March 6, 2021
With regard to weekly testing of staff for COVID-19, which was held Tuesday, March 2, all staff have tested negative.
The dining room has reopened for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Small group activities have resumed and indoor visitation is scheduled to begin Monday, March 8.
Earlier this week, the NYS Department of Health issued revised guidance with regard to visitation in Assisted Living/Adult Care facilities and we are looking forward to seeing residents and their loved ones together on a more regular basis. Visitations will be held in either the Library, Front Lobby, Memory Care Sunroom, Lower East Lounge or East Side Courtyard. Compassionate care situations that warrant visits with residents in their own apartments will be reviewed on a resident-specific basis.
Please note, the number of visitors allowed in the building at any given time is still restricted. All visits must be scheduled in advance and supervised by designated staff. Infection control measures including the use of hand-sanitizer, masks and social distancing remain in place. Although not mandated by the NYS Department of Health, Ingersoll Place requires unvaccinated visitors to undergo testing for COVID-19 within seven days prior to their scheduled visits and show proof of a negative result. Alternatively, visitors who are fully vaccinated for a minimum of 14 days prior their scheduled visit must provide written proof of vaccination. If you need assistance in locating a testing site or have other related concerns, please let us know. It’s also important to note that visitation will immediately be suspended, per NYS Department of Health regulations if there are any new resident or staff cases of COVID-19. Ingersoll’s Visitation Policy can be read in its entirety at https://ingersollplace.org/blob/news-files.ashx?ID=7. We will continue to update you on changes to this policy via email and on the Ingersoll Place website.
This week, Ingersoll Place welcomed Kate Giemza, RN, to the position of Resident Care Director (photo below). Kate earned an associate of science degree in nursing from the Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing. She’s a graduate of Excelsior College with a bachelor of science degree in nursing; also from Excelsior, a master of science degree in nursing leadership and administration of health care systems. In her new role, Kate will be responsible for the oversight of residents’ needs and development of care plans as well as training and supervision of resident care staff including nurses and aides. She was a member of the nursing staff at Albany Medical Center for the past 10 years, most recently in the position of case manager. “I am excited to have joined the wonderful team at Ingersoll Place,” says Kate, “and look forward to getting to know the residents and their loved ones.”
Now that group activities are again picking up momentum, two new programs – fitness drumming and hand bell ringing – will be introduced in the weeks ahead. Both activities have become increasingly popular in senior care communities and excitement is already building among Ingersoll’s residents and staff.
After a difficult year and a very long winter, everyone is looking forward to spring… 14 days and counting.
Have 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
