Update from Administrator – January 29, 2021
January 29, 2020
Dear Families,
As always, we hope this letter finds you safe and healthy!
We currently have no COVID in the building and our second-floor unit that was opened temporarily for a few positive residents is now closed.
I would also like to announce we will resume visitation on Monday February 8. There are a few extra hurdles this time, but nothing we cannot overcome. The state has provided us with rapid tests with which to test visitors prior to entering. We will have someone to screen you and after screening, we will do the rapid test. You will then return to your car for 20 minutes while we await the results. After 20 minutes you will be able to come back into the building and sit in the main dining room for your visit. If you test positive, a staff member will come out and notify you. For anyone that tests positive, we recommend you schedule a time to get a PCR test through your primary care provider (or go to any public testing sites Rhode Island might have open at the time).
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE FACILITY TO SCHEDULE A VISIT. WE WILL BEGIN REACHING OUT TO FAMILIES NEXT WEEK TO SCHEDULE VISITATION.
We are very excited that our residents and staff have had now had the opportunity to receive their initial and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from CVS here at our center. Any resident and staff member who did not participate in the first round, but did during the second visit, will have the opportunity to receive their second dose of the vaccine on our third date, 2/14/2021
With the first round complete in most nursing homes and the second doses in many, the state has already reported a decrease in nursing home cases of CVOID among residents and staff, further proof that the vaccine works and we’re doing our part to eliminate COVID!
We have encouraged as many residents as possible to get this vaccine. As we have learned, the elderly and those with significant health concerns have a much higher risk for getting very sick, being hospitalized, or succumbing from COVID-19. The vaccine has been shown to provide a great deal of protection against serious illness due to COVID-19.
As you know by now, this vaccine has gone through testing and clinical trials to ensure it meets the highest safety standards. It also is safe and recommended if you already had the virus. The health and safety of our residents is always our top priority, and we are confident this vaccine is a much better option than the risk of getting this virus. If you have any questions, please contact Nicholas Lutzel at Administrator@summitcommonsrhcc.com with any questions. We can provide you with up to date, independent research, and links to various educational websites.
We will continue to take all necessary precautions after the vaccine is administered, including wearing personal protective equipment and conducting regular testing, to ensure the safety of our residents and staff.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We are hopeful that the vaccine will be a lifesaving turning point in the fight against COVID-19. We look forward to getting back to a “new normal,” with families and friends again visiting our center on a regular basis. Entertainers coming back into the center to further enrich the lives of our residents.
Thank you and please stay safe and healthy!
Thank you,
Nicholas Lutzel
Administrator