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 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.
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 approaching 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. Please read below for our individual community updates.
Luther Acres
There are no cases of coronavirus among residents at the Luther Acres Healthcare Center. Following the discovery of an asymptomatic COVID-19 positive team member more than a week ago, visitation and reopening plans remain on hold. We are conducting universal testing of employee and residents and will continue to provide regular communication. We are grateful to our residents and their families who are patient, supportive and understanding through this challenging time.
Luther Acres Personal Care team members are adhering to the regulatory standards from the Department of Human Services regarding continued universal testing based on the positivity rate within the county. Team members and residents are on their third and, hopefully, round of universal testing following a positive test from an asymptomatic COVID-19 positive team member over two weeks ago. To date, the first two rounds of tests revealed no additional positive staff or residents. The results for the last round of tests should be available by the beginning of next week. Personal Care visitation remains on hold at this time.
Visitation guidelines for Independent Living residents remain unchanged.
St. John’s Herr Estate
There are no cases of coronavirus among residents or team members at St. John’s Herr Estate.
Monitored 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. We thank our families for their patience and understanding, and we ask you to continue to follow all proper precautions when visiting. As a reminder, we are happy to help arrange virtual means so you can communicate regularly with your loved ones. We have team members who can assist you, so please reach out to our Chaplain to arrange a virtual visit. Thank you for your understanding and support!
Visitation guidelines for Independent Living residents remain unchanged.
Spang Crest
Following last week’s round of universal testing of team members and residents, one asymptomatic positive resident case was discovered. The individual is in isolation and doing well. Visitation has been suspended for the third floor, where the individual resides. Another round of universal testing was done late this week with results expected soon.
Visitation continued for residents on our second floor, and next week, we will be reopening visitation for residents of the first floor. Also next week, communal dining in the main dining room will resume for residents of the first and second floors. We will continue to provide regular communication and are grateful to our residents and their families who are patient, supportive and understanding through this challenging time.
As always, we are happy to help arrange phone calls, Skype or Zoom sessions, FaceTime, and other virtual means so you can communicate regularly with your loved ones. We have team members who can assist you, so please reach out to our Activities Department or your social worker to arrange a virtual 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.