Apr 1, 2020 | Community
It’s been said that “technology drives us apart.” However, at Moravian Manor Communities we believe the opposite. It is times like these when we can celebrate technology and its ability to bring people together when connectivity is most needed.
Life Plan Communities (formerly called Continuing Care Retirement Communities) are considered to be essential and life sustaining businesses, and continue to operate 24/7 during these uncertain times. In doing so, we have to be resourceful in making sure the emotional and social needs of residents and their family members are met. In addition to using technology such as FaceTime to keep residents in assisted living and personal care, as well as in our nursing center in touch with family and friends, we’ve been using applications like Zoom to keep residents fit and informed.
We know that exercise increases your overall health and your sense of well-being, which puts more pep in your step every day! Our Community Life Director has been using Zoom to help residents stay active through virtual classes such as Chair Yoga, Tai Chi, and Meditation. It’s equally important for residents to be able to exercise their voices and continue to have the opportunity to participate in meetings like Resident Council, and that is why we will be conducting our next Resident Council meeting virtually. Our Information Technology staff has been helping residents become more acquainted with the technology that is available to them, as well as assisting with installation, set ups, and upgrades.
Welcoming new Residential Living residents to our community also has taken a unique turn. The typical face-to-face meeting that included a traditional handshake and a warm welcome has been replaced with a virtual meeting and a smile using FaceTime. While it’s not the way we want to welcome new residents to life in Lititz at Moravian Manor Communities, we believe it’s the safest way to introduce them to their new community and help get them acclimated to their new surroundings.
Mar 20, 2020 | COVID Update
TO: Residents and Staff
FROM: David Swartley, President/CEO
DATE: March 20, 2020
RE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Update #4
I am writing to bring everyone up to date on the most recent developments regarding COVID-19. I could probably write several updates per day; I am attempting to keep it to one per week!
This past Saturday, we decided to close our Children’s Corner on Monday, March 16. Our original schedule was to close on Friday, March 27, permanently. On Monday afternoon, Governor Wolf announced the closing of “all non-essential services” for a minimum of two weeks. Our dining services are essential; however, there are some changes to our service in the Owl’s Nest. Until further notice, we are suspending Breakfast and Coffee Service. The following modifications to lunch and dinner service will begin on Tuesday, March 17. Our full menu will be available for Lunch and Dinner ONLY for Take-Out service by Curbside Delivery or Pick-Up. Hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. To place an order, call the Owl’s Nest at 717-626-3559. There will be NO service on Sunday. Residents with mobility or health challenges can arrange for door to door delivery by working with a member of the Dining Team or Jennifer.
There will be a “carry-out” service for Garden Court Residents in the Garden Court Dining room from Monday through Friday. You may call the dining services number to place your order at 717-625-7616. Meals can be delivered if you have ambulatory issues.
This past week we also closed the Smart Fit Studio. In conjunction with this, the Lititz Rec Center also is closed.
Each day we have a team that meets to discuss the questions that come up in the previous twenty-four hours. Many of these questions have to do with employee questions. We have several employees self-quarantined due to travel or exposure to high-risk situations. Fortunately, it appears that testing is finally arriving in a meaningful fashion. We believe that we will see a spike in Lancaster County over the next week. This spike is expected, particularly with better testing in place.
The Governor has halted construction activity this morning. Several residences are completed, and the residents need to move in (no turning back). However, we will not be completing any additional homes until the ban on construction is lifted. For those few move-ins to occur, we will be taking temperatures and screening our new move-ins as they occur. The screening will include taking the temperature of the movers. The key ingredient in beating this virus is social distancing. For introverts, this may be a time of peace. For extroverts, it will be exceedingly uncomfortable.
I want to reiterate the items from last week’s communication:
- All visitors are restricted from Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, and Personal Care.
- Personnel will be required to have their temperature taken to enter the building.
- All residential residents who are returning from travel outside the immediate area need to “report in” with Jennifer Shutt as to their destination and answer a questionnaire.
- We have canceled group meetings and activities at both campuses; however, Vespers will still be broadcast.
- Residents in Skilled Nursing, Personal Care, and Assisted Living are restricted to their immediate areas. They may not use the café or any other public gathering place.
- We have closed the Outpatient Therapy Center in the Baer Center for Assisted Living.
- There will be no Beauty Shop services for Residential Living residents.
- We have restricted Residential Living fobs to the main entrance lobby doors (access at the Founders Campus); Garden Court residents will continue to have access to the entrances specific to their area.
- Garden Court Residents are prohibited using the Baer Center for Assisted Living as a passageway.
The following tips may be helpful.
- Stay hydrated.
- Cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow. Do NOT use your hands!
- Please keep your hands away from your face (this has proven to be my most challenging change of behavior).
- Frequently wash your hands 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. Our housekeeping staff is currently completing additional disinfection rounds.
- If you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better.
- Turn off the news for a few hours and listen to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Creedence Clearwater Revival is not as relaxing as classical music!
- Remember that time in your life when you craved for more free time and less responsibility. That time is now.
- If you are able, walk outside and enjoy the warmer weather. Then, walk some more!
The current situation is troubling. However, at some point, this will be history. The markets will eventually recover, as well. The better we adhere to the advice of the CDC, the more quickly we move through this crisis. We all appreciate your help in accomplishing this task!
If you have further questions, please email Dr. Lynn Swisher, NHA, Vice President of Health Services, lynns@moravianmanor.org or Donna Gerofsky, RN, ICP, donnag@moravianmanor.org.
Mar 17, 2020 | Culinary
COVID-19 UPDATE: Please note that The Owl’s Nest hours have been modified. Dine-in is currently only open to Moravian Manor Communities’ residents, but curbside pick-up is available to the public. Please call 717- 626-3559 with any questions.
Open to the public daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Owl’s Nest Restaurant & Sippery, on our Warwick Woodlands campus, features an array of daily fresh, local farm/sea to table comfort food “with a twist.”
“In planning the menu for The Owl’s Nest, we wanted to utilize locally sourced and sustainably produced ingredients to help elevate the menu and set it apart,” explains Bill Kehler, General Manager of Dining Services at Moravian Manor Communities. “A majority of our menu proteins are sourced from Indian Ridge Provisions, based in Telford, out in Bucks/Montgomery County, PA. We’ll also be featuring ice cream from Fox Meadows Creamery and soft pretzel products from Dutch County Pretzels, both located in our neighboring town of Ephrata. And our coffee is sourced right from Whiff Roasters, based right here in Lititz.”
“The saying ‘Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food’ really comes to life at The Owl’s Nest,” shares Nicole Michael, Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing of Moravian Manor Communities. “We know people have shifted their focus to food sourcing information, and want to know where the food came from that’s on their plate. That’s possible at The Owl’s Nest, all while supporting the local farming and sustainable seafood economy.”
The Owls’ Nest locally sourced and sustainably produced food partners include:
Royal Tide Salmon Co. – providing premium farm-raised Atlantic Salmon off the coast of northeastern Canada, where natural tidal exchanges serve to circulate the water to ensure healthy fish and minimal environmental impact. We receive the healthier and better tasting salmon from the ocean to kitchen in less than 48 hours.
Freebird – produces antibiotic free poultry raised on family-owned farms here in Pennsylvania, delivering a moist and tender eating experience on a consistent basis.
Pennsylvania Proud – Indian Ridge’s exclusive trademark label that encompasses all beef, pork, poultry, artisanal cheese, and other products made in Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. All proteins can be source-verified.
Fox Meadows Creamery – Started in the 1950s, this dairy farm is a leader in Lancaster County in milk quality. Great ice cream starts with farm-fresh milk, and the creamery will provide The Owl’s Nest with their signature and creative flavors.
Dutch County Soft Pretzels – For more than 25 years, their original and unique recipe has been a favorite of Lancaster County, where quality, fresh and natural ingredients and homemade goodness go hand-in-hand.
Whiff Roasters – This specialty roaster has the highest-grade Arabica beans acquired from estates all over the world. All coffees are freshly roasted, made to order in small, custom batches, which carries over from the bean to your cup.
The restaurant, located at 600 W. 6th Street, is open to the public and no reservations are required. But while The Sippery maintains a liquor license, it is a “club license,” which means we can only serve residents and guests of residents of Moravian Manor Communities.
Check the latest menus and specials and our hours of operation.
Mar 13, 2020 | COVID Update
TO: Residents, Staff and Children’s Corner Parents
FROM: David Swartley, President/CEO
DATE: March 13, 2020
RE: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
I am writing to give an update regarding the Coronavirus. As a provider of health care services for residents who are most vulnerable to this virus, I am attempting to provide regular, clear, and easy to understand updates.
First and foremost, medical professionals at the State and Federal level, as well as our Medical Director (Lancaster General/Penn Medicine), inform us of the best practices daily. As stated previously, additional information and updates are available at the following websites: Pennsylvania Department of Health: www.health.pa.gov. Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov. These websites are updated regularly.
The landscape continues to change rapidly. Following the Pennsylvania Department of Health recommendations, we are implementing the following guidelines:
- Beginning Saturday, March 14, all visitors will be restricted from the Founders Campus.
- Essential personnel will be required to complete questionnaires and have their temperature taken to enter the building.
- All residential residents who are returning from travel outside the immediate area need to “report in” with Jennifer Shutt as to their destination and any health-related concerns.
- We have requested all staff to cancel any upcoming cruises. Employees refusing to do so will have a fourteen-day, self-quarantine imposed.
- We have canceled all group meetings and activities at both campuses
- We will broadcast our Vesper Service, but attendance will be prohibited.
- Beginning on Saturday, March 14, no volunteers on campus.
- Effective, Monday, March 16, no nursing students permitted on campus.
- We have canceled all outside events held at Moravian Manor Communities.
- Residents in Skilled Nursing, Personal Care, and Assisted Living are restricted to their immediate areas. They may not use the café or any other public gathering place.
- We have closed the Outpatient Therapy Center in the Baer Center for Assisted Living.
- There will be no Beauty Shop services for Residential Living residents.
- Residential Living fobs will be restricted to the main entrance lobby doors (access at the Founders Campus); Garden Court residents will continue to have access to the entrances specific to their area.
Dining Protocols:
- The café is closed to residents from all areas. Grab and go meals will be prepared for the staff on duty. The café is not to be used as a place to congregate.
- There will be “carry-out” service for Garden Court Residents in the Garden Court Dining room from Monday through Friday. You may call the dining services number to place your order at 717-625-7616. Meals can be delivered if you have ambulatory issues. This service should only be requested if you need assistance in getting the meals to your apartment.
- Garden Court Residents are prohibited using the Baer Center for Assisted Living as a passageway.
- The Owl’s Nest will remain open for all Residential Living Residents. Any group gatherings in the Owls
- Nest, Fireside Lounge, or the Hall of Fame Room are prohibited.
- We have canceled ALL resident gatherings or activities.
- Catering events are not permitted.
- No Resident Dies Alone (NRDA) is placed in hiatus for the foreseeable future.
As stated in my previous memo, please continue to follow the processes stated below!
- Stay hydrated.
- 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.
- If you answer “yes” to any questions on our front entrance reception questionnaire, please wait fourteen days to visit.
Please be aware of fraudulent schemes during times of crisis. Fear creates the environment to make people more susceptible to “bad actors.” I found it interesting that the former PTL evangelist, Jim Bakker, has been issued a cease-and-desist letter for his current marketing of a product that will cure you of the Coronavirus! Moral of the story, some things never change! Please be careful!
The goal of this communication is not to incite panic. The realities are that the percentages of infection at this point are minimal. Simple steps can keep us safe and increase the likelihood that we maintain a safe environment for everyone. We are implementing many restrictions to do whatever we can to protect the most vulnerable residents among us. We all appreciate your help in accomplishing this task! Thank you.
If you have further questions, please email Dr. Lynn Swisher, NHA, Vice President of Health Services,
lynns@moravianmanor.org or Donna Gerofsky, RN, ICP, donnag@moravianmanor.org.
Mar 9, 2020 | COVID Update
TO: Residents, Staff and Children’s Corner Parents
FROM: David Swartley, President/CEO
DATE: March 9, 2020
RE: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
I am writing to give an update regarding the Coronavirus. Perhaps, some of you are tired of hearing about the virus. Indeed, our news cycles have kept the issue front and center for all of us. As a senior care provider, we realize that many of our residents in health care are vulnerable, very similar to being susceptible to the annual flu strain.
The good news is that we have infection control protocols in place every day of the year. The recommendations from our Federal and State agencies are practices that are in place and monitored continuously.
Recent news announced the arrival of the Coronavirus to Pennsylvania. At the time of this writing, there are no known cases in Lancaster County. One change implemented is that we are closing all entrances to visitors except our main entrance. Directing visitors to one entry allows us to monitor who is coming and going from our facility. As residents of Moravian Manor Communities, your fobs will continue to work as always since you are very aware of our procedures. (Manor West Residents accompanied by a family member can use the Manor West entrance). We have increased our disinfecting intervals as well.
If the Coronavirus arrives in Lancaster County, we will continue to tighten our procedures. Changes will include eliminating mass meetings (such as Vespers) and further scrutinize visitors to our facility. Should the virus become active in our main building, further actions will follow, and we will isolate any resident with the illness to the best of our ability.
At present, we are unable to purchase and have the same week delivery on some of the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), such as masks. We are on a waiting list to purchase additional supplies; meanwhile, we have several month’s supplies on hand. The Coronavirus is not a situation to take lightly; however, there is also no reason to panic. It is the simple things that make the difference. As stated in my previous memo, please continue to follow the processes stated below!
• 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.
• If you answer “yes” to any questions on our front entrance reception questionnaire, please wait 14 days to visit.
Also, additional information and updates are available at the following websites: Pennsylvania Department of Health: www.health.pa.gov. Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov
If you have further questions, please email Dr. Lynn Swisher, NHA, Vice President of Health Services, lynns@moravianmanor.org or Donna Gerofsky, RN, ICP, donnag@moravianmanor.org
