Update From Administrator – July 31, 2020
Good Morning!
Let me start by introducing myself. I am Donna Orefice and have been with Athena Health Care Systems as an Administrator in sister facilities. I look forward to working with you to offer the best quality care for your loved ones. We appreciate your confidence in our care as it is an honor to care for them.
I hope this email finds you safe and healthy. I am pleased to report that we continue to remain COVID-free for both our staff and residents. Our last COVID testing occurred on Wednesday, July 29th. We are tested on a weekly basis. As we continue to maintain a COVID-free status, we will hopefully be able to reduce restrictions under the guidance of the CDC and the Department of Public Health.
We do not know when visitors will be allowed back into our centers and because we don’t know how long this will last, we will continue these emails and calls for the duration of the visitor restrictions. We will also continue our SKYPE visits, Facetiming and window/patio visits. Please continue to reach out to recreation@valeriemanorhcc.com or calling 860-489-1008 to schedule one of the communication alternatives.
- These visits must be pre-scheduled to ensure safe and healthy visits for you, the residents and our staff. It also allows our team to ensure your loved one is available and ready for your visit to make the most of your time together.
- Face coverings must always be worn and a social distance of 6 feet between you and your loved ones must occur for the entirety of the visit. This includes window visits.
- Each unit has tablets readily available for resident use for virtual visits, games, etc. Residents are aware of this opportunity, so please encourage their use when you are communicating with your loved one.
- Check out our website for specific guidelines and details regarding perimeter visits.
We will be celebrating Nursing Home Week August 9 – 15th. Our Therapeutic Recreation Department has many activities planned for our residents and we have numerous activities planned for our staff as well. All of us look forward to celebrating Nursing Home Week, we will have games, raffles and gift baskets.; special deserts and food items are also planned for our residents. We will be selling raffle tickets for the gift baskets in an effort to support Athena’s “Taking Care of our Own” Campaign. Should you want to purchase raffle tickets, please check out Facebook for the parameters. We will be accepting cash only and exact change is requested. Again, please follow us on Facebook to see the fun events planned.
Our next “Town Hall” meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 3rd at 3 pm. We encourage any residents and family members to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have about the care we are offering. Our commitment is to be as transparent as possible and work to address any issues that arise.
Again, it is a pleasure to be a part of Valerie Manor. Stay well, stay safe, and thank you!
Best,
Donna