October 23, 2020
With regard to weekly testing of staff for COVID-19, there are no positive or presumptive positive cases to report at the present time. If that should change, residents and families will be notified promptly.
Ingersoll’s revised visitation plan that will include indoor visits is being reviewed by management staff and should be ready for launch by the end of October. The overall policy will remain the same with strict adherence to health department regulations. Residents and families will be informed once the Reception Desk staff begins accepting reservations for indoor visits. In the interim, continue to call 518-370-4419 to schedule patio and window visits and virtual visits via Zoom and FaceTime.
Year 2020 was barely underway when COVID-19 emerged resulting in lockdowns, shutdowns, closures, shortages and disruptions to the lives of people everywhere around the world. Here at Ingersoll Place, we adapted to new regulations and infection control protocols, window visits with families and telehealth visits with healthcare providers. Our residents experienced quarantine, nasal swab testing and seeing their caregivers in full PPE (personal protective equipment). During the past seven months, we lost some of our beloved residents to illness; others have moved on to skilled nursing facilities for higher levels of care.
We’ve also been welcoming new residents since late May and slowly expanding the Activities calendar to include small group activities – up to 10 residents at a time – such as Bingo, trivia, sing-alongs, walking-club, Rosary prayer group and special events that included National Assisted Living Week and Boardwalk Week. In-room visits with Activities staff are ongoing and in keeping with the new-normal, activities are closely supervised to ensure social distancing, mask wearing, hand-sanitizing and disinfecting of common areas and surfaces.
New staff members have also been welcomed, in particular, Kim Towne, RN, Resident Care/Nursing Director, and most recently, Carrie Hawron, LPN, Lower West/Memory Care Unit Leader. Kim and Carrie both joined Ingersoll’s staff when COVID-19 was at its peak in the Capital Region and their clinical skills were in great demand. Recently announced were the appointments of Caroline Thompson, CPA, as Ingersoll’s Executive Director/Administrator and Amber Zoller as Assistant Case Manager. Caroline served as Ingersoll’s Finance Manager for the past six years; Amber, as Lead Concierge, four years.
And there’s more good news to announce this week with the promotions of Annie “Cookie” Crocker, to Staffing and Training Coordinator and Alesha Evans to Upper East Unit Leader. Annie, with 12 years of Resident Care service to Ingersoll Place has served as unit leader, shift supervisor and new-staff trainer. Alesha, with almost six years of service began working at the Reception Desk while in high school and transitioned into Resident Care four years ago.
Throughout its 96 year history, Ingersoll has been fortunate to attract and retain a skilled and dedicated workforce but when it comes to Pamela Jordan, Facilities Director, she’s one-of-a-kind! Earlier this week, Pam was honored for her 30 years of exemplary service. She’s worn many hats from housekeeper and caregiver to acting administrator and done just about every kind of job imaginable. Although the celebration was low key due to COVID-related restrictions, there was an abundance of heartfelt congratulations sent her way from fellow-staff members, residents and the Ingersoll Place Board of Trustees. See photo below for staff salute to Pam.
Wishing everyone a safe and pleasant weekend.
Please direct questions or concerns regarding staff testing and/or resident care issues to Kim Towne, RN, 518-370-4419.
Please continue to direct non-urgent questions and concerns to Ceil Mack, 518-370-4419, ext. 303.
