October 1, 2020:
While our focus has been on protecting our residents from COVID-19, we recognize that physical separation from family and other loved ones can take a physical and emotional toll on residents. Residents may feel socially isolated, leading to increased risk for depression, anxiety, and other expressions of distress. Residents living with cognitive impairment or other disabilities may find visitor restrictions and other ongoing changes related to COVID-19 confusing or upsetting. We understand that our residents derive value from the physical, emotional and spiritual support they receive through visitation from family and friends.
With this in mind, we are in the preparation stage to allow limited/restricted indoor visitation. We are preparing for Phase 2 and an update will soon be posted as soon as approval is received from federal, state and health care agencies. Meanwhile, we continue with outdoor window visitations until further notice.
The facility continues to be COVID-19 free as both staff and residents all remain COVID negative and weekly testing continues. In addition, we will continue our weekly phone updates to designated family representatives. Please continue to utilize our hotline number to make an appointment to visit your loved ones or report a concern. Our hotline number is 908-346-3391 and is operational Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.
Thank you residents and families for your cooperation in these hard times. Together we will continue to beat this virus as we work on returning to normalcy.
Please, if you have not responded to the flu consent request, do so as we are awaiting delivery of the vaccines and administration will commence as soon as vaccines are received. Once again, thank you all.
Sincerely,
Veronica Onwunaka
Extended Care Administrator