August 8, 2020
Testing of healthcare workers in nursing homes and assisted living facilities for COVID-19 will continue through Sept. 4, per executive order signed this week by Governor Cuomo. Based on the most recent test results, there are no positive cases to report at Ingersoll Place. Adult care facilities throughout New York State, including Ingersoll Place, are experiencing lag times of a week or longer in receiving test results. These delays are being attributed, in part, to the urgent needs of “hot spot” regions as well as increased testing availability causing backlogs in laboratory processing.
With the exception of Hurricane Isaias blowing through the region on Tuesday, outdoor visitation is going reasonably well and the feedback has been mostly positive. We knew early-on that masks and social distancing would make conversations difficult – especially for those individuals who are hearing impaired. If families and friends would like to try using cell phones to help amplify their conversations – similar to window visits – please let Amber or other Reception Desk staff know when you call to schedule your appointment. If the resident doesn’t have a cell phone, we will provide one for his/her use during the visit.
We experienced a couple of scheduling-related issues during the first couple of weeks and apologize for any inconvenience it may have caused. Please help us spread the word to friends and family members that visits are by appointment only and direct them to call the Reception Desk at 518-370-4419. This will allow us to have adequate staffing available. Reminders: Please remain in your vehicle until the Visitation Supervisor takes your temperature and completes the quick screening questionnaire. Also, please continue to drop off personal items at the main entrance and do not give them to the resident during a visit.
Now that we have a couple of weeks of trial and error behind us, we have lifted the restriction on the number of visits a resident can have in a given period of time. We also have a new canopy enclosure on the East Wing patio that will provide additional shade and privacy for residents and guests. The Visitation Supervisor will continue to monitor adherence to social distancing and the use of masks throughout the visit and is available to provide assistance at any time.
Much of what goes on behind the scenes to make these visits possible has been orchestrated by Michelle “Shelly” Rearic, Business Office/HR Manager and her Reception Desk staff. Shelly’s attention to detail, from the handouts received by each visitor, the training of all Visitation Supervisors and even the new canopy enclosure are the results of her efforts and can-do attitude of the entire Ingersoll team.
News from the Activities Department: The “Little Store” has gone mobile. A supply of residents’ favorite and most frequently requested items including candy, snacks and toiletries are making Saturday afternoon rounds to each unit via a wheeled cart. As always, special requests are welcomed. These will not be cash transactions; instead a tab will be started for each resident that makes a purchase. Arrangements for payment will be made by Caroline Thompson, Finance Manager.
The much anticipated Hallway Bingo which was rolled out earlier this week, received a lukewarm response from residents. They said they missed the camaraderie and the location. Beginning next week, Bingo will resume in the Activities Room with groups of 10 residents or less, socially distanced. Times will be staggered; paper Bingo cards and markers will take the place of traditional cards and all surfaces will be disinfected between gatherings.
In planning the Activities calendar, Activities Director Christina Benardo says she tries to envision something of interest for every resident - something that will engage, entertain or comfort.
If you would like other family members or friends to receive Ingersoll’s Communication updates, please provide us with their email addresses and we will add them to our distribution list. Previous Communication updates are available at https://www.ingersollplace.org/alert.aspx.
Wishing one and all, a safe and pleasant weekend.
Please continue to direct non-urgent questions and concerns to Ceil Mack, 518-370-4419, ext. 303.
