May 11, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
COVID-19 UPDATE FOR WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2021
On Monday, May 10, 2021, we again tested all Lucy Corr staff and all Health Care Center residents for COVID. All test results were again negative. We continue to test staff twice weekly, even as the county’s percent of COVID positivity is at 5.2%, the lowest it has been since September of 2020. We also continue to test residents weekly, especially now that we have welcomed in-person visitation to the Health Care Center again.
If you didn’t see it, the Richmond Times-Dispatch did a wonderful article on Mother’s Day visits at Lucy Corr and included the Health Care Center in their coverage. In fact, one of our long term care residents, Mrs. Connie Stroupe, was featured on the front page of the paper embracing her 4-year-old grand-daughter.
One item that was mentioned in the article about Lucy Corr’s COVID experience is incomplete. The article says that we went the first nine months of the lockdown without a case of COVID, which is true. However, the story goes on to claim we didn’t sustain any deaths due to the pandemic and that is not accurate. While we did not have any deaths in the calendar year 2020, after the first of the year, and before the vaccines were available, some of our outbreaks, even though they were well contained, resulted in the loss of more than a dozen total residents over the first two months of 2021. Out of respect for those residents we lost to the virus (and their families), I wanted to complete what the article mistakenly omitted. Lucy Corr’s staff did a remarkable job keeping COVID out, and keeping what snuck in contained, but our record was not perfect, and it is important to be honest about it.
The pandemic has been difficult on everyone, especially seniors, whose emotions often would swing from being fearful of the virus to being frustrated with the measures taken to protect them from it — namely the lock-down and isolation. This is exactly why we continue to celebrate that we are now seeing a reopening – but also why we are continuing to test everyone for COVID and encourage vaccinations among newly admitted residents and newly hired staff members. COVID is a great risk to the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, even when they are “fully vaccinated.”
We hope you had an excellent Mother’s Day. Ours this year was better by leaps and bounds because our residents were not quarantined from visitors and we witnessed so many reunions and hugs that we cried along with those visiting.
Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers. On behalf of our caregivers and staff, we thank you.
— 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:
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.