Friday, June 26th
After widespread testing for COVID-19 at each of our three communities, the results continue to be very encouraging.
At The Moorings of Arlington Heights, 804 residents and staff were tested and NO RESIDENTS tested positive and only one (1) employee tested positive and asymptomatic. A similar experience at Westminster Place where after testing 873 residents and staff, NO RESIDENTS tested positive and only one (1) employee tested positive also without symptoms. At Lake Forest Place 629 residents and staff were tested and again, NO CASES OF COVID-19 AMONG RESIDENTS and only one (1) case among employees.
While we consider ourselves very fortunate, we were also extremely vigilant as we fought to keep the residents safe, and this deadly virus out of our community. Ongoing screening of employees and guests protected us from the virus entering from the community-at-large and no expense was spared when supplying our healthcare heroes with masks, gowns and face shields.
These results are terrific and stand as a testament to the consistent efforts and hard work of all Presbyterian Homes staff (and residents). Thank you to everyone who has made it possible for our residents to feel so safe and well cared for. These results speak volumes to your commitment and compassion for our residents.
Update on COVID-19 (March 31, 2020) from Presbyterian Homes President & CEO, Todd F. Swortzel.
The Daily Herald shows residents at The Moorings of Arlington Heights enjoying a social distancing singalong.
Update on Coronavirus COVID-19 (March 26, 2020) from Presbyterian Homes President & CEO, Todd F. Swortzel.
Dear Residents and Family Members,
I first want to thank you for your patience and understanding. We are navigating through uncertain times and everyone is doing their best and giving their all.
We have had to make some difficult decisions during the past couple of weeks and during each discussion, we have attempted to balance health and safety concerns with the desire to maintain the highest quality of life for our residents and patients. We hope that we have been able to strike that delicate balance thus far.
In recent history, there have been many challenges that have been overcome based on the collective efforts of good people.I want to take a moment and acknowledge the exceptional skills, professionalism and dedication of the good people of Presbyterian Homes.From senior leadership and clinical expertise to the caregivers and support staff who have made so many tough decisions and kept on going.I can honestly say, I have never been so proud.
If you are a resident, rest assured, you are in good hands.If you are an employee, don’t worry, we’ve got your back. The old saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” is clearly our organizational mantra.
Despite all the unknowns that we face, I’m convinced that a strong commitment to one another is what will get us through this health crisis. The spread of this virus is everyone’s problem, and it will take everyone working together to limit exposure in our communities and health care centers.
Daily leadership briefings via conference call are occurring throughout the day, with an organization-wide update each morning.During these conference calls, our chief operating officer and our vice president of clinical services update the teams on the latest information coming from The Center for Disease Control (CDC), The Center for Medicare Services (CMS) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Key staff are in attendance, including; executive directors, health care and residential administrators, dining services and environmental services.Each campus reports on issues occurring within the last 24 hours.We then discuss best practices and our coordinated response to combat this pandemic. Rest assured that every precaution is being taken to protect your health and safety. We are constantly refining our tactics to contain the spread of the virus and hope that we can remain one step ahead.
The list of precautions includes:
- Restricting all non-essential visitors and staff
- Screening all resident’s, visitors and staff upon entry
- Regularly taking the temperature of residents and staff
- Closing all communal dining and delivering meals to all residents and patients
- Cancelling all resident group activities
- Implementing additional cleaning procedures for high-touch areas
- Inventorying and ordering additional equipment and supplies
- Use of personal protective equipment (masks, robes, etc.)
And the list continues to grow as we learn new information.
Here is another request of both employees and residents. In order to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus into our communities, I am asking both residents and staff to eliminate all non-essential travel, both in our communities and in the community at large and continue to practice social distancing.Taking these important additional steps will help us keep the communities as safe as we can for all.
Again, I want to thank each of you for your teamwork in keeping our communities safe and for your patience and understanding during these challenging times.
