April 16, 2021 at 4:45 p.m.
COVID-19 UPDATE FOR FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021
Rigorous testing of all Health Care Center residents continued this week as we make every effort to track any movement of the virus. Today, we verified a single positive patient from one long term care unit. All other residents were negative for COVID today as they were in yesterday’s (Thursday) testing. This newly diagnosed resident was moved immediately to the isolation unit, and, like the other six who are on that unit, was already fully vaccinated. Testing Thursday of all staff on campus was COVID-free, just as it was when we tested all staff on Monday.
I have spoken to a number of Health Care Center resident family members who are frustrated, like we are, that after going the entire pandemic with very little COVID, why we now have fully vaccinated residents with the virus. I understand that frustration and it is also a challenge to us as caregivers.
We had an onsite visit from the Department of Health this week to discuss that very topic and they shared with us that there are small outbreaks of 4 to 7 residents in more than 20 long term care facilities in the Commonwealth that, like us, have over 95% of their residents fully vaccinated. It was a good visit with the VDH team and they drove home two very important points:
- The vaccine is not a cure, nor is it able to prevent infection in those with weakened immune systems, because their bodies do not make antibodies at the same rate and as vigorously as they once did
- Public health officials are seeing a rise in the number of newly diagnosed COVID cases in our area as more and more people get overconfident and are wearing masks with less and less frequency.
As we continue to test multiple units daily to make sure we capture the virus anywhere it may pop-up, we are not permitted by our licensing agencies to allow in-person visitation. We do ask for your patience as we undertake the steps necessary to test and verify the outbreak is contained/over. You can use the links on this page to schedule virtual visits and we will update this page and our hotline at (804) 425-7522 with any COVID news and visitation status changes routinely.
The Assisted Living residents remain COVID-free in this week’s testing and visitation in Assisted Living continues. Assisted Living visitors are asked to be on time for their appointment and to arrive at the Assisted Living lobby entrance to be screened by our staff.
Finally, I am pleased to report that we did receive a call from VDH mid-week that due to some citizens not showing up for their vaccine appointments, they had defrosted vials of the Pfizer vaccine available to bring to us to immunize the newly admitted residents in the Health Care Center. We were able to immunize five newly admitted residents and five staff members who were on our waiting list to be vaccinated. Not all COVID surprises are bad ones, as this impromptu virus clinic was a real blessing to our new hires and our newly admitted residents and their families.
Please keep our residents and caregivers in your thoughts and prayers.
— Derrick Kendall, CEO
SCHEDULING A VISIT
Due to staffing capabilities and sanitation requirements, we are currently requiring all visitors to make a reservation to visit with a loved one at Lucy Corr.
To streamline the process, we have transitioned to an online reservation system for both Virtual Visits and In-Person Visits. If you are interested in scheduling a visit, please click the button below that corresponds to the type of visit you would like to reserve:
Clover Hill (Memory Care) Visitation
Midlothian, Matoaca, & Dale Visitation
Assisted Living
Visitation
VISITOR SCREENING
Following the updated guidance from CMS, Lucy Corr has implemented the following precautions regarding visitors to our community:
For individuals outside of Lucy Corr:
- On March 13, 2021, we resumed offering scheduled in-person visits per newly released CMS guidelines.
- Visits must be by appointment only and we encourage they be held in a “common space” away from other residents.
- Visits will be for a maximum of 30 minutes and are limited to two adults and no children under 12.
- A staff member will be available to assist visitors and residents to support proper infection control.
- All visitors must be screened by our staff for fever, respiratory/COVID symptoms, and be given PPE to wear to limit the exposure to our residents and staff.
- Staff will sanitize the visitation areas before and after each visit.
- During a visit, visitors are asked to limit their physical contact and practice physical distancing with residents and others.
For Lucy Corr staff:
- Our staff members are constantly being monitored for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
- Staff members have been educated on the process of self-reporting and are COVID tested frequently.
- We are actively screening staff members before their shift as well as essential non-staff personnel and vendors, such as supply deliverers, emergency medical personal, transportation providers, and other service providers to help prevent any potential exposure or transmission of COVID-19.
VIRTUAL VISITS ENCOURAGED
Our Wi-Fi is available and free of charge for residents. If you provide your loved one with their own personal tablet or Wi-Fi device, they can connect with friends and families at any time, and not have to wait for our assistance.
If you are interested in providing your loved one with his/her own Wi-Fi device to use for virtual visiting, please keep the following mind:
- The resident should be aware and responsible enough to handle and use the device properly. Lucy Corr will not be responsible for replacing a lost or broken device.
- The device should be clearly labeled, in a permanent manner, with the resident’s name.
- The device should include all necessary batteries, chargers, cords, etc.
- The device should be pre-set with apps and account information so the resident can use it right away.
- The device/app should be compatible with whatever device/app you will be using (ex: FaceTime requires an Apple device; other platforms like Zoom, Skype, Google-Hangouts, etc. will work with Android devices.)
- The device should be from a reputable, well-known brand (like Apple iPad, Amazon Kindle/Fire or Samsung tablets).
QUESTIONS & CONCERNS
For families of residents in our health care center, please reach out to your loved one’s Social Worker for any needs or questions. If you do not know your social worker’s name, our operator will assist you when you call.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to a member of Lucy Corr’s management team by calling 804-748-1511.
FUTURE UPDATES
Lucy Corr will work diligently to make sure all of our residents and staff members receive the latest communication regarding this situation. To stay informed regarding any changes to policies or safety precautions specific to Lucy Corr, please check regularly back on this webpage or call our recorded information hotline at (804) 425-7522.