June 12, 2020
We have just completed the third round of twice-weekly COVID-19 testing of all Ingersoll Place staff as required of all skilled nursing and adult care/assisted living facilities in New York. Beginning next week, testing will be conducted once a week based on a recommendation from Dr. Howard Zucker, Commissioner of the NYS Dept. of Health to Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Dr. Zucker noted in a June 10 statement, "Over the last three weeks, the weekly positive testing rate has declined from 3%, to less than 1% for the most recent week for which we have test results." He also stated, "As a result of these ambitious testing operations, I believe we have successfully tracked and reduced the spread of the virus in long term care facilities."
Trade associations that represent nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout New York are expressing optimism that "socially distanced, outdoor visitation" may soon be permitted, similar to the new protocols announced last week in Massachusetts. They are encouraging family members and friends to weigh in on the decision-making process by sending a letter of support to
covidadultcareinfo@health.ny.gov
.
As the Capital Region continues its reopening, Ingersoll's Board of Trustees and leadership team are also looking ahead and planning for the "new normal." Discussions about restoring daily routines and the joys of communal life for our residents are balanced by the need to maintain vigilance against COVID-19 and preparedness should another outbreak occur.
One of the longstanding routines at Ingersoll Place has been the introduction of newly arrived residents to the "old-timers," usually at a coffee social or other group activity. In the past few weeks, two new residents have joined the Ingersoll family and two more will take up residence this month. With rigid admission guidelines in place, we cannot yet bring everyone together to extend a warm Ingersoll welcome. But it will happen – just as a remembrance ceremony for those we have lost in recent months will help provide comfort for residents, families, friends and staff.
Lastly, on a joyful note, we'd like to extend happy birthday wishes to two of our favorite fellows. We won't share their names but their ages are 90 and 101! To one and all, we wish many more happy days ahead.
Please continue to direct non-urgent questions and concerns to Ceil Mack, 518-370-4419, ext. 303
