As we navigate through these challenging times, the health, safety and well-being of our residents and team members remains our highest priority. We are grateful for the support you have given to Luthercare as we continue on this difficult journey.
At Luther Acres in Lititz, our dedicated Healthcare Center team members continue to care for our residents with positive and presumed positive cases of COVID-19. We are deeply saddened to announce that we lost two residents this week from COVID-19-related complications. Please join us in keeping the residents’ loved ones and our staff in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve during this time. The other 13 residents who are being treated are improving at various degrees. In consultation with our medical director, the decision was made today that all residents – rather than only the positive or presumed positive cases – will be treated using Droplet Precautions. This is the safest approach to manage the spread among residents and team members.
At St. John’s Herr Estate in Columbia, two Personal Care residents have tested positive for the virus, and one of those individuals remains hospitalized. There are no cases among team members. At Spang Crest in Lebanon, there are no cases.
This week, we welcomed back three Luther Acres team members who have recovered from the virus. The staff are our brave heroes on the front lines, working under challenging conditions and going above and beyond each day to deliver compassionate care to our residents. We are so proud of you and your tireless dedication and determination!
We have been encouraged by the outpouring of support we have received from generous organizations, community members and individuals. Our friends and partners have donated personal protective equipment (PPE) and handmade cloth masks, as well as gifts of food that have brightened the spirits of our hardworking team. We also thank you for your thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement. It lifts us up to know you are thinking of us at this time.
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 the Executive Directors or Administrators; they can be reached at Luther Acres, 717.626.1171; at St. John’s Herr Estate, 717.684.0678; and at Spang Crest, 717.274.1495.
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.
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.