June 26, 2020
Testing of employees for COVID-19 continues on a once-weekly basis at all nursing homes and assisted living facilities in New York State. Earlier this week, Ingersoll Place was notified that state-wide testing of residents is also underway and on-site testing of our residents has been scheduled for Monday, June 29. Note: There have been no new COVID-19 cases among residents or staff in the past two months.
Notification of
negative test results
will be sent via email by Ingersoll Place to each resident’s designated emergency contact(s) and discussed in-person, as appropriate with residents, themselves. Notification of
positive test results
will be made via phone to emergency contact(s) by Adriana Colonno, Executive Director or Kim Towne, RN and/or in-person with residents, as appropriate.
We have received several inquiries in the past few months from residents and/or their families and the general public about the status of Medicaid beds at Ingersoll Place. As some of you already know, Ingersoll had applied for and received approval from New York State to operate 10 Medicaid beds. The process which began several years ago is complex and it was anticipated that the licensing phase of our application would be completed in 2020. Given the impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare industry at-large, as well as virtually all government agencies, there is no time-line, at present, as to when those beds will become operational. Please continue to direct finance-related questions to Caroline Thompson, Finance Manager; Michelle Rearic, Business Office Manager or Adriana Colonno, Executive Director.
There’s an exciting update from Activities Director Christina Benardo about the new pen-pal initiative she launched this past spring in collaboration with The College of St. Rose. Ten Ingersoll residents have been matched with St. Rose students who are performing community service projects. All participants are “thoroughly engaged in the sharing of weekly letters and enjoying getting to know one another,” says Christina, a St. Rose alumna.
Also, from the Activities Dept., Father’s Day was celebrated again on Wednesday with the mobile cart making its rounds on all units. Awards for “Best Dad” were distributed to all of the gentlemen along with special treats including root beer floats for everyone in the house. Currently, favorite activities among many residents in memory care and assisted living include anything Sinatra, trivia, coloring and creating interesting shapes with stackable magnets.
Food service has made al fresco dining available for Assisted Living residents during lunch and dinner seatings. Meal times are still staggered to ensure social distancing requirements are met and patio dining is similarly structured with residents reserving their seats in advance.
The question as to when visitation will resume remains unanswered. Ingersoll’s leadership team is anticipating and planning for various safety measures that may be required once the green-light is given. We’ll keep you posted as soon as we know the details.
Also on the topic of visitation, face-to face visits in our “virtual visitor station” adjacent to Ingersoll’s main entrance continue to be available. Please contact Amber Zoller, Lead Concierge, at 518-370-4419 to schedule a time. For family members that stop by for a quick wave or mobile phone chat outside their loved ones’ apartment windows, please be aware that all staff have been instructed to make sure the windows are closed during these encounters. Please know we are doing everything possible to adhere to safety guidelines and maintain consistent policies during this challenging time. As always, we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Wishing everyone a safe, enjoyable summer weekend.
Please continue to direct non-urgent questions and concerns to Ceil Mack, 518-370-4419, ext. 303
