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.
Luthercare is in the process of lifting some restrictions on visitation to our Personal Care communities at Luther Acres in Lititz and St. John’s Herr Estate in Columbia. This new visitation procedure will go into effect on Monday, August 10. We are dedicated to ensuring that our Personal Care residents can safely welcome visitors and begin to resume more normal routines, while also implementing careful measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Details about the new visitation procedure are being shared with Personal Care residents and families. A copy of our Reopening Implementation Plan for each Personal Care community, as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, is available on our website or a printed copy may be obtained. Details regarding the reopening plans for Spang Crest in Lebanon will be forthcoming.
The restrictions on visitation to our Healthcare Centers remain. Please continue to check our website, www.Luthercare.org, and social media for updates.
Luthercare continues to adhere to strict protocols and continues taking aggressive measures to protect our communities from exposure to COVID-19. 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. Our top priority remains the health, safety and well-being of our residents and team members.
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
In the Healthcare Center, as previously reported, a healthcare professional had tested positive for the virus. As a result, the Healthcare Center tested all residents and team members who worked with the individual. All results have been received for residents and were negative. With nearly 90 percent of the results received for team members, all have been negative.
For 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. Visitors must enter the building at the Personal Care entrance. 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.
Personal Care visiting hours will be held Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, visiting hours will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Visits will be scheduled in designated outdoor areas, with guest(s) and resident strategically placed to separate physical space. In the event of excessively severe weather, indoor accommodations will be utilized. Disinfecting and sanitizing of the visitor area will occur after each visit. For additional information, please reach out to the Luther Acres Personal Care Home Administrator, Heather Dennis, at 717-626-1171, ext. 1205.
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
For the new Personal Care visitation procedure, 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. Visitors must enter the building at the Personal Care entrance. 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.
Personal Care visiting hours will be held Monday-Wednesday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, visiting hours will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Visits will be scheduled in designated outdoor areas, with guest(s) and resident strategically placed to separate physical space. In the event of excessively severe weather, indoor accommodations will be utilized. Disinfecting and sanitizing of the visitor area will occur after each visit. For additional information, please reach out to St. John’s Herr Estate Executive Director Anita Martin at 717.684.0678.
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
Spang Crest is finalizing reopening plans and will share the information as soon as possible. Please check Luthercare’s website and social media for details.
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.