Luthercare continues to see success from COVID-19 vaccinations in our communities, with fewer cases among our residents and team members.
We currently have no cases at Luther Acres and St. John’s Herr Estate. At Spang Crest, we received a report on Monday that a hospice Certified Nursing Assistant tested positive for the virus, and the individual had been in the building to see a resident on the third floor. In response, all floors were quarantined, and all residents and team members were tested. Results were negative. Spang Crest temporarily suspended visitation, dining and beautician services, and the third floor will remain in quarantine until next week. On Tuesday, May 18, Spang Crest will conduct another round of facility-wide testing for all residents and team members. If those results are negative, the third floor will reopen on Friday, May 21.
We have received questions regarding the announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks or physically distance in most places. This guidance does not apply to healthcare and long-term care settings, and mask-wearing will still be required for residents and team members at all Luthercare communities.
Luthercare continues to urge our residents, team members and the greater community to receive the vaccine when possible and to remain diligent in mitigating the spread of the virus by following COVID-19 health and safety protocols. The combination of getting vaccinated and following the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions’ recommendations for personal safety offer the best protection from COVID-19.
If you have questions about vaccination schedules, visitation or the reopening status of your loved one’s community, please contact the Executive Director of that campus. They are:
Luther Acres Executive Director Craig Shelly, 717.626.1171
St. John’s Herr Estate Executive Director Anita Martin, 717.684.0678
Spang Crest Executive Director Dan Deitzel, 717.274.1495
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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.