October 1, 2021
The fall season is officially underway and with it, planning for the annual flu clinic for residents and staff at Ingersoll Place. In collaboration with CVS Pharmacy, an on-site clinic will be held Oct. 20. Notification of the upcoming clinic was faxed to each resident’s primary care physician earlier this week and authorization to administer the flu vaccine was requested. In addition, physicians were asked whether they would authorize their respective patients to also receive the COVID-19 booster shot at the same time (different arm). The overwhelming majority of physicians have authorized simultaneous administration of both the flu vaccine and booster shot. We are awaiting confirmation from CVS Pharmacy that both shots will be done at the Oct. 20 clinic. If not, other arrangements will be made.
With regard to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for healthcare workers in New York State, the administration at Ingersoll Place continues to urge all employees that have not yet been vaccinated to get their first dose no later than Oct. 7, as required by state law. We are currently awaiting information as to whether religious exemptions will be allowed. Until court rulings on this matter have been finalized, Ingersoll Place will not deny employment to its employees who have requested a religious exemption.
Activities Director Christina Benardo and her staff closed out the summer season with a weeklong schedule of carnival-themed activities and quickly changed gears to celebrate National Assisted Living Week. In recent weeks, residents have enjoyed a sip-and-paint session (see photos), made dozens of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a homeless shelter in Albany, participated in pool tournaments and created cards of appreciation and encouragement to the staff at a local nursing home. More recently, a group of residents went apple picking (see photo) and turned the fruits of their labors into homemade apple sauce. On Oct. 22, beginning at 3 p.m., the annual Fall Ball will be held featuring the ever-popular Mike Purcell at the keyboard. This “black-tie” event will be an opportunity for all residents and staff to dress up in their favorite glitzy, glamorous party attire and celebrate the fall season with an upscale happy hour. Family members please note: If your loved ones have special pieces of clothing, accessories, costume jewelry or other “dressy” items, please feel free to drop them off in advance of the event. If you have items that you would like to donate for general use by other residents at future events of this type, please contact Christina directly.
Wishing one and all a safe and pleasant weekend.
Please contact the following members of the management staff, as appropriate, at 518-370-4419:
Caroline Thompson, Executive Director/Administrator
Kate Giemza, RN, Resident Care Director
Pam Jordan, Facilities Director
Michelle Rearic, Business Office/HR Manager
Amber Zoller, Assistant Case Manager
Christina Benardo, Activities Director
Ceil Mack, Marketing Director
