As the greater community continues to see surging numbers of coronavirus cases, we would like to provide our weekly update on how COVID-19 is impacting Luthercare communities. We urge our residents, families and team members to continue to be diligent in mitigating the spread of the virus. As a reminder to our residents, mask wearing is required when leaving apartments or cottages, when picking up meals, when going to the store, or anytime you may come into contact with others. This is a critical time, and we ask you to stay strong and continue to practice these precautions to keep yourself, your neighbors, your friends, and your loved ones healthy and safe.
Across Pennsylvania, COVID-19 infections are at an all-time high. The state Department of Health today reported 11,763 new coronavirus infections, a one-day record that topped Thursday’s total of 11,406 new infections as the previous record.
In response to this critical time, visitation to Luthercare communities remains 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. 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. A Personal Care team member remains in quarantine, and another Personal Care team member tested positive this week and is quarantining. Residents and team members on all floors continue to be tested weekly.
In the Therapy Department, an outpatient therapist has tested positive and is in quarantine. Contact tracing and notifications have taken place, and residents have been placed in quarantine for the appropriate timeframe. Additionally, two members of the Maintenance Department have tested positive and are in quarantine. A new member of the Dining Services Team has tested positive and will not officially start until the individual’s quarantine period has ended.
Since last week’s update, one Independent Living resident has tested positive, and the individual is in quarantine. Another Independent Living resident who tested positive remains hospitalized, as we reported last week.
St. John’s Herr Estate
Two residents who reside in the Independent Living Apartment Building have tested positive for the coronavirus and are in quarantine.
There are no cases among Personal Care residents or team members, and they continue to undergo universal testing. 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, and universal testing of residents and team members continues. On Monday, we received one positive employee test result, and the individual is in quarantine. All team members and residents were tested again yesterday, and we await results. We’re also awaiting results from a round of universal testing done late last week. Treatment measures remain 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.
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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.