As the coronavirus continues to affect our state and local area, we would like to provide our weekly update on how the virus is impacting Luthercare communities.
We do not have any active cases among residents or team members in our three communities at this time. We will continue to complete regular rounds of testing of both residents and team members as necessary and provide updates as more test results are received.
We are dedicated to ensuring that our residents can safely welcome visitors and begin to resume more normal routines, while also implementing careful measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Visitation remains restricted to the Luther Acres Healthcare Center, but details regarding the reopening plans will be forthcoming.
We thank our team members for their continued diligence in providing excellent care and support to our residents. Luthercare is not relaxing its intensive mitigation efforts, and in fact, we are preparing for the potential of another wave of the coronavirus coupled with the pending flu season. Continued efforts are underway to replenish and build reserve capacity in personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as other infection control related supplies. Our top priority remains the health, safety and well-being of our residents and team members.
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, Pennsylvania Department of Health and Department of Human Services, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
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; and Spang Crest Executive Director Dan Deitzel, 717.274.1495.
As the potential for exposure to the virus remains, we urge our residents, families and the greater community to continue to be vigilant. The population we serve are the most vulnerable to viruses such as COVID-19. Please continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and wear a mask when you are in public.
Thank you to our team members for their tireless dedication and to the greater community for your ongoing support. We ask you to continue to keep Luthercare in your thoughts and prayers.
Please read below for our individual community updates.
Luther Acres
There are no cases of coronavirus among residents or team members at Luther Acres. The Luther Acres Healthcare Center expects to release its reopening plans once it receives all results following a round of universal testing of all residents and team members that was underway this week.
In Personal Care, visitations have been going well. As a reminder, under the new Personal Care visitation procedure, all visitors must call ahead to reserve a visitation time by calling Alyssa Wojcik at 717.626.1171, ext. 1226. Each visit is to last no more than 30 minutes, and no more than two visitors per resident are permitted, with a maximum of one session per week per resident initially. Upon arrival, visitors are required to go through a pre-screening process, including a temperature check and questionnaire. All visitors are required to wear protective face masks, maintain a minimum of six feet of physical distance, and sanitize their hands before and after each visit. More details about visitation can be found here.
Guidelines for visiting Independent Living residents remain unchanged from the “Yellow Phase.” As a reminder, all visitors must check in at a screening station when they arrive to campus. There are directional signs in place to assist you. To review Luthercare’s Independent Living visitation guidelines, please visit https://bit.ly/3eIePBv.
St. John’s Herr Estate
There are no cases of coronavirus among residents or team members at St. John’s Herr Estate.
Visitation within the Personal Care community continues to go well. As a reminder, all visitors must call ahead to reserve a visitation time by calling 717.684.0678, ext. 118. Each visit is to last no more than 30 minutes, and no more than two visitors per resident are permitted, with a maximum of one session per week per resident initially. Upon arrival, visitors are required to go through a screening process, including a temperature check and questionnaire. All visitors are required to wear protective face masks, maintain a minimum of six feet of physical distance, and sanitize their hands before and after each visit. More details about visitation can be found here.
Guidelines for visiting Independent Living residents remain unchanged from the “Yellow Phase.” As a reminder, all visitors must check in at a screening station when they arrive to campus. There are directional signs in place to assist you. To review Luthercare’s Independent Living visitation guidelines, please visit https://bit.ly/3eIePBv.
Spang Crest
There are no cases of coronavirus among residents or team members at Spang Crest.
Visitation resumed on Monday, August 17, and has been going very well. As a reminder, families must reserve a visitation appointment time, and each visit is to last no more than 30 minutes with no more than two visitors per resident. More appointments are being scheduled, and families can call Spang Crest’s front desk receptionist at 717.274.1495 to plan a visit. As a reminder, upon arrival, visitors are required to go through a screening process, including a temperature check and questionnaire. All visitors are required to wear a surgical mask, maintain a minimum of six feet of physical distance, and sanitize their hands before and after each visit.
This week, residents also began to enjoy the option of indoor dining in the main dining room, with social distancing and safety precautions in place. Our Dining Services Team looks forward to welcoming back our residents in the days and weeks ahead.
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.