November 6, 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.
Quarantine of all residents and related safety precautions remain in effect until Nov. 13, as required by the NYS Department of Health following a positive COVID-19 test during the last week of October. Visitation is currently limited to Zoom and Facetime. No outdoor visits or window visits will be scheduled until quarantine has ended. Please call the Reception Desk at 518-370-4419 for scheduling assistance. Please note: With the rise of coronavirus cases in the Capital Region and beyond, it is possible that episodic periods of quarantine will continue until such time as a safe and effective vaccine is widely available. On a positive note: Ingersoll Place has submitted its application to participate in both federal and New York State COVID-19 vaccination programs when they become available to healthcare facilities.
With regard to indoor (inclement weather) visitation, Ingersoll Place has submitted a proposed plan to the NYS Department of Health. We have designated the library as the location for indoor visits for ease of access and safety. Upon approval from the NYS Dept. of Health, email notification will be sent to all family members, friends and/or guardians to announce when indoor visitation is scheduled to begin and will include specific protocols that will be followed. The approved visitation policy will also be posted on the Ingersoll Place website.
Also on the subject of visits, we have received several inquiries from residents and families wanting to know if they can make plans for holiday get-togethers. There are no easy answers and there are no rules that prevent residents from going out for lunch, dinner, overnight or longer. It’s important to note, however, family gatherings of any size increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission whether they take place in a private home or local restaurant. To safeguard the health and wellbeing of all residents at Ingersoll Place and in compliance with CDC and health department guidelines, we strongly urge families to refrain from taking their elderly loved ones home for the holidays or to any offsite venue. Those residents who do leave our facility for non-medical purposes will need to be quarantined for up to 14 days upon their return.
We know that that many residents will be disappointed at not being able to celebrate with their families this holiday season. It is our sincerest hope to create joyful, albeit small, group gatherings that will capture the sights, sounds and flavors of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year festivities. The decorations will be colorful, the food delicious and Ingersoll’s special brand of TLC abundantly shared with everyone under our roof. In the event that Ingersoll is again in quarantine mode due to COVID-positive test results, holiday meals and special treats will remain as featured menu items under the direction of Chef Peter and his food service staff.
To assist residents during mealtimes while in quarantine mode, Executive Director Caroline Thompson along with managers and other support staff are providing “VIP room service” at breakfast, lunch and dinner. In collaboration with the food service department, Caroline and team are working to ensure that menu selections meet individual resident’s needs and expectations – from the temperature of food items and requests for extra condiments to overall satisfaction with in-room dining.
One of the long-awaited good news stories was announced this week by the NYS Department of Health. Adult care facilities and nursing homes may now resume in-house salon services providing that all local, state and federal requirements, as applicable, are met. Conversations are already underway with Ingersoll’s beloved beautician Rae and it’s hoped that salon services will be available beginning the week of Nov. 16 – assuming quarantine has ended and there are no new COVID-19 positive test results.
Lastly, it is with regret that we announce the resignation of Kim Towne, RN, who will be leaving next Friday due to family needs. Kim arrived at Ingersoll Place during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak in the Capital Region and has been a great source of nursing care excellence throughout the past several months. We wish her and her family well. A search is underway for her replacement.
Wishing everyone a safe and pleasant weekend.
Please direct questions or concerns regarding staff testing and/or resident care issues to Kim Towne, RN, or Caroline Thompson, Executive Director. They can be reached at 518-370-4419.
Please continue to direct non-urgent questions and concerns to Ceil Mack, 518-370-4419, ext. 303.
