As Luthercare continues to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, we would like to provide an update to our residents, families, team members and friends. Luthercare has four diagnosed COVID-19 cases – two team members and one Healthcare Center resident at Luther Acres in Lititz and one Personal Care resident at St. John’s Herr Estate in Columbia. Our Lebanon community, Spang Crest, does not have any positive cases.
The state Departments of Health and Human Services have been notified. Luthercare’s Infection Control Team is on-site working to identify residents and team members who may be directly impacted and notifying appropriate resident responsible parties.
The population we serve are the most vulnerable to viruses such as COVID-19. We have been and will continue taking aggressive measures to protect residents and team members from exposure as their health and safety are our top priority. We are 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.
We ask you to continue to comply with the governor’s requests, which include: 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.
To our residents, families and friends, we express our sincere gratitude. Thank you for your patience, cooperation and understanding as we have had to implement many changes to your normal routine, including restricting visitors. We encourage you to communicate regularly with your loved ones through phone calls, texts, video chat, social media and other virtual means. If you need assistance in connecting with your friends or family, please reach out to your Executive Director or Administrator.
We are grateful to our dedicated team who is going above and beyond each day for our residents. We know these are challenging times for everyone, and we thank you for your continued support and prayers. We will continue to provide you with updates as they become available.
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.