Since my last update, there have been no residents, and no employees tested positive for COVID-19.
Today’s update will reiterate some information shared during our ZOOM meeting today with our residents.
Mark Hirschman, President of the Resident’s Association, reminded all of us that with entering the “Yellow Phase,” we still need to be careful. He told us not to forget the basics. Frequent handwashing with soap and water for twenty seconds. When in the presence of others, please wear a mask. Practice social distancing. His reminder is timely. As we move through this pandemic, we are likely to get careless. Our excellent results have come from all of us working as a community; together. As our Medical Director recently reminded me, “just because we moved into another phase, does not mean the virus has changed!”
This week is the first week of initiating mandatory testing of our employees and residents in our care areas. Up to this point, our testing has been voluntary. We are completing twenty percent of the employees and residents each week. We will continue this weekly testing until further notice.
The COVID-19 Task Force discussion this week focused on contact tracing. Soon, we will distribute forms for those who wish to participate. The tracing involves documenting all interactions with other people. These forms are for you to keep. If someone ultimately tests positive, this is helpful information in determining where the exposure was initiated. If there is a situation where a staff member or resident tests positive for COVID-19, those affected will be required to complete contact tracing.
From Tansy Rodgers, FNTP (Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner), Health and Lifestyle Coach, Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor, and Physical Therapist Assistant
It was once thought that maintaining a strong immune system was only important during the cold weather months when the chances of catching a cold or the flu was high. In actuality, a strong immune system proves to be important 24 hours a day / 7 days a week / 365 days a year…and at all stages of life.
With the rise in sugary drinks and processed, packaged foods dominating the store shelves, protecting your immune system is a key component to long-lasting vitality and optimal health for years to come.
Taking care of your gut health is key when wanting to boost your immune system — 70 percent of immune cells are in the digestive tract. We want to keep the gut strong and feed the body the nutrients it needs, all at the same time. Here are 9 foods that are power-packed with immune-boosting health benefits:
1. Dark green leafy vegetables: Naturally low in sugar and high in life-giving chlorophyll, green leafy vegetables give you more sustained energy. They are also high in fiber, Vitamins A, C, and K. Eat a variety of greens such as kale, spinach, mustard greens, dandelion, collard greens, beet greens, swiss chard, just to name a few.
2. Vegetables: Vegetables are packed with a variety of immune builders and it pays to eat a variety. They are high in prebiotic fibers, which help to nourish the growth of good bacteria that exist naturally in your gut by contributing to an environment that is optimal for good digestive health. Gut health is critical for immune health. Vegetables are also high in Vitamins A, B6, C, K, copper, and polyphenols. Try foods such as broccoli, carrots, brussel sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, Jerusalem artichokes, jicama, kale, onion, root vegetables, and seaweed.
3. Bright colored fruit and berries: Even though fruit can be high in sugar, they still give your body a healthy dose of Vitamin C, antioxidants, and polyphenols. And, foods like apples, bananas, and berries are loaded with prebiotic fibers. Since fruit can be high in sugar, stick to 1-2 servings of fruit a day. Try noshing on guava, kiwi, currants, or any other fruit that fits your taste buds.
4. Nuts and seeds: These gems are not only loaded with heart-healthy fats, but they are also high in Vitamins B6, E, thiamine, selenium, and zinc. Boost your immune system with almonds, pumpkin seeds, brazil nuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts, and pistachios.
5. Fish/Seafood: Choosing a high-quality fish or seafood is an excellent source of protein that nourishes the immune system as well as the heart and the brain. These are high in Vitamins B12, D, selenium, phosphorus, and zinc. Make sure to buy wild-caught instead of farm raised. Try mixing it up with fish, sardines, mackerel, cod liver oil, oysters, salmon, and trout.
6. Fermented foods: Like prebiotic fiber, fermented foods are good for gut health. They help to boost the good gut bacteria and create a stronger gut lining, important for a strong immune system. Try foods such as sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, fermented and/or cultured foods, etc.
7. Bone broth: Bone broth improves your gut health, enabling the immune system cells there to function effectively and prevent pathogens from moving from your digestive tract throughout your body. It also helps to restore the intestinal lining, resulting in improved intestinal functioning.
8. Herbs and Spices: Busting at the seams with antioxidants, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and/or antiviral properties, herbs and spices are like the icing on top of the proverbial cake — they boost the power of your food. They are also abundant in Vitamins A, C, B6, E, K, folate, and iron. Try chili, cayenne, tarragon, garlic, turmeric, thyme, basil, bay leaf, curry, oregano, parsley, rosemary, cilantro, etc.
9. Beans and Lentils: Not only are beans delicious, but they are also rich in fiber to keep things moving along. Eat a serving of beans and you will also get folate, thiamine, and iron. Try aduki beans, black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, and lentils.
Eating these foods locally and seasonally will boost your immune system even further. Seasonal foods are at their freshest and most dense in nutrients, giving you the biggest bang for your buck. And local foods? Not only do they support your community and local farmers, but they have less travel time and can be picked when they are at their ripest!
Check out these local farmers markets for the freshest pick of the crop:
Not a local? Check out www.localharvest.org, where you can type in your zip code and obtain a list of local shops, CSAs, farms, farmers markets and events!
Interested in learning more about wellness from Tansy? Visit her website at www.tansyrodgers.com.
TO: Residents and Staff FROM: David Swartley, President/CEO DATE: June 5, 2020 RE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Update #16
Since my last update, there have been no residents and no employees tested as positive for COVID-19.
Today’s update will reiterate some information already shared regarding Lancaster County moving to the Yellow Zone. The move to “Yellow” brings many questions and concerns from our residents and the broader community. As our country mourns the tragic event in Minnesota and the ensuing protests, it creates a backdrop of high anxiety for all of us.
Yesterday, the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce released some guidance for business’ reopening. One document was entitled, “De-escalation tips for managing disruptive behaviors.” The Chamber, in their wisdom, realizes that with tensions high, businesses may have new and unique situations to manage as they reopen. The one point emphasized, “Focus on the Future.” I think that should be our mantra here at Moravian Manor Communities. Not every decision administration makes (in conjunction with the COVID-19 Task Force) seems 100% logical. Weighing the risk of every decision truly becomes a balancing act. With this preamble, I share some of the changes that will occur today:
Social distancing and mask requirements do not change.
Handwashing and hygiene are as important as ever. Please do not stop now!
Use of Woodshop, Train Room, Ceramic Room, and Gardening is permitted. As these areas open, social distancing guidelines remain.
We are encouraging any groups to have a maximum of 10 individuals if possible (Commonwealth Guidance is a maximum of 25).
The library and salons will remain closed at this point. Both areas are in our care area footprint, which remains restricted.
The Owl’s Nest will begin offering outdoor dining. Reservations are required.
If any visitor is sick, PLEASE tell them to stay away! Please ask your visitors if they have been recently exposed to someone with COVID-19. If so, ask them to delay their visit.
Housekeeping services and non-essential maintenance orders have resumed service. Housekeeping services are only permitted using Moravian Manor Communities personnel.
If a Moravian Manor Communities employee (or others) are in your home, please social distance and wear a mask.
Remember, your most significant risk moving forward is congregating in groups, in an enclosed area without wearing masks.
Grocery shopping (courtesy service) will be discontinued. Staff who have been completing these orders will be transitioning back to their original duties.
Online grocery ordering (for pickup) can be done very reasonably. Please see Jennifer Shutt if you would like more information.
Skilled nursing, Assisted Living, and Personal Care residents will have access to scheduled window visits. These family visit need to be scheduled through Social Services. Visits will occur in specific areas to assure social distancing. Our care areas are closed; we do not permit unscheduled family visits outside resident windows.
The Lititz recCenter will be offering outdoor fitness classes Monday through Saturday from June 8 through July 3 for a modest fee (for members).
Marketing will begin to show empty units to members on the Wait List. They will adhere to social distancing and PPE Guidelines.
As the county begins to open up around us, we are concerned about our residents. In an attempt to keep our residents safe, we will be mandating COVID-19 testing for our employees (and care residents). Our goal is to complete twenty percent of our employees (in the care areas) every week. We will expand the twenty percent if we have positive test results. Testing is a significant undertaking; I want to give kudos to our staff for getting this underway.
I suspect, like myself, you are more than ready to get out of your house and be active. While the move to the Yellow Phase enables more activity, please don’t jeopardize your success by becoming careless!
Thomas Edison said, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
Don’t give up! Thank you again for your support of our excellent team and of each other. I am proud to be part of Moravian Manor Communities.
As a pet friendly community, Moravian Manor Communities’ two campuses welcome pets, from cats and dogs to fish and birds. We believe that pets help us live “in the moment” and have the innate ability to enrich our lives physically and emotionally.
PETS ON CAMPUS
In residential living, pets are welcome to live in all residences, and visit areas of skilled care, personal care and assisted living. Our pet policy does not have a weight/size limit in the cottages, carriage homes or townhomes, but dogs must be 50 pounds or less to reside in apartments and only the first floor as well. One dog per home is permitted or two cats, or a combination of one dog and cat, and we reserve the right to restrict certain breeds of dogs that are perceived as being aggressive per insurance guidelines.
PET FRIENDLY FINISHES – YES, WE HAVE THEM!
We also offer pet-friendly finishes that can be chosen as upgrades in residential living homes.
PETS IN THE COMMUNITY
Within our two campuses, interconnected sidewalk system keeps residents and their pets connected to our community. We also are connected to downtown Lititz, where residents and their pets can enjoy a casual stroll downtown. There’s also the Overlook Dog Park in Manheim Township, which provides a safe and fun environment for community dogs with separate fenced-in areas for large dogs, small dogs, and a common area for activities.
Back on campus, residents even celebrate their four-legged, furry friends, with “Yappy Hours,” which hopefully will be able to resume very soon!
Inda with Mia
Pippa and The Barbour Family
Connie with Pickle
Dale with Marshall
Gale and Tom with Amos and Eli
Hal with Molly
Joyce with Gracie
Don with Chloe
From L to R: Anna with Ben; Joanne with Caulfield; and Carol with Sparty
TO: Residents and Staff FROM: David Swartley, President/CEO DATE: May 29, 2020 RE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Update #15
Since my last update, there have been no residents, and no additional employees tested positive for COVID-19.
Yogi Berra, the well-known New York Yankee Catcher, and Manager was known for his “profound” quotes. One quote stated, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Another one of my favorites is, “The future ain’t what it used to be.”
The number of decisions made every day continues to amaze me. The truth of the matter is that our road forward is not clear. Yogi’s quotes, while amusing, are painfully accurate in today’s world.
Discussion this week pertained to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania moving Lancaster County to the “Yellow Phase” on Friday, June 5. The Yellow Phase results in some modest changes for our residential living residents. The following points were reviewed on our resident ZOOM call yesterday.
Social distancing and mask requirements do not change.
Use of Woodshop, Train Room, Ceramic Room, and Gardening is permitted. As these areas open, social distancing guidelines remain.
We are encouraging any groups to have a maximum of ten individuals if possible (Commonwealth Guidance is a maximum of 25).
Garden Court Apartment visitors are limited to the entrance at 521 W. 2nd Avenue. Visitors may not enter through the stairwell entrance, Lemon Street main lobby or at the Veranda entrance. It is important to limit traffic in and out of the building through this one entrance.
Visitors to the Woods Apartment are limited to the Main Entrance. Guests may not use any of the stairwell entrances, the entrance at the SmartFit Studio, the entrance at the Hall of Fame, or through the Owl’s Nest. It is important to limit traffic in and out of the building through this one main entrance.
The library and salons will remain closed.
Please do not sit outside at the Owl’s Nest to eat your lunch or dinner (this is under further review).
If any visitor is sick, PLEASE tell them to stay away!
Housekeeping services and non-essential maintenance orders have resumed service. Housekeeping services are only permitted using Moravian Manor Communities personnel.
Remember, your most significant risk moving forward is congregating in groups, in an enclosed area without wearing masks.
COVID-19 is deadly for seniors who have comorbidities. The difficulty will be maintaining balance as our world gradually opens up, and as we continue to serve frail seniors in our care areas.
This memo is my 15th update. This morning I reread my first update and the advice from three months ago stated:
Cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow. Do NOT use your hands!
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Clean surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones, remotes, and other often touched items.
If you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better.
The four points that started this conversation remain essential as we move into the next phases. (The CDC has become less concerned about surfaces in recent weeks and is focusing on droplet and airborne transmission and stressing mask usage). These simple, preventive acts do matter. Our COVID-19 Task Force is reminding everyone not to become complacent.
The week of June 8, we will begin testing 20 percent of staff and residents each week in our care areas. Mandatory testing is not a simple endeavor; however, our COVID-19 Task Force believes this is very important as the world around us begins to open.
I have attached a chart that summarizes what we should be doing concisely and transparently. The chart was forwarded to me by a resident earlier this week. Our team greatly appreciates our resident support during these unprecedented times.
I conclude with another “Yogi.” “If the world were perfect, it wouldn’t be.”
Thank you. Have a great and safe week; keep walking!
S: Stay home if you can, especially when sick
M: Mask when out
A: Avoid large groups and gatherings
R: Refresh indoor air
T: Ten feet is better than six (to avoid exposure to droplets, we know that we need to stay six feet apart, but the further away you are, the better)
Inda with Mia
Pippa and The Barbour Family
