Live Update to Residents-September 10, 2020
Live updates to residents on our in-house TV970 keep us informed and connected on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3 p.m. Today’s update featured John Burns, President and CEO; Whitney Woodruff, Manager Life Enrichment; Glendon Kemp, Manager of Security; and David Curtis, Chaplain.
The following updates were shared during the live briefing on TV970.
John Burns
COVID-19 Updates
Because Westminster Canterbury Richmond has gone weeks with no new cases of COVID-19, we were able to apply to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to enter into Phase One of our reopening plan for Parsons Health Center. On May 18, 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a memo to address how nursing homes could reopen in phases. Reopening means easing some of the restrictions that have been put in place to protect residents and staff during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic and moving in a stepwise manner toward more normal operations.
CMS encouraged state leaders to collaborate and decide how these and other criteria or actions should be implemented in their state. The Virginia Department of Health Offices of Epidemiology and Licensure and Certification created Virginia-specific guidance aimed at providing practical strategies for nursing homes to implement phased and safe reopening plans.
Today we received acknowledgement of our application to move to Phase One of reopening for Parsons Health Center. We are hopeful that in the next few days we will receive affirmation of moving into Phase One.
We continue to have good news, as the results of this week’s employee testing are coming back with no new cases of COVID-19. Residents are currently tested only if they are symptomatic.
Offices Closed
As a reminder, staff offices are closed to walk-in visitors for staff and resident safety. Employees are happy to meet with residents by appointment. If you need to speak with a staff member, please call ahead to make an appointment.
Fall Events
While we have been able to reopen many programs and services in safe ways, we still approach these times with an abundance of caution. In that spirit, some events that would traditionally be held in the fall will not take place this year. Our recreation, theater and wellness teams and more are thinking creatively and finding new and different ways to replace these activities.
There will be no Fall Craft Fair this year. We are looking at different ways to have handmade items available for sale to residents and staff. More details to come.
The Wellness team will not hold a Wellness Fair for residents this year. There are plenty of ways to keep pursuing Wellness, detailed below.
We will monitor the broader community and plan other activities and programs we can do safely. Details will be shared in the coming weeks.
Whitney Woodruff
Westminster Kennelbury
In addition to the exciting Fall into the Arts lineup, our recreation and wellness teams are excited to bring residents fun things we can do safely. One of our favorite events, Westminster Kennelbury, will be on Tuesday, September 22, at 10:30 a.m. on the Ellipse. It will be packed with tail-wagging fun! We will be socially distanced outside and enjoy the parade of our favorite fur babies strutting their pup stuff! If you are a resident and want to register your pooch, please fill out one of the Kennelbury Registration forms that can be found in the Business and Information Centers. If you have questions, call Whitney at ext. 6058.
Parsons Health Center and Assisted Living Recreation
Parsons Health Center and Assisted Living Recreation therapists and coordinators have been planning fun, socially distanced events. Luas, wine parties, ice cream parties, BINGO and a variety of therapies have been taking place. In addition, video chatting with resident families has been a priority for the last six months. The team continues to look for creative ways to provide activities and looks forward to expanding offerings as restrictions loosen.
Wellness
In Wellness, residents can sign up for appointments in the Fitness and Aquatic Center. A variety of classes are being offered each week, including Pool Ai Chi, Yoga and Meditation, Balance Basics, Pool Cardio and Strength Training. You must register to attend these classes. Check last week’s Tales or Touchtown Community Apps for the details on times and how to register. We are offering specialty programming on Fridays. For the month of September, it is a Back and Core Mat class. Next month there will be a “Walktober” walking challenge. You can exercise in the comfort of your own home with recorded workouts with the Wellness team on TV970 at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily or access the workouts on demand in Touchtown Community Apps.
Glendon Kemp
9/11 Commemoration
Tomorrow marks 19 years since the attacks on 9/11. We will make a commemorative announcement tomorrow morning in honor of those who died.
Ongoing Scams
The latest scam reaching residents is the Publishers’ Clearing House scam. Scammers call to say that you have won and that they are on their way to deliver $5.5 million dollars and a new Mercedes. They ask for $500 from you before they finalize the delivery. Please do not fall for this.
There has been an increase in reported COVID-19 email scams. Follow these tips for staying safe online.
• Don’t give out your account information in response to calls, email or texts soliciting personal account information.
• Avoid clicking links in texts or emails from unknown or unverified sources. This can lead to malware being placed on your electronic devices to gain access to your personal information.
• Beware of text messages or emails that insist you act now. Phishing emails often try to create a sense of urgency or demand immediate action, hoping you will click on a link right now.
• Be wary of ads for test kits. Most test kits being advertised have not been approved by the FDA and are not necessarily accurate, especially ones that advertise, “click here for your free test kit.”
Handicap Parking
There are concerns about residents using handicap parking who do not have handicap plates or decals. If you use a handicap spot, make sure you have your decal displayed appropriately. Security will increase monitoring of parking lots to ensure everyone on campus, including staff, residents and contractors, are parking appropriately.
David Curtis
A Sermon for Every Sunday will air on Sunday, September 13, at 4 p.m. on TV970. The program will feature Dr. Brian Blount, President of Union Presbyterian Seminary. The Scripture text is Matthew 18:21-35. The topic is forgiveness.
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills—
from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
He who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time on and for evermore.
Prayer by Alden Solovy, a liturgist and poet
Creator of all,
Source and shelter,
Grant a perfect rest under your tabernacle of peace
To those who died in the 9/11 attacks on the United States.
Remember the works of their hands
And the message of their hearts.
Grant their families peace and comfort for Your name’s sake
And for the sake of those who perished.
Bring an end to violence and terror,
Speedily, in our days.
May their memories be sanctified with joy and love.
May their souls be bound up in the bond of life,
A living blessing in our midst.
Amen.