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.
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.
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 a round of universal testing last week, a positive asymptomatic case was found in one team member. Treatment measures are in place to minimize risk throughout the building and visitation remains suspended. We are adhering to the regulatory standards regarding continued universal testing from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). We will continue to provide regular communication to all resident responsible parties to provide more personal updates regarding their loved ones and our reopening status.
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. At present we have no positive resident or employee cases in Personal Care and visitation has resumed.
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.
We are adhering to the regulatory standards from the Department of Human Services regarding continued universal testing based on the positivity rate within the county. 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
Visitation guidelines for Independent Living residents remain unchanged.
Spang Crest
No positive cases of coronavirus were found in the latest round of resident and employee testing. We will continue to provide regular communication to all resident responsible parties to provide updates regarding our reopening status.
At present, visitation has resumed on our 1st and 2nd floors. Visitation on the 3rd floor will resume next week.
**************************************************************************
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.
Thank you to our team members for their tireless dedication and to the greater community for your ongoing support. 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.
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.