Dear Residents, Families and Employees: 

This past week we readmitted a resident from the hospital, who when tested prior to readmission was determined to be COVID positive.    Due to the rising positivity rate of >5% over the past two weeks in Philadelphia County, 5.6% as of August 12, we will resume bi-weekly testing of staff. 

Philadelphia Department of Health has mandated that facemasks are to be worn indoors at all businesses, unless the business is checking the vaccination status of those customers.  We have been required throughout the pandemic to wear facemasks, regardless of the vaccination status of visitors, vendors, staff and residents. 

We will be implementing some changes to our most recent visiting practices, effective Monday, August 23.  Please see the attached guidelines. 

At this time, booster vaccinations are not being recommended for the long-term care population, and the target group is limited to immunocompromised people such as those who have had organ transplants or have cancer.  Tracking of the on-going effectiveness of the vaccine in order adults and those in nursing homes by the various federal agencies continues.

For all visitors who are not vaccinated, you will no longer be permitted to visit in the community beginning August 23.  Please make the choice to get vaccinated.  Walk-in vaccinations are available at various pharmacies such as Walgreen’s, Rite-Aid and CVS.  Our pharmacy partner, Friendship Pharmacy, is also offering COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment.  

As you are aware, Wesley Enhanced Living has mandated that all employees are vaccinated by August 31.  Staff who are not fully vaccinated, or in the process of being vaccinated will no longer be employed with our community.  Philadelphia Department of Health stated today that all healthcare workers (including vendors, contractors and volunteers) in Philadelphia must be fully vaccinated by October 15.  WEL will be following the policy that we introduced in July. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me directly at the email address slachman@wel.org or by phone. 

Stay well,

Suzanne H. Lachman, LNHA

Executive Director

267.348.3340

COVID-19 VACCINATION CHANGES:  EFFECTIVE Monday, August 23, 2021

ALL:

  • Everyone must enter through the Main Entrance of the community
  • All parties must be scanned via AccuShield, located in the vestibule
  • All parties must wear a facemask prior to entering the lobby
  • All parties must sanitize their hands prior to entering the lobby
  • All parties must go directly to their destination/location in the community
  • No one may wait in the lobby until their visiting time begins
  • Fully vaccinated residents may sit in the lobby

INDEPENDENT LIVING:

  • INDEPENDENT LIVING VISITS ONLY: All visitors must make an appointment using Sign-Up Genius link:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48AEA62DA2FFC07-independent Access #:  8401 
  • Facemasks must be worn at all times covering the nose and mouth in common areas
  • Outdoor visits permitted
  • No visiting in common areas
  • No children under the age of 12 will be permitted to visit in the community
  • All visitors 12 years of age or older must provide proof of being fully vaccinated
  • Flu vaccines will be required beginning October 1, 2021; proof will be required
  • No food or beverages may be consumed in common areas
  • Non-vaccinated residents may not eat in the Fireside Dining Room or Bistro

PERSONAL CARE:

  • PERSONAL CARE VISITS ONLY:  All visitors must make an appointment using Sign-Up Genius link:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48AEA62DA2FFC07-personal1 Access #:  8401
  • Facemasks must be worn at all times covering the nose and mouth in common areas
  • Outdoor visits permitted
  • No visiting in common areas
  • No children under the age of 12 will be permitted to visit in the community. 
  • All visitors 12 years of age or older must provide proof of being fully vaccinated
  • Flu vaccines will be required beginning October 1, 2021; proof will be required
  • No food or beverages may be consumed in common areas
  • Visitors and residents must wash/sanitize their hands after touching

HEALTH CENTER:

  • HEALTH CENTER VISITS ONLY:  All visitors must make an appointment using Sign-Up Genius link:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48AEA62DA2FFC07-health1 Access #:  8401
  • Facemasks must be worn at all times covering the nose and mouth in common areas
  • Outdoor visits permitted
  • No children under the age of 12 will be permitted to visit in the community. 
  • All visitors 12 years of age or older must provide proof of being fully vaccinated
  • Flu vaccines will be required beginning October 1, 2021; proof will be required
  • No food or beverages may be consumed in common areas
  • Packaged items may be given to the resident for consumption in their room
  • Visits are limited to one 45 minute visit per week
  • Two visitors permitted at each visit
  • Visits will not take place on the health center, excluding compassionate visits
  • Compassionate visits must be requested through Social Services or the Nursing Manager and approved
    • Only for spouse or resident responsible person (POA, guardian, etc.)
    • End of life visits may include two immediate family members
  • Visitors and residents must wash/sanitize their hands after touching