As the greater community grapples with a fall surge in coronavirus cases, we would like to provide our weekly update on how the coronavirus is impacting Luthercare communities. We urge our residents, families and team members to continue to be diligent in mitigating the spread of the virus. The next few months of the pandemic will be difficult, and we need to continue to practice prevention.
In response to this critical time, visitation to Luthercare communities is restricted. Visitors are not permitted in Healthcare or Personal Care, with the exception of compassionate care visits. Campus grounds are closed to the outside community; this includes biking and walking on campus. Visitation for Independent Living apartments and cottages is also restricted at this time. If you are an essential adult (age 18+) caregiver, please contact a campus director to arrange a visit. To learn more and review our updated visitation guidelines, please visit the news portion of our website, www.Luthercare.org/news.
Luther Acres
There are no cases of coronavirus among residents at the Luther Acres Healthcare Center. While no direct care team members have tested positive, two team members from our Dining Services Department have tested positive and are quarantining. We are adhering to the regulatory standards regarding continued universal testing from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Testing is now taking place twice a week due to the Lancaster County positivity rate, which is at a level Red, or high community spread. We will continue regular communication to all resident responsible parties to provide more personal updates regarding their loved ones.
In Personal Care, there are no cases of coronavirus among residents or team members. Weekly testing continues.
Last week, we reported that two Independent Living residents had tested positive and were receiving treatment in the hospital. With deep sadness, we report that one of them has passed away. Please join us in prayer for the resident’s loved ones as they grieve during this difficult time. The other individual remains hospitalized and continues to be treated.
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.
Spang Crest
There are no cases of coronavirus among residents, who are being tested again today. Three team members tested positive following last week’s round of universal testing. This week, staff were tested twice, and while we have received one positive test result from the first round, we are still awaiting test results from the second round. Treatment measures were put in place to minimize risk throughout the building. We are adhering to the regulatory standards regarding continued universal testing from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Testing is now taking place twice a week due to the Lebanon County positivity rate, which is at a level Red, or high community spread. We will continue regular communication to all resident responsible parties to provide more personal updates regarding their loved ones.
***
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
Spang Crest Executive Director Dan Deitzel, 717.274.1495
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.