Dear Wesley Doylestown Residents, Families and Staff,
I hope you were able to enjoy Thanksgiving despite how different our celebrations were this year. I was grateful for the mild weather and that I was able to meet some families as they came to do outdoor visits and drop off gifts and food. I also was happy to deliver Thanksgiving meals to staff who were working; we had an Italian Thanksgiving as we ordered Penne Pasta, Chicken, Meatballs and Salad (individually packaged) for each staff person from Boccelli’s on Main Street. The week of Thanksgiving, Chaplain Eric also meet with departments and individuals and gave a “Blessing of the Hands” to our staff and we provided a small lotion or hand sanitizer to each team member. Our staff are crucial, and regardless of their role, their hands, their heart and the work they do is so needed and appreciated. We wanted them to know how grateful we are to them.
WEL is in the process of preparing our COVID-19 vaccination policies and protocols. WEL DT has not been given any indication as to when we will receive the vaccine. WEL has partnered with CVS for vaccine administration. All WEL leadership strongly endorse this vaccine and plan to personally receive it as soon as guidance allows. Based on what we are hearing, it is likely that staff who come into routine direct contact will be prioritized. I will share any and all information I receive regarding the vaccine.
New COVID 19 Cases:
2 staff tested positive during surveillance testing in Skilled Nursing. The Bucks County DOH determined that these cases would not count as part of an outbreak due to the circumstances. (one had not worked at WEL for 14 days and the other had recently come out of quarantine)
1 PC staff tested positive after being symptomatic at home. Contact tracing was performed and no residents or staff were impacted by close contact. Last time on campus was 11/26/2020.
1 IL resident tested positive and is currently in quarantine (12/4/2020). Contact tracing was performed and no residents were impacted by close contact. 2 staff were impacted and are following the CDC and DOH guidelines.
All residents and staff who have tested positive are recovering or recovered. Please continue to keep them and all impacted with COVID-19 in your thoughts and prayers.
IL
Independent Living will continue to be closed to visitors. This is due to the Bucks County Positivity Rate (15.3%) and the recent positive test of an IL resident. Residents may still leave campus for shopping, appointments etc. Programs and activities will continue, as will fitness, and salon services.
As previously shared, if a resident is choosing to go to a gathering with family or friends, we are asking that they be respectful of our community and quarantine for 14 days after returning from the gathering. A negative test does not change the need for quarantine as per guidance of the CDC and PA DOH.
I have been asked about the recent modification of quarantine from 14 to 10 days. Please note, this modification does not apply to Health Care or congregate care settings as per guidance issued on 12/4/2020. As with a recent positive case on campus, the individual tested negative while in the initial phase of quarantine and then tested positive on day 10. Reducing quarantine by 4 days could prove to have a devastating impact on our community and our campus. Additionally, keep in mind that anyone traveling to Pennsylvania should quarantine for 10 days as should anyone from Pennsylvania traveling to another state, unless it is for work or medical care. To mitigate risk, our housekeeping staff will not be cleaning the apartments of residents who are quarantined. Wesley Home Care services will still be provided to those are currently contracted. Outside agencies may still provide services on campus but they must be a licensed, bonded agency and their staff must meet the criteria and guidelines to provide services on our campus.
Skilled Nursing
We have no residents who are positive for COVID 19 in Skilled Nursing. We continue to test staff 2x per week (last week 2 tested positive; see above). We continue to be closed to visitors due to the Bucks County Positivity Rate of 15.3%. We are moving to communal dining for lunch and dinner later this week. Activities are being offered in small groups in the activities areas. Therapy and rehabilitation services are occurring in the gym. We are still offering virtual and window visits. Please use our sign up genius for Face Time visits or call 215-345-4300 24 hours in advance of your window visit so the staff can plan and have your loved one ready for the visit. As a reminder for the window visit, the window must stay closed and only a 2-3 people should come to the window at a time.
PC
Because an additional resident tested positive on 11/27/2020, resident in Personal Care must continue to quarantine until 12/11/2020. We also have one addition test pending that may prove to be positive for a PC resident. One staff member tested positive on Mon 11/30/2020 (see above). We will continue to test staff and residents through 12/11/2020. Meals are being delivered to residents’ rooms and activities are being offered in rooms as well. Currently hairdressing services are postponed until Personal Care moves to the next phase. Residents may leave for doctor’s appointments but we ask that you notify staff of the appointment in advance. If a resident is in the car with family/friends they must have a mask on; be reminded that being in a car is close contact. Personal Care is closed for in person visits but email rgonzalez@wel.org and kmims@wel.org or 215-345-4300 for a virtual visit.
We are asking that any drop off of items for residents take place between 10am and 4pm. If you are delivering perishable items, please make the receptionist aware. We are reviewing recommendations for the December Holidays and will be sharing information soon. As you know the circumstances change weekly, daily and sometimes hourly. We appreciate your ongoing understanding and support. I am available for any questions or concerns.
We wish all our residents, families and staff celebrating the festival of lights a Happy and Joyful Hanukkah.