August 3, 2021
This is the most current information from Landis Communities, including changes to mask guidance. Click HERE.
July 28, 2021
Dear Families and loved ones,
The COVID-19 Delta variant is known to be present across the region as well as in Lancaster County. The number of cases here is once again rising. In order to prevent another devastating outbreak at WMH, I would like to remind everyone that long term care facilities are under different guidance than the general public. Please note masks are still required for all visitors, regardless of vaccination status, when in common areas of the facility. I would also encourage you to limit off campus outings to places where many people are gathered such as restaurants, grocery stores and indoor entertainment venues. I ask that, before you take your loved one off campus, that you have a conversation with a member of the management team regarding COVID-19 safety precautions. Thank you for understanding! Myself and the whole WMH team are doing our best to keep you, your loved one and our team members safe.
Sincerely
Mona Frey, Executive Director Welsh Mountain Home
March 16, 2021
General visitation will now include indoor, in-person visits. Compassionate Caregiver visits will continue as currently determined and scheduled.
- General visitation availability will be based on the status of the home related to exposure and other potential limiting scenarios (county positivity rate and percentage of residents vaccinated). When the home is Green (no known exposure) we will be eligible for scheduled indoor, in-person visits. The visits can last up to an hour. If the home is yellow or red, only compassionate care visits are scheduled.
- There will be a maximum of two (2) visitors per resident room, including a child of any age. Individuals aged 2 and over must wear masks. Pets are not permitted.
- There will be maximum number of visits available on each floor at one time to ensure we can continue to follow the core principles of infection control.
- Residents who are fully vaccinated (14 days past last required dose of vaccine) can choose to have close contact (including touch) with their visitor while wearing a well-fitting face mask and performing hand hygiene before and after the visit.
- Visitors must pass screening at the Personal Care entrance in order to visit. A visitor’s vaccination status does not eliminate any of the screening requirements.
- Visitors may visit in resident rooms only. Visitors are not permitted to visit common areas. Visitors may go for a walk on campus as long as all parties remain masked and social distancing is observed.
- If there is an outbreak (a resident or team member tests positive), all visitation will be cancelled until outbreak testing is able to be completed. Please understand this affects all visits and can happen quickly. Scheduled visitors will be contacted if this occurs.
- DHS, CMS, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining infection control practices, given the continued risk of COVID-19 transmission. Any visitors not following the core principles of infection control will be asked to leave immediately.
Visitation can be scheduled by calling Sarah Albertson at 717-355-9522 ext. 105
February 24, 2021
On February 19, most WMH residents and team members got their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. A few joined Mountain View Terrace residents and team members in receiving their first dose that day. Second doses are scheduled for March 19. We are grateful to HersheyCare Pharmacy for accommodating all team members and residents in both buildings who wished to receive the vaccine. WMH is in the Green zone! We look forward to entering step three of reopening and welcoming friends and family for 15-minute, masked and physically distanced in-person visits beginning March 1. Visits are by appointment only and will be limited to times when a volunteer monitor is available. Residents at higher risk will be given priority for visitation. Please call Sarah Albertson, Director of Resident Services, to schedule your visit.
January 19, 2021
We are excited to report a second straight week with no positive COVID-19 test results. This means we are able to move to step two of our reopening plan. You can see the plan here.
One of the exciting parts of this news is the return to group activities, although limited to less than 10 people. Group activities will occur in designated areas to allow appropriate physical distancing. Team members will assist residents to perform hand hygiene before and after group activities. Examples of activities include devotions, storytelling, trivia, word searches, bingo with disposable cards and pencils, ball tosses with cleaning of balls between participants, etc.
When we reach step 3, in person visits will begin again. As of now, that would be February 2, assuming no positive tests before that date. Once we reach that step, family and friends will be able to set in person visitation times. Sarah Albertson, director of resident services, is now scheduling video visits and once we reach step 3 the in person visits as well. You can reach her at salbertson@welshmountainhome.org or 717-355-9522 ext 105.
January 15, 2021
Welsh Mountain Home is committed to being transparent in keeping residents, families, team members and our community aware of changes related to COVID-19. We want to reassure everyone that we are acting on this fluid situation.
We have great news. Our pharmacy provider, HersheyCare, is able to provide the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to residents and team members who elect to receive it on Thursday, January 21. This replaces the planned January 29th clinic previously announced. In four weeks, HersheyCare will return to administer the second dose. All standard precautions and monitoring protocols will be observed. We are grateful to be able to add this tool to our fight with COVID-19 as soon as we are able.
Mona Frey, LPN, PCHA
Executive Director
Welsh Mountain Home
Email: mfrey@welshmountainhome.org
January 5, 2021
Welsh Mountain Home is committed to being transparent in keeping residents, families, team members and our community aware of changes related to COVID-19. We want to reassure everyone that we are acting on this fluid situation.
On January 2, a team member began feeling symptoms and was tested today (1/5), and had a positive result. The last day this team member worked was 12/31/20. Welsh Mountain Home notified the DOH and is working closely with them to identify exposure to others and potential risk. We have followed and will continue to follow, guidance set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to minimize the risk of Coronavirus transmission within our community.
This positive result unfortunately means we will need to move back to the Prerequisite stage. When we have two consecutive weeks of negative tests for all team members and residents we will then reach Step 1. Until we reach Step 2, we will need to restrict visits to residents. We know this is not the result we were hoping and planning for, but one we need to take to ensure the safety of residents and team members.
Please know that the health and safety of our residents and team members is our primary concern. We are blessed by the support and encouragement of the residents and family members, board members and supporters who are part of the Welsh Mountain Home family.
We invite you to check the website for COVID-19 updates. Residents and family members may contact Jenny Sheckells with questions or concerns at jsheckells@landis.org or 717.381.3573.
Mona Frey
Executive Director, Welsh Mountain Home
Evon Bergey
Vice President of Community Initiatives, Landis Communities
December 18, 2020
We are excited to share that after two weeks of all negative COVID-19 tests, Welsh Mountain Home has moved to Step 2 of the reopening process. This comes at a great time as we near Christmas. It means residents are no longer quarantined to their rooms and we will be able to have a Christmas celebrations in small groups observing the three W’s (Wear Mask, Watch your distance and Wash Your Hands). Due to the weather, WMH is not scheduling window visits at this time. Exceptions may be made for special occasion window visits such as birthdays. Scheduled 15 minute visits, that are physically distanced with both parties masked, will start during step three of re-opening per Department of Health guidance. Step three is a short two weeks away, as long as no resident or team members develop symptoms of COVID or test positive for COVID.
WELSH MOUNTAIN HOME ANNOUNCEMENT
November 11, 2020
To all Residents and Families,
Welsh Mountain Home is committed to being transparent in keeping residents, families, team members and our community aware of changes related to COVID-19. We want to reassure everyone that we are acting on this fluid situation.
We are saddened to share that on November 8, a resident passed away due to COVID-19. This was the first death WMH experienced from the virus. A second resident died this morning. To date, 29 residents have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Several have been asymptomatic and many are on their way to recovery. Four team members have been infected and all have recovered and returned to work. Testing continues weekly. We are grateful for the guidance and support provided by the Department of Health and Department of Human Services.
Welsh Mountain Home has followed and will continue to follow, guidance set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to minimize the risk of Coronavirus transmission within our community.
Please know that the health and safety of our residents and team members is our primary concern. We are blessed by the support and encouragement of the residents and family members, board members and supporters who are part of the Welsh Mountain Home family.
We invite you to check the WMH website and Facebook page for regular COVID-19 updates.
Residents and family members may contact Jenny Sheckells with questions or concerns at jsheckells@landis.org or 717.381.3573.
Mona Frey
Executive Director, Welsh Mountain Home
Evon Bergey
Vice President of Community Initiatives, Landis Communities
LANDIS COMMUNITIES ANNOUNCEMENT
October 25, 2020
This information is part of our ongoing commitment to being transparent in keeping residents, families, team members and the broader community informed how COVID-19 is affecting our affiliates. Please take a few minutes to watch this video. If you prefer to read the information, please click HERE.
October 20, 2020
To all Residents and Families,
Welsh Mountain Home is committed to being transparent in keeping residents, families, team members and our community aware of changes related to COVID-19. We want to reassure everyone that we are acting on this fluid situation.
We were notified yesterday that a team member tested positive for COVID-19. S/he last worked on Wednesday, October 14, 2020. The team member is currently quarantining at home.
In addition, today one resident also tested positive. This resident and all on his/her floor have been isolated and are being carefully monitored for any symptoms.
Welsh Mountain Home has followed and will continue to follow, guidance set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to minimize the risk of Coronavirus transmission within our community.
These positive results unfortunately mean we will need to move back to the prerequisite stage of the reopening plan. After 14 days with no new onset of COVID-19, Personal Care will again enter Step 2. Until that time, all face-to-face visits need to be cancelled, per regulations.
Please know that the health and safety of our residents and team members is our primary concern. We are blessed by the support and encouragement of the residents and family members, board members and supporters who are part of the Welsh Mountain Home family.
We invite you to check the WMH website and Facebook page for regular COVID-19 updates.
Residents and family members may contact Jenny Sheckells
with questions or concerns at jsheckells@landis.org or 717.381.3573.
| Mona Frey Executive Director Welsh Mountain Home | Evon Bergey Vice President of Community Initiatives Landis Communities |
Landis Communities Update
If you are interested in setting up a visit with a resident, please call Melody at 717-355-9522 ext. 102
July 17, 2020
Welsh Mountain Home is concerned for the ongoing health and safety of our residents and team members. We have closely monitored information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Pennsylvania Department of Health and others to prepare for the COVID-19 virus.
July 17, 2020 we learned that a team member tested positive for COVID-19. The team member last worked at WMH on July 3 and was asymptomatic at the time. S/he developed symptoms on July 12 and has been self-quarantined at home since that time.
Public health officials have been notified. Due to the timeline for when the team member was last in contact with residents, DOH has indicated that WMH residents were not at risk of exposure.
We want to make residents, their families, our dedicated staff, and our community aware and reassure everyone that we are acting on this situation. We will continue to actively monitor residents for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Please know that the health and safety of our residents and team members is our primary concern.
All team members continue to follow the CDC’s recommendations to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. These include strict handwashing procedures, wearing facemasks and other PPE like gowns and gloves as appropriate.
We are blessed by the support and encouragement of the residents and family members, board members and supporters who are part of the Welsh Mountain Home family.
Residents and family members may contact Jenny Sheckells with questions or concerns at jsheckells@landis.org or 717.381.3573.
Mona Frey
Executive Director Welsh Mountain Home
Evon Bergey
VP of Community Initiatives Landis Communities
May 11, 2020
If you are following the local news, you may have heard that several government officials who oversee Lancaster County have sent a letter to Governor Wolf indicating their intent to bypass the current designation by the State of Pennsylvania and move Lancaster from the Red to the Yellow phase of re-opening on Friday, May 15.
As an organization, Landis Communities believes that this is not in the best interest of our residents, clients and team members. We have provided our response to the officials and asked for clarification on the elements of their plan, primarily regarding access to and funding for testing as well as providing personal protective equipment. We are also in consultation with other retirement communities and senior service organizations in Lancaster to identify their concerns with moving forward too quickly.
In the Red phase, the Stay at Home order remains in effect. Travel is allowed only for life-sustaining purposes. When a move is made to the Yellow phase, some businesses are allowed to open, although hair dressers, gyms and pools remain closed. Schools remain closed but child care centers begin to open. Restaurants remain take-out or delivery only and large groups are still not allowed to gather. Face coverings should continue to be worn. In the green phase, all businesses would be allowed to open as long as they follow the guidelines of the CDC. See the reverse side for further details.
Personal Care and Healthcare regulations remain in effect throughout both the Red and Yellow phases. These areas must adhere to strict protocols for licensed care.
Landis Homes leadership is working on a five-phase plan for re-opening Residential Living – Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue, Green. Should Lancaster County moves to the Yellow phase on May 15, similar recommendations may be made for other Landis Communities affiliates. We will provide more information as the week progresses.
At this time, we continue to be without a known case of COVID-19 throughout Landis Communities. No resident tests are pending at this time.
Residents, clients and family members may contact Jenny Sheckells with questions or concerns at jsheckells@landis.org or 717.381.3573. You may find other communications and videos on our website: www.landiscommunities.org/COVID
| Larry Zook President/CEO Landis Communities | Evon Bergey Vice President Community Initiatives Landis Communities |
Landis Communities
Staffing – the plan for utilizing staff across the organization has begun.
o Due to the temporary closure of Landis Adult Day Services, team members have been re-deployed to other positions.
o Landis at Home staffing is strong. They are able to fill requests for care at Landis Homes and in the community as well as help in other areas where needed.
Client notes – a special service Landis at Home has been able to provide to clients is to hand deliver notes from family. Notes are sent electronically to team members. They print them and take them when providing care. The response has been heartwarming.
Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning®
We recognize that with more time spent at home, there a limited options for learning. Because Pathways classes are postponed until at least April 17, Anastasia Petrovskaya is reaching out to several instructors with the request to record a presentation of the course on video. The videos would then be uploaded to an online channel/source and the links shared with Pathways participants. Stay tuned for more on this.
At this time, we are offering free resources, such as online learning, virtual tours of museums and historic sites, streams of concerts, etc. A list of free online resources for all residents and clients is below. We hope you enjoy these enriching and educational opportunities to experience the world from the comfort and safety of your home.
Free Online Resources
Online Learning: more than 450 course from Ivy League Schools:
https://www.classcentral.com/collection/ivy-league-moocs
A list of US Museums you can tour online:
https://www.timeout.com/usa/news/tour-these-u-s-museums-from-the-comfort-of-your-couch-031620
Article about virtual tours of US National Parks:
This article lists some great resources, including virtual tours of parks, zoos and historic places around the world, live opera streams from Metropolitan Opera and many more:
More virtual tours here:
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/03/9576127/free-virtual-tours-online
Virtual Museum exhibits of the world famous masterpieces:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/19-immersive-museum-exhibits-you-can-visit-from-your-couch
Virtual concerts here:
Personal Care Update to Residents, Families and POAs
March 23, 2020
We are blessed by the support and encouragement of the residents and family members, board members and supporters who are part of the Welsh Mountain Home family. These are unprecedented times and we are closely monitoring the guidelines and protocols of the CDC, the State of Pennsylvania and others as we make difficult decisions. We understand the very personal impact these decisions have on each of you. Please know that the health and safety of our residents and team members is our primary concern.
The following Q&A is to keep you informed and provide answers to recent questions:
What is the status of visitors to Welsh Mountain Home?
The policy put in place last week remains, only essential visitors, those visiting residents at end of life and/or providing care (Hospice) will be permitted.
What are some other ways to connect with loved ones?
We encourage phone calls. We hope to be able to increase the frequency of these as we get this system in place. Family members are also welcome to send flowers or balloons. We ask that food not be delivered unless it is in small, individually wrapped, single-serve packages.
Are team members being screened?
Yes, all team members are being screened daily, prior to resident contact, using the criteria from CMS for respiratory illness. Temperatures are checked.
How is WMH preparing for Covid-19?
We are preparing in many ways, including:
- Building critical staffing plans across Landis Communities
- Training team members not in direct care areas to help, if needed
- Creating designated areas to care for residents with symptoms
Are residents required to stay in their rooms?
Residents are currently staying in their areas but not necessarily in their rooms. We are working to keep everyone safe but we do not want them to feel isolated. Activities are being held in small groups with appropriate social distancing. If able, residents can walk outside. Appointments have been limited and we are looking at more Telehealth options.
What about Dining?
At WMH we are delivering all meals to resident rooms for the time being. Universal precautions are being taken including frequent hand washing and disinfecting.
How can you help?
- Many of you have expressed words of encouragement and are offering prayer support. These words and prayers are greatly appreciated by residents and team members. Cards are also greatly appreciated.
- Essential supplies are becoming an issue. Several volunteers have begun making masks and washable gowns. If you are interested in assisting, please call 717.355.9522.
- Other supply needs include brown paper lunch bags, sandwich baggies, disposable cups with lids and straws.
A few other things to share…
- This is a fluid situation and any of the information shared today could change at any time. We will continue to communicate as often as possible.
- Contact Jenny Sheckells with questions/concerns at jsheckells@landis.org or 717.381.3573.
- Team members have expressed that they have been grateful they are able to spend more focused time with the residents in their care. They feel like family and want to serve as family would.
Landis Communities Update Regarding All Affiliates March 19, 2020 PDF
Landis Communities Update Regarding All Affiliates
March 19, 2020
The goal of Landis Communities during this unprecedented time is to keep our residents, clients and team members safe and healthy. We continue to appreciate your support as we closely monitor the guidelines and protocols of the CDC, the State of Pennsylvania and others as we make difficult decisions. We understand you and your loved ones are impacted by these decisions so we are striving to keep you informed through the documents and videos posted on the website for each affiliate as well as at LandisCommunities.org/covid.
Today’s update is intended to give you an overview of all parts of Landis Communities and how affiliates are working together. Leaders from across the organization gather by video conference each morning to discuss important issues. Larry Zook, President/CEO of Landis Communities and members of the Leadership Team, Evon Bergey, VP of Community Initiatives and Michelle Rassler, VP of Operations/Executive Director of Landis Homes have contributed to this update.
How are the Affiliates working together and supporting each other?
There are three primary areas of collaboration:
- Screening of team members – the system for screening was developed and a process was put in place for staff to administer at all sites
- Staffing – to prepare for staff needs moving forward, a survey was conducted with all team members. We can now cross train staff and implement a process to identify needs across Landis Communities and who is available to work.
- Supplies – inventory has been accessed across Landis Communities.
Are there any concerns regarding supplies?
The reality is that supplies will likely be depleted. Each entity is ordering what they can and we have the information to request emergency allocations. We are also being creative. For example, at Landis Homes and Welsh Mountain Home, volunteers are helping to make masks.
What is happening at each affiliate?
Landis Homes
While only essential visitors are able to come to campus, we are trying to maintain as much normalcy for residents as possible. For Residential Living residents, The High Learning & Wellness Center continues to be a place where people can connect, while maintaining appropriate six feet social distance. Although we have postponed Pathways Institute classes, the fitness area and swimming pool are open to residents at this time (with additional safety measures and frequent cleaning). This supports residents in staying healthy and having quality of life at this difficult time. In Personal Care and Healthcare, we are helping residents to find new ways to connect with loved ones. Video messaging has begun and we are working on a plan for “outside the window” times like have been seen on the news or social media. We will reach out to families soon.
Landis at Home
Landis at Home has a strong workforce that is continuing to secure clients at Landis Homes and in the community. They are observing universal precautions.
Landis Adult Day Services
Based on Governor Wolf’s recommendation, ADS closed 3/17/2020 and will remain closed through 3/31/2020. This date will be re-evaluated as it gets closer. Team members are supporting other areas of Landis Communities.
Steeple View Lofts
Residents at Steeple View Lofts are supporting each other. Non-essential visitors are discouraged and visitors and vendors are being screened.
WMH
Several cases of influenza have been identified at Welsh Mountain Home. Universal precautions are being practiced. Supplies are an issue but they are working with Landis Communities. At Mountain View Terrace, residents are practicing social distancing and discouraging visitors.
Pathways
Classes are currently postponed until April 1. More communication will be forthcoming over the next weeks.
How is the team doing?
There are many unknowns with this virus so the team is doing all they can to prepare for what could happen. At Landis Homes and Welsh Mountain Home, through Landis at Home, and at Steeple View Lofts, team members are thinking ahead and planning. They are also carefully responding to the many questions of residents and clients. As a whole, the team is fully functioning and working at high levels. Leadership is encouraging team members to care for themselves with time off to rest and refresh.
Are there messages we have heard from Board Members or Residents?
One of our Landis Communities Board members, Dr. Dan Mast, who is a physician and also chair of the Landis Homes Board, has expressed appreciation for the way everyone has come together to prepare. Dr. Mast also shared how important social distancing is to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This is essential for the health and well-being of all who are part of Landis Communities.
Many residents, who for many years have been prayer warriors, have told us that they are praying for all residents and clients of Landis Communities and for team members. This means so much to team members as well to know they are being prayed for.
What help is needed at this time?
- Prayers
- Supplies – we may have some needs in the near future – please watch for communications
- Financial support – this will be a need moving forward. We do not know the financial impact this will have across Landis Communities, but our priority is to have the team members we need to care for residents. We will share more on this soon.
One source for personal meditation and prayer is a daily meditation from Richard Rohr. This morning he shared thoughts about the current COVID19 pandemic…
“We are in the midst of a highly teachable moment. There’s no doubt that this period will be referred to for the rest of our lifetimes. We have a chance to go deep, and to go broad. Globally, we’re in this together. Depth is being forced on us by great suffering, which as I like to say, always leads to great love.”
In these uncertain times, we can be certain that we are surrounded by God’s love. Praying that we each experience this deep love today and in the coming days.
As we work to combat the spread of Coronavirus and Flu, we have instituted the following protocols for Welsh Mountain Home. Please note visits are not permitted at this time. Any essential vendors and all staff are being screened before they enter the building. If you have questions, please call 717-355-9522. Thanks for your understanding.
