Greetings,
Spring is in the air and, with it, a certain sense of calm has descended upon our campus.
I am happy to share some good news. I previously reported that all residents and staff at Edelweiss Village, our assisted living residence, had been tested for COVID-19. The results indicate no residents are infected with the virus. One part-time employee received a positive test result and is in quarantine for at least ten days per CDC guidelines. The takeaway from this: frequent hand washing and social distancing work!
Deutsches Altenheim is very fortunate to have a dedicated and involved Board of Trustees. Throughout this health crisis, they have championed our staff in several ways, including sourcing personal protective equipment to ensure staff safety. Recently, the Board addressed the staff personally with a letter of appreciation. Please take a moment to read their words of support and encouragement.
Until now, employees who are symptomatic have been tested individually. This week we began testing all German Centre employees who have been working on site throughout the pandemic. Fallon Ambulance generously sent a team of EMTs to campus to swab a large group of employees. More staff will be tested shortly. As soon as results are available, we’ll report them in the daily impact statements posted on our website.
It’s almost Mother’s Day. While we certainly won’t be celebrating the day in the way we are accustomed, we’re thinking “outside the box” to make the day special. Our Activities team has been making the rounds with their tablets for FaceTime and Skype sessions with families. If “a picture is worth a thousand words,” a virtual visit is priceless. Special thanks, also, to Lowe’s Home Improvement for the delivery of 90 potted flowers to honor the moms on our campus. We’re all feeling a bit cheerier now from the colorful displays.
Sunday begins National Skilled Nursing Care (Nursing Home) Week. How appropriate, that in the midst of this public health crisis where the elderly and frail are the most vulnerable, we take time to acknowledge and celebrate the important role nursing homes play. I invite you to view images of our amazing German Centre staff captured here as they battle on the front lines of this pandemic. Warriors one and all, they are what make German Centre a special place to live and work.
Be well and stay healthy,
Michael B. Lincoln
Chief Executive Officer
Download the update: May 8 Update