team members as necessary and provide updates as more test results are received.
We are dedicated to ensuring that our residents can safely welcome visitors and begin to resume more normal routines, while also implementing careful measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Visitation remains restricted to the Luther Acres Healthcare Center, but details regarding the reopening plans will be forthcoming. Please continue to check our website, www.Luthercare.org, and social media for updates.
We thank our team members for their continued diligence in providing excellent care and support to our residents. Luthercare is not relaxing its intensive mitigation efforts, and in fact, we are preparing for the potential of another wave of the coronavirus coupled with the pending flu season. Continued efforts are underway to replenish and build reserve capacity in personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as other infection control related supplies. Our top priority remains the health, safety and well-being of our residents and team members.
Luthercare is adhering to the CDC’s Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings. We are working closely with our medical director and following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control, Pennsylvania Department of Health and Department of Human Services, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
We encourage families and residents to communicate regularly through phone calls, texts, video chat, and other virtual means. We have team members who can help walk you through the process. If you need assistance, please reach out to the Executive Director at your campus. They are: Luther Acres Executive Director Craig Shelly, 717.626.1171; St. John’s Herr Estate Executive Director Anita Martin, 717.684.0678; and Spang Crest Executive Director Dan Deitzel, 717.274.1495.
As the potential for exposure to the virus remains, we urge our residents, families and the greater community to continue to be vigilant. The population we serve are the most vulnerable to viruses such as COVID-19. Please continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and wear a mask when you are in public.
Thank you to our team members for their tireless dedication and to the greater community for your ongoing support. We ask you to continue to keep Luthercare in your thoughts and prayers.
Please read below for our individual community updates.
Luther Acres
There are no cases of coronavirus among residents or team members at Luther Acres. The Luther Acres Healthcare Center is anticipating entering the second phase of our reopening plans once we receive all results from our most recent round of universal testing for residents and team members. All results for our residents have been received and have been negative. Results for some team members are still pending, but those already received have been negative. We know the date for in-person visitation at the Healthcare Center is long-anticipated, and we will communicate our reopening plans as soon as the reopening date has been set. Family members will receive personal phone calls, and we will announce our reopening plans on our website, social media, and in printed updates. We look forward to seeing residents and their family members together again, and we sincerely appreciate everyone’s patience and support over these last several months.
Luther Acres Personal Care entered the third step of our reopening plan this week, which meant that residents could once again visit the on-campus hair salon. After five months of having Personal Care team members wash and trim the residents’ hair, residents were extremely happy to have their hair professionally styled. Personal Care resident visitations continue to go well, and administration is thankful for family members understanding the need to follow strict visitation protocols to keep residents safe.
Guidelines for visiting Independent Living residents remain unchanged from the “Yellow Phase.” As a reminder, all visitors must check in at a screening station when they arrive to campus. There are directional signs in place to assist you. To review Luthercare’s Independent Living visitation guidelines, please visit https://bit.ly/3eIePBv.
St. John’s Herr Estate
There are no cases of coronavirus among residents or team members at St. John’s Herr Estate.
Visitation within the Personal Care community continues to go well. All visitors must call ahead to reserve a visitation time by calling 717.684.0678, ext. 118.
Some small group, resident-led activities, such as Wii bowling, darts and exercise, have begun among Independent Living residents, with all safety precautions in place. We’re so happy to see our residents spending time together again.
Guidelines for visiting Independent Living residents remain unchanged from the “Yellow Phase.” As a reminder, all visitors must check in at a screening station when they arrive to campus. There are directional signs in place to assist you. To review Luthercare’s Independent Living visitation guidelines, please visit https://bit.ly/3eIePBv
Spang Crest
There are no cases of coronavirus among residents or team members at Spang Crest.
Spang Crest will enter the third step of its reopening plan on Monday, August 31, which will allow clergy members and beauticians to return to the community while wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and following all proper precautions. Any visitors, including clergy members, need to schedule an appointment with Spang Crest’s front desk receptionist or a social worker by calling 717.274.1495.
As a reminder, upon arrival, visitors are required to go through a screening process, including a temperature check and questionnaire. All visitors are required to wear a surgical mask, maintain a minimum of six feet of physical distance, and sanitize their hands before and after each visit.
About Luthercare:
Founded in 1949, Luthercare, a social ministry organization affiliated with the Lower Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a member of Lutheran Services in America, is a leading provider of independent, personal care and skilled care residences in Lancaster and Lebanon counties. Luthercare operates Luther Acres, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Lititz, Pa.; Spang Crest, a rehabilitation center, skilled nursing and memory support personal care community in Lebanon, Pa.; and St. John’s Herr Estate, an independent living and personal care community in Columbia, Pa. Additionally, Luthercare operates PA Keystone Stars-accredited child care and early learning centers in Marietta, Reamstown and Annville. Luthercare, a pioneer in Child Care Programs, also offers a Mentoring Program, which aids home-based child care providers in Lebanon and Lancaster counties.