As we continue to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, our top priority remains the health, safety and well-being of our residents and team members. Beginning today and each Thursday, Luthercare will issue a weekly, public update on our website and social media to keep everyone informed of the many ways we are addressing COVID-19. As always, residents, families and staff members who may be directly impacted by a positive diagnosis will be contacted immediately.
Luthercare has eight diagnosed COVID-19 cases – four residents and three team members at Luther Acres in Lititz and one resident at St. John’s Herr Estate in Columbia. Our Lebanon community, Spang Crest, does not have any positive cases.
We have been and will continue taking aggressive measures to protect residents and team members from exposure to COVID-19. To reduce the risk of further exposure, we have dedicated a team of staff members who will exclusively care for individuals with a positive diagnosis. 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 and Prevention, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. For more information, please contact Luthercare communities’ Executive Directors or Administrators.
We ask you to continue to comply with the governor’s requests to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This includes: an order to stay at home unless you need to go out for essential supplies, such as groceries or medication; to practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from others in public spaces; and to frequently wash your hands. Engaging in outdoor activity is permitted. However, please remember to maintain social distancing because the coronavirus is highly transmittable.
We are living and serving in trying times! We would like to express our deep, heartfelt appreciation to our healthcare heroes on the front lines who are working under challenging conditions. Each and every day, our team members deliver the utmost care and compassion to our residents; they are selfless and unflinching in their dedication to our residents. We are so thankful for all you do!
We have also been encouraged by the outpouring of support we have received from generous organizations and individuals. Our friends and partners – as well as residents and family members – have donated personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as handmade cloth masks.
Once again, we thank you for continuing to keep Luthercare in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your patience, understanding and continued support. We’re all in this together, and we will come out of this stronger than ever.
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 four PA Keystone Stars-accredited child care and early learning centers in Lancaster, 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.