Dear Friend of Heritage,
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect people of all ages. Heritage has always been committed to putting the safety and well-being of those who we both serve, and employ, as our top priority, and during these challenging times, our entire team is working tirelessly to ensure the safety of your loved one.
In recent days, we have experienced a significant increase in COVID-19 positivity rates at The Park, our rehabilitation and skilled nursing community in Jamestown, NY.
As with an increase in positive COVID-19 test results in any of our communities, we worked to immediately begin precautionary increased testing beyond required New York State mandates to identify any additional cases. The testing allows us to quickly identify and proactively respond to additional COVID-19 positive staff and residents. Our staff who tested positive are currently in quarantine, and will not return to work until further notice. All of our resident families have been notified as their loved ones have been affected. In accordance with HIPAA requirements, no further details regarding positive residents or employees will be released.
At Heritage, the health and safety of both our residents and staff is of the utmost importance, and I want to assure each of you that your loved ones are safe, loved, and being well cared for. The steps we have implemented are directly tied to the recommendations and guidelines of the CDC and state, local, and federal regulations, and we will adjust these steps if those recommendations change. In addition, our COVID-19 positive residents are cared for in a dedicated unit by specially assigned staff who have no interaction with any other residents or staff. All potentially impacted areas have been thoroughly cleaned, and enhanced PPE is being used as needed in our communities.
Working to address this recent increase in COVID-19 at The Park, New York State has now recommended we suspend all in-person visitation at The Park, effectively immediately, until further notice. If we receive any additional information, we will promptly share it with you.
We will offer window visits and on-line Zoom and FaceTime visits for those who wish to have another means to visit their loved one. Please contact the front desk at The Park directly to schedule your visitation by calling (716) 488-1921. We will help you to connect with your loved one in any way that we are able to do so.
We understand the frustration that COVID-19 mandates and restrictions have presented for our residents and loved ones since the onset on the pandemic and thank you for your continued prayers, support, and understanding as we navigate through each challenge.
Sincerely,
Lisa Haglund
President and CEO
Heritage Ministries