Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
January 22, 2021 4PM
On Wednesday, January 20, Mountain View personal care residents and team members received the first dose of the two-dose Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Meadow View team members and residents are scheduled to receive their first dose on Saturday, January 30.
In addition, all of our skilled nursing households at Garden Spot Village are in the green phase, meaning that residents are able to host a limited number of guests.
For Garden Spot Village, these visits must be scheduled with Cynthia Monroe, Garden Spot Village visitation coordinator, 717.368.9249. At Maple Farm, window visits can be scheduled with the receptionist, 717.859.1191 and virtual visits with Laura Glick, at 717.859.5307.
Please note that because Lancaster County remains in substantial transmission status, we continue to test all staff and residents two times a week; a positive staff or resident test could change the visitation status at any point.
We are hopeful that the vaccine will make the need for universal testing less frequent in the near future.
Stauffer’s Pharmacy has been approved to administer COVID-19 vaccines for our Independent Living residents. We will communicate dates for those vaccine clinics when they are available. Residents can sign up to receive the vaccine by calling Resident Services at 717.355.6000.
Because Lancaster County’s transmission rate remains above 10%, independent living residents are still encouraged to visit with family and friends in common areas.
For additional information on cases and positivity rates for Lancaster County, visit the Covid Early Warning Dashboard.
January 11, 2021 4pm
Today marks a milestone in our COVID-19 response! One hundred and sixty Garden Spot Village team members and residents received the first dose of the two-dose Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Tomorrow, Maple Farm team members and residents will receive their first doses of the vaccine.
We are thankful for the opportunity to be rounding the corner in the pandemic – to see the light at the end of these dark days.
We continue to complete universal testing of skilled and personal care residents and team members twice a week. Testing will continue as long as Lancaster County remains in substantial transmission status. We are hopeful that the vaccine will make the need for universal testing less frequent in the near future.
Stauffer’s Pharmacy has been approved to administer COVID-19 vaccines for our Independent Living residents. We will communicate dates for those vaccine clinics when they are available.
Because Lancaster County’s transmission rate is back up to 14%, independent living residents are still encouraged to visit with family and friends in common areas.
For additional information on cases and positivity rates for Lancaster County, visit the COVID Early Warning Dashboard.
For additional information on the COVID-19 pandemic or the vaccine, visit the CDC website.
December 31, 2020 1pm
This is our last update for 2020. Regular updates will continue in 2021 and until this situation has passed. We have done our best to be transparent, open and upfront this year in these posts and in direct communications with residents, family and staff. We appreciate all the support and cooperation from everyone during these unprecedented times. Like every community, we have experienced the tragic impact of this virus… but we also know that it could be so much worse and that, even now, things can change instantly. It is because of this that we are very thankful to everyone who has been cooperative with the safety protocols that have been implemented and has helped to minimize the number of COVID-19 cases on campus. We have lived through this as a community and we will get through this as a community!
We were scheduled by CVS to begin vaccinating skilled nursing staff and residents Tuesday, December 29, 2020. However, they appeared to have had some scheduling issues and vaccination has been delayed. The first vaccine clinic for this group is now scheduled for January 11. Maple Farm was scheduled for January 4, but has also been delayed until January 12. We are anxious for this vaccination process to begin, as we know that this is the only way that this current situation will eventually end.
We have not yet received dates for Independent Living vaccinations, but we received good news that Stauffer’s Pharmacy was approved to provide this service for us. We will communicate further as soon as we hear something specific about dates and details for this vaccination. Until that happens, we continue to have positive cases being identified in both Independent Living and Skilled Nursing. Meadow View moved back to “Green” status on December 29 and are again able to have limited visitation.
The good news is that Lancaster County’s positivity rate is continuing to trend down and is currently at 13.8%. (It was 14.0% last week.) Keep in mind, however, that this is still very high and we all need to be especially careful whenever we are out of our homes. Until this number drops below 10%, we continue to ask you to visit with guests in the common areas of the building or outside.
Wishing you all a safe and happy New Year!
Steve Lindsey
December 30, 2020 4pm
December 29, 2020 11am
Garden Spot Communities is partnering with Omnicare by CVS for on-site distribution of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for skilled nursing team members and residents. We learned late yesterday that the first date for Garden Spot Village’s two-step vaccine was rescheduled to January 11. The second date is yet to be determined. Maple Farm’s tentatively scheduled dates for the two-step vaccine are January 4 and 25, 2021. This is the first of a multiphase implementation of the vaccine that will be rolled out over the next several months and will eventually include all staff and residents across our campuses. We will provide updates on later phases as they become available.
December 24, 2020 11am
Garden Spot Communities is partnering with Omnicare by CVS for on-site distribution of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for skilled nursing team members and residents. Garden Spot Village dates for the two-step vaccine will be December 29, 2020 and January 19, 2021. Maple Farm dates for the two-step vaccine will be January 4 and 25, 2021. This is the first of a multiphase implementation of the vaccine that will rolled out over the next several months and will eventually include all staff and residents across our campuses. We will provide updates on later phases as they become available.
We are encouraging all staff and residents to participate in the COVID vaccination. The scientific research provided to us indicates the vaccine is safe. We realize a lot of people have a lot of questions surrounding the vaccine. Here are a few of the questions we’ve been hearing:
- Is the vaccine safe? To quote one of the doctors, this is probably the safest vaccine ever developed. While this is the first time pharmaceutical companies have used mRNA technology in vaccines, it is not a new technology. It was used in earlier vaccines that were not brought to market because they were not needed.
- How effective is it? Studies show that the Pfizer vaccine is 95% effective and the Moderna vaccine is 94.1% effective.
- If I had COVID or a positive antibody test, do I need to get the vaccine? Yes. Doctors are saying the vaccine is better prevention than getting the infection and the antibody tests are unreliable.
- What were the standards for the trials? The FDA requires 3,000 test participants that are monitored for six weeks. Pfizer had 44,000 test participants and Moderna had 30,000; both trials were monitored for eight weeks.
- Will I still need to wear a mask? Yes. In the short term you will still need to wear a mask, follow social distancing guidelines and wash your hands regularly.
- Will staff and residents in skilled nursing still need to be tested regularly? Yes. Until we achieve herd immunity through vaccine distribution, we will still need to test regularly to assure residents and team members remain healthy.
Omnicare CVS offers an FAQ here.
The FDA offers an FAQ about the Pfizer vaccine here.
The American Medical Directors Association offers a very informative FAQ PowerPoint deck with statistics and other information here.
December 19, 2020 10am
As Christmas and New Year’s are quickly approaching, we continue to encourage our community to be especially careful with regards to COVID. We are carefully monitoring the transmission levels in Lancaster County. At the moment, the positivity rate in Lancaster County is below 15% which means that residents can continue to entertain visitors in common areas or outside. We continue to request that guests not visit independent living residents in their homes, unless there are special circumstances and the Social Services team has been consulted.
All guests coming to visit residents in the apartments must check in and be screened at the Apartment Suites Lobby or the Village Square. Guests should not enter through side entrances or resident patio doors.
Fortunately, CVS contacted Garden Spot Village and Maple Farm to coordinate dates to vaccinate all staff and residents in healthcare. Independent living staff and resident vaccines will be at an, as yet, undetermined future time. Here are additional details:
- We will be receiving the Pfizer Vaccine
- The vaccine will be administered by Omnicare CVS on-site at Garden Spot Village and Maple Farm
- The vaccine is a 2 step process
- Garden Spot Village Dates: December 29, 2020 & January 19, 2021
- Maple Farm Dates: January 4, 2021 & January 25, 2021
- We are encouraging all staff and residents to participate in COVID vaccination. The scientific research provided to us indicates the vaccine is safe. There are intentional misinformation campaigns and websites sponsored by small groups of people who oppose the vaccine. Please do your research and do not rely on hearsay and opinions. Your safety and the safety of others is our primary concern.
- To reiterate, we believe the vaccine is safe. We found this Webinar to be extremely informative. Please take the time to watch it. COVID-19 Vaccine|Answers to Your Questions.
- All healthcare staff and residents will need to sign a consent form. Families and POAs of residents in healthcare will be contacted ahead of time and a form will be sent to you. At this time we are working on the process and dates will be forth coming.
December 18, 2020 4PM
December 11, 2020 4PM
December 4, 2020 4PM
- Limit gathering sizes – even small gatherings carry risk.
- Avoid eating or drinking in groups where social distancing is not possible. We know this is a high-risk activity.
- Follow masking and social distancing guidelines.
- Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer.
November 24, 2020 4PM
- Limit gathering sizes – even small gatherings carry risk.
- Avoid eating or drinking in groups where social distancing is not possible. We know this is a high-risk activity.
- Follow masking and social distancing guidelines.
- Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer.
November 13, 2020 4PM
- Limit gathering sizes – even small gatherings carry risk.
- Avoid eating or drinking in groups where social distancing is not possible. We know this is a high-risk activity.
- Follow masking and social distancing guidelines.
- Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer.
Weekly case counts, positivity rates and updates are provided by the Department of Health on the Early Warning Dashboard
November 6, 2020 4PM
October 23, 2020 4PM
Limited family visits with Garden Spot Village skilled nursing, personal care and Meadow View memory support residents, as well as, people living at Maple Farm can be arranged and scheduled. Please contact Social Services to arrange these visits. Drop in visits cannot yet be accommodated in the health care areas per Pennsylvania Department of Health restrictions.
October 1, 2020 4pm
Limited family visits with Garden Spot Village skilled nursing, personal care and Meadow View memory support residents, as well as, people living at Maple Farm can be arranged and scheduled. Drop in visits cannot yet be accommodated in the health care areas per Pa Department of Health restrictions.
September 4, 2020 4pm
August 20, 2020 10AM
Here are a few details regarding visitation as it becomes available:
- Family members will be contacted directly regarding the visitation plans.
- Visits must be pre-scheduled, will start on the hour and will last for 40 minutes, allowing 20 minutes for cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces between visits.
- Four visitors may be present for each visit.
- All visitors over the age of two must wear masks for the duration of the visit.
- Visitors will be screened with temperatures and a series of questions. Anyone who has a temperature of 100.0F or higher or does not pass the screening questions will not be able to visit.
- When possible, visits will happen outdoors. In case of inclement weather or extreme heat, an indoor space has been identified for these visits.
August 11, 2020 4pm
- Family members will be contacted directly regarding the visitation plans.
- Visits must be pre-scheduled, will start on the hour and will last for 40 minutes, allowing 20 minutes for cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces between visits.
- Four visitors may be present for each visit.
- All visitors over the age of two must wear masks for the duration of the visit.
- Visitors will be screened with temperatures and a series of questions. Anyone who has a temperature of 100.0F or higher or does not pass the screening questions will not be able to visit.
- When possible, visits will happen outdoors. In case of inclement weather or extreme heat, an indoor space has been identified for these visits.
August 7, 2020 4pm
- Family members will be contacted directly regarding the visitation plans.
- Visits must be pre-scheduled, will start on the hour and will last for 40 minutes, allowing 20 minutes for cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces between visits.
- Four visitors may be present for each visit.
- All visitors over the age of two must wear masks for the duration of the visit.
- Visitors will be screened with temperatures and a series of questions. Anyone who has a temperature of 100.0F or higher or does not pass the screening questions will not be able to visit.
- When possible, visits will happen outdoors. In case of inclement weather or extreme heat, an indoor space has been identified for these visits.
In addition, we continue to have occasional cases of independent living residents who test positive for COVID-19. We continue to flag those areas of the campus to alert residents, team members and visitors.
July 7, 2020, 4PM
Starting Wednesday, July 8, we will begin screening only visitors who enter the main building. Visitors will need to check in at temperature screening stations inside the Apartment Lobby entrance and the Village Square entrance. All visitors must wear a mask while on campus and enter the main building at one of those locations and be screened prior to visiting with residents.
Although we continue to encourage outdoor visits, we realize the higher July temperatures may make that difficult. Therefore, indoor visits will be permitted beginning Wednesday, July 8. We encourage visits in public areas of the building as a first choice.
In addition, the following remain in place:
- All of our restaurants and other indoor services are closed to the public.
- Healthcare continues to remain closed as directed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
For the most up-to-date information on this topic, please visit the CDC website.
July 3, 2020 4PM
- Everyone entering campus must be screened and wear a mask. Everyone’s temperature will be taken at the screening tent and if anyone in the vehicle has a temperature of 100 degrees or higher, that vehicle will be denied access to the campus and those persons will be asked to visit at another time when their health issues have resolved. Please wear a mask as you approach the tent in consideration of our staff.
- All visits should be outdoors. Both masks and social distancing are required.
- All of our restaurants and other indoor services are closed to the public.
June 26, 2020 2PM
June 24, 2020 8AM
Last week we conducted universal testing in skilled nursing, as directed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. We believe that this effort to identify people who may be COVID-19 positive, but not exhibiting signs or symptoms, is an effective way to limit the spread of this virus. As is the case in most situations where universal testing is conducted, we did have some positive results. One team member at Garden Spot Village, two team members at Maple Farm and three residents at Maple Farm were all identified as being positive, even though they are asymptomatic. The team members are all taking time off with pay while they are self-isolating at home. The three residents at Maple Farm have been moved to an area of the building, which was specially prepared for this scenario and is separate from other residents.
As directed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and CDC, because there were asymptomatic results, all residents and staff in the skilled nursing households at Garden Spot Village and Maple Farm will be tested again this week.
Additionally, we have been notified in the last 72 hours that two separate independent living residents have tested positive for COVID-19. In both situations we have placed signage in the general area to let residents and guests know that these areas are off limits to the general public and that residents in those areas should be self-monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms. Social Services has been working to support these individuals with whatever services they need as they self-quarantine.
All the precautions as describe in our June 19 post remain in effect. We continue to remind residents and staff that COVID-19 remains a threat, encouraging everyone to make wise decisions.
We will continue to update this page once a week, on Fridays.
We continue to closely evaluate the guidance of the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health in our efforts to combat the spread of the virus.
For the most up-to-date information on this topic, please visit the CDC website.
June 19, 2020 4PM
Additionally, as added precaution, very specific protocols and practices based upon Department of Health and CDC guidelines, which include additional PPE and other measures have been initiated due to the few positive asymptomatic results. Affected staff are self-isolating at home.
- Healthcare will remain closed to visitors per PA Department of Health requirements. Window visits will be available for off-campus family. Visits must be scheduled through Social Services.
- Independent Living residents are welcome to host visitors outside. Visitors must enter the campus between 10am–7pm. Visits can occur in lawns, parking areas, the Pavilion, or patios. Visitors are expected to maintain social distancing while on campus. Visiting areas must be disinfected between visits.
- Staff at the screening tent on Linden Avenue will take temperatures of all visitors as they enter and all residents as they re-enter. For the safety of residents, anyone who refuses to comply will not be permitted to enter the campus. In addition, anyone who has a temperature greater than 100 degrees or is exhibiting signs of respiratory illness will not be permitted to enter the campus.
- Masks are required for all visitors. For the safety of residents, anyone who refuses to comply will not be permitted to enter the campus. Please know that wearing a mask is not a political statement; it is a public health imperative.
- Residents and staff will continue to wear masks when in public areas of the building or in close proximity to others outdoors. We will continue to adapt as we learn more about the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on our campus and in our community.
June 12, 2020 4PM
- Healthcare will remain closed to visitors per PA Department of Health requirements. Window visits will be available for off-campus family. Visits must be scheduled through Social Services.
- Independent Living residents are welcome to host visitors outside. Visitors must enter the campus between 10am–7pm. Visits can occur in lawns, parking areas, the Pavilion, or patios. Visitors are expected to maintain social distancing while on campus. Visiting areas must be disinfected between visits.
- Staff at the screening tent on Linden Avenue will take temperatures of all visitors as they enter and all residents as they re-enter. For the safety of residents, anyone who refuses to comply will not be permitted to enter the campus. In addition, anyone who has a temperature greater than 100 degrees or is exhibiting signs of respiratory illness will not be permitted to enter the campus.
- Masks are required for all visitors. For the safety of residents, anyone who refuses to comply will not be permitted to enter the campus. Please know that wearing a mask is not a political statement, it is a public health imperative.
- Residents and staff will continue to wear masks when in public areas of the building or in close proximity to others outdoors.We will continue to adapt as we learn more about the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on our campus and community.
June 5, 2020 12PM
Healthcare will remain closed to visitors per PA Department of Health requirements. Window visits will be available for off-campus family. Visits must be scheduled through Social Services.
- Independent Living visits will begin with outside visits only. Visitors must enter the campus between 10am–7pm. Visits can occur in lawns, parking areas, the Pavilion, porches and patios. Visitors are expected to maintain social distancing while on campus. Visiting areas must be disinfected between visits.
- The screening tent on Linden Avenue will take temperatures of all visitors as they enter and all residents as they re-enter. For the safety of residents, anyone who refuses to comply will not be permitted to enter the campus. In addition, anyone who has a temperature greater than 100 degrees or is exhibiting signs of respiratory illness will not be permitted to enter the campus.
- Masks are required for all visitors. For the safety of residents, anyone who refuses to comply will not be permitted to enter the campus. Please know that wearing a mask is not a political statement, it is a public health imperative.
- Residents and staff will continue to wear masks when in public areas of the building or in close proximity to others outdoors.
June 2, 2020 3PM
- Healthcare will remain closed to visitors per PA Department of Health requirements. Window visits will be available for off-campus family. These must be scheduled through Social Services.
- Independent Living visitation will begin with outside visits only. Visitors must enter the campus between 10am–7pm. Visits can occur in lawns, parking areas, the Pavilion, porches and patios. Areas must be disinfected between visits.
- The screening tent on Linden Avenue will resume taking temperatures for all visitors/residents. For the safety of residents, anyone who refuses to comply will not be permitted to enter the campus.
- Masks will be required for all visitors. For the safety of residents, anyone who refuses to comply will not be permitted to enter the campus. Please know that wearing a mask is not a political statement, it is a public health imperative.
- Residents, visitors and staff will continue to wear masks when in public areas of the building or in close proximity to others outdoors.
May 29, 2020 3pm
- Healthcare will remain closed to visitors per PA Department of Health requirements. Window visits will be available for off-campus family. These must be scheduled through Social Services.
- Independent Living visitation will begin with outside visits only. Visitation hours are between 10am–7pm. Visits can occur in lawns, parking areas, the Pavilion, porches and patios. Areas must be disinfected between visits.
- The screening tent on Linden Avenue will resume taking temperatures for all visitors/residents. For the safety of residents, anyone who refuses to comply will not be permitted to enter the campus.
- Masks will be required for all visitors. For the safety of residents, anyone who refuses to comply will not be permitted to enter the campus.
- Residents, visitors and staff will continue to wear masks when in public areas of the building or in close proximity to others outdoors.
May 26, 2020 3pm
May 22, 2020 4pm
We are thankful to report that we continue to be without any COVID-19 cases among residents in independent living and our healthcare areas (Mountain View, Laurel View and skilled nursing, including Maple Farm). In addition, since the one staff member tested positive last weekend, there have been no new cases among staff.
For the health and safety of our residents, recognizing that the Lancaster County reopening phase is currently RED as defined by the State of Pennsylvania, our campus remains closed to visitors and all our phase red precautions remain in place. We are just as anxious as everyone else and look forward to the day we can reopen.
We are well aware of the difficulty this places upon residents and their families, especially because we are coming up on another holiday weekend. During our weekly broadcast with residents yesterday, we encouraged them to remain overly cautious for a while longer for their own personal safety and the safety of all their neighbors. As the general public becomes less cautious, as reported from other areas, the risk and number of new cases increases. We ask for your support and cooperation, as well as holding off on visits for a while longer. Unfortunately, we have had people come to our screening tent expecting to visit and they have not been able to enter the campus. It is very uncomfortable for those expecting to visit and our staff who had to disappoint them.
As in the past, you are welcome to drop-off flowers, gifts or groceries at the screening tent and we will deliver them. We continue to encourage virtual visits using technology.
We continue to closely evaluate the guidance of the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health in our efforts to combat the spread of the virus. All staff and residents are wearing masks, as directed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
For the most up-to-date information on this topic, please visit the CDC website.
May 19, 2020 4pm
May 15, 2020, 4pm
May 12, 2020, 4PM
May 8, 2020, 4pm
May 5, 2020, 4pm
May 1, 2020, 1pm
April 28, 2020, 4pm
April 24, 2020
April 20, 2020, 4pm
April 17, 2020, 4pm
April 15, 2020, 4pm
We are thankful to report that there are no new cases of COVID-19 among staff and residents living in independent living or our healthcare areas (Mountain View, Laurel View and skilled nursing, including Maple Farm).
We know that as this situation continues, the necessity of continued social-distancing becomes more wearisome. However, just because we are physically separated doesn’t mean we need to be socially, mentally or spiritually isolated. We have been doing all we can to help people stay connected. We’ve helped to arrange many zoom calls between residents and family members. Residents are calling each other on the phone. Each Thursday Steve Lindsey (CEO), Steve Muller (COO) and Christy Turner (General Manager Dining Services) answer resident questions for an hour on our in-house TV network during Coffee & Conversation.
The creative team launched Connected, a weekly video series highlighting how residents and team members continue to stay connected each week. Chet Yoder, Chaplain, is releasing weekly ChapChats videos. Weekly Cooking Demonstration videos show people how to make delicious culinary dishes. Departments are creating engaging videos and so far thirteen wellness videos have been released. In total twenty seven videos and counting have been released to ease the challenges of social distancing. In addition, we’ve been reminding people that the “the outdoors” isn’t closed. Many residents are taking advantage of the beautiful walking trails around the campus and through the gardens, even while they are social distancing. While people may be choosing to self-isolate, they surely are not abandoned.
We remain vigilant. As the amount of testing increases in the larger community, we are seeing increased, precautionary testing of Garden Spot residents as well. As we reported earlier this week, to-date, all of the testing that has returned has been negative for COVID-19. We are thankful that at this moment, there are no tests pending. Please know that when someone is tested, we track each situation closely and support these individuals as they self-quarantine while they await test results.
All team members are routinely screened for symptoms and temperatures monitored daily (twice a day in healthcare). We also continue to monitor healthcare residents for symptoms, temperature and pulse oximetry daily.
Garden Spot Communities remains committed to keeping residents and team members safe during the COVID-19 crisis. We continue to closely evaluate the guidance of the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health in our efforts to combat the spread of the virus. Staff and residents are wearing masks, as directed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. In addition, we are disinfecting high-touch areas in public spaces every two hours.
In order to keep everyone on the campus as safe as possible, we continue to ask that friends and family respect the visitation restrictions that are in place and postpone face-to-face visits until after this situation has passed. Along with everything mentioned about, our Social Services team is working hard to support residents and families through this crisis and can assist in using technology to arrange for virtual visits between residents and family members.
We are accepting deliveries and care packages as well as grocery deliveries for residents at the screening tent.
If you would like to drop off items for a family member, please include their name and their address on the package and we will deliver it as quickly as possible.
For the most up-to-date information on this topic, please visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/covid19.
April 13, 2020, 4pm
Garden Spot Communities was blessed over the weekend with no new cases of COVID-19 among staff and residents living in independent living or our healthcare areas (Mountain View, Laurel View and skilled nursing, including Maple Farm). Staff were very happy to promptly deliver the many flowers, groceries and Easter Dinners family and friends dropped off for residents over the weekend. We are thankful to everyone who asked if they could come onto campus for a visit, and who graciously understood our extreme caution and simply dropped off their deliveries and departed. Many people thanked us for all the precautions that have been put in place to keep their loved ones safe.
In order to keep everyone on the campus as safe as possible, we continue to ask that friends and family respect the visitation restrictions that are in place and postpone face-to-face visits until after this situation has passed. Our Social Services team is working hard to support residents and families through this crisis and can assist in using technology to arrange for a virtual visit between residents and family members.
We are accepting deliveries and care packages as well as grocery deliveries for residents at the screening tent. If you would like to drop off items for a family member, please include their name and their address on the package and we will deliver it as quickly as possible.
For the most up-to-date information on this topic, please visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/covid19.
April 10, 2020, 1pm
We hope that you have a safe and healthy Easter Holiday Weekend!
We are again grateful to share that we are not aware of any new cases of COVID-19 with staff and residents in independent living or our healthcare areas (skilled nursing, personal care and memory support). Everyone continues to be screened as they come to campus. All team members are routinely screened for symptoms and temperatures monitored daily (twice a day in healthcare). We also continue to monitor healthcare residents for symptoms, temperature and pulse oximetry daily.
Garden Spot Communities remains committed to keeping residents and team members safe during the COVID-19 crisis. We continue to closely evaluate the guidance of the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health in our efforts to combat the spread of the virus. Staff and residents are wearing masks, as directed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
We remain hopeful that the protective measures we have put in place will continue to be effective. However, we are very aware of the stress and strain this crisis places on both our residents and family members. Our blogs and Facebook posts continue to represent life on campus during these times of social distancing.
We recognize that this is a special family gathering weekend, however, in order to keep everyone on the campus as safe as possible, we must continue to ask that friends and family respect the visitation restrictions that are in place and postpone face-to-face visits until after this situation has passed. Our Social Services team is working hard to support residents and families through this crisis and can assist in using technology to arrange for a virtual visit between residents and family members.
One person shared that they were planning on having a virtual Easter dinner with family by having their phone sitting on the dinner table with the speaker setting turned on… and their family would be doing the same at their houses… so they could share dinner together even though they are apart. We thought that was a great idea and would encourage others to consider that as a way to be together on Easter!
We are accepting flower deliveries and care packages as well as grocery deliveries for residents at the screening tent. If you would like to drop off items for a family member, please include their name and their address on the package and we will deliver it as quickly as possible.
For the most up-to-date information on this topic, please visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/covid19.
April 8, 2020, 4pm
We are again grateful to share that we are not aware of any new cases of COVID-19 with staff and residents in independent living or our healthcare areas (skilled nursing, personal care and memory support). Everyone continues to be screened as they come to campus. All team members are routinely screened for symptoms and temperatures monitored daily (twice a day in healthcare). We also continue to monitor residents for symptoms, temperature and pulse oximetry daily.
We are thankful that, as with our last update, there are no new cases. Until this crisis is over our plan is to provide an update here on Monday, Wednesday and Friday even if there is nothing new to report.
We remain hopeful that the protective measures we have put in place will continue to be effective. However, we are very aware of the stress and strain this crisis places on both our residents and family members. Our blogs and Facebook posts continue to represent life on campus during these times of social distancing.
In order to keep everyone on the campus as safe as possible, we are asking that friends and family respect the visitation restrictions that are in place and postpone face-to-face visits until after this situation has passed. Our Social Services team is working hard to support residents and families through this crisis and can assist in using technology to arrange for a virtual visit between residents and family members.
We are accepting flower deliveries and care packages as well as grocery deliveries for residents at the screening tent. If you would like to drop off items for a family member, please include their name and their address on the package and we will deliver it as quickly as possible.
For the most up-to-date information on this topic, please visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/covid19.
April 6, 2020, 5pm
Garden Spot Communities remains committed to keeping residents and team members safe during the COVID-19 crisis. We are closely evaluating the guidance of the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health in our efforts to combat the spread of the virus. As a result, all team members will be wearing face masks, as per Governor Wolf’s recommendation on Friday, April 3. Additionally, while many residents have made their own masks or are using the do-it-yourself methods available on the internet we are providing complimentary “buffs” for residents who may not have access to a facemask.
We are grateful to share that we are not aware of any new cases of COVID-19 with staff and residents in independent living or our healthcare areas (skilled nursing, personal care and memory support). Everyone is screened as they come to campus. All team members are routinely screened for symptoms and temperatures monitored daily (twice a day in healthcare). We also continue to monitor residents for symptoms, temperature and pulse oximetry daily.
We are hopeful that the protective measures we have put in place will continue to be effective. However, we are very aware of the stress and strain these measures place on both our residents and family members. In order to keep everyone on the campus as safe as possible, we are asking that friends and family respect the visitation restrictions that are in place and postpone face-to-face visits until after this situation has passed. Our Social Services team is working hard to support to residents and families through this crisis and can assist in using technology to arrange for a virtual visit between residents and family members.
For the most up-to-date information on this topic, please visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/covid19.
April 2, 2020, 4pm
Garden Spot Communities remains committed to keeping residents and team members safe during the COVID-19 crisis. We are closely evaluating the guidance of the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health in our efforts to combat the spread of the virus. We are saddened by all the lives this disease has touched and the effect it is having on everyone. Numerous safety precautions have been implemented on our campuses and we will continue in that spirit until this situation has passed.
In the interest of transparency and for the health and safety of our residents, family members and friends, we previously shared that a team member in Laurel View Memory Support tested positive for COVID-19. That employee continues to recover at home. All team members and residents in all our healthcare areas are routinely screened for symptoms and there have been NO additional cases among team members. There have been NO cases with any of the residents in Skilled Nursing, Personal Care or Memory Support.
We also shared earlier that there were three cases in Independent Living. This is a difficult disease to contain and thankfully at this time there have been NO further cases in Independent Living. We regularly communicate with residents, are sharing encouragement and practical safety precautions, have marked the floors for social distancing, increased the number of hand sanitizing stations, are disinfecting touchable surfaces including door knobs multiple times per day, have implemented a variety of delivery services and many other precautions. Throughout this process, we have worked hard to escalate our response as the threat level has increased and we will continue to do everything we can to provide an environment that is as safe and healthy as possible until we see this through.
In addition to these updates we will be sharing more in-depth blogs from this point forward to provide a greater sense of what is and has been taking place. Visit https://www.gardenspotvillage.org/blog/ if you are interested.
We continue to monitor COVID-19 through regular contact with the PA Department of Health, the CDC and the PA Emergency Management Agency.
For the most up-to-date information on this topic, please visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/covid19.
March 30, 2020 4pm
Today we are deeply saddened and ask for your prayers. As you know, our team at Garden Spot Village has worked tirelessly to respond to the challenging Coronavirus situation. We know that families, friends, and staff members have been impacted by this global pandemic. Over the weekend we learned the following:
- A married couple in independent living tested positive for COVID-19. One is in the hospital and the other is self-quarantined and recovering at home. Please pray for them, it is a very difficult situation for both of them. We are providing physical and emotional support to the person at home, as well as, delivering meals and other essentials as needed.
- A single person in independent living passed away last week. After their death, test results were returned that confirmed they had tested positive for COVID-19. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this resident and the many staff members who have been touched by their life. Our team has been working to provide support to the family members and those who were close to this resident during this time of loss. Please join us in offering prayers and support to the family, friends and staff who were involved with their life.
In both situations we are working with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to do contact tracing as well as continuing to follow guidelines set forth by the CDC.
From the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak Garden Spot Communities has been concerned for the ongoing health, safety and welfare of our residents and staff. As a result, when we learned the couple mentioned above was being tested for COVID-19 we initiated Phase 5 of our Emergency Response Plan.
As previously posted on Friday, March 27, Phase 5 includes the following initial actions:
The Garden Spot Village campus is restricted for all visitors who have not demonstrated a need for a “Family Caregiver” Pass. All items that need to be provided to residents can be dropped off at the Screening Tent at the entrance to the campus and they will be delivered.
Only residents, pre-authorized family members providing care to a resident, staff, contract healthcare workers and emergency personnel may enter the campus.
In addition, we are actively monitoring all of our healthcare residents and staff for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and are working with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to follow their guidelines. In addition, all residents are being encouraged to self-monitor for signs of shortness of breath, fever or persistent cough.
All of our staff members continue to follow CDC guidelines to reduce the risk of further spreading COVID-19. These include strict handwashing procedures, maintaining social distances, frequent cleaning of surfaces, and the utilization of Personal Protective Equipment as needed.
Residents are also highly discouraged from leaving campus, except for life-sustaining reasons.
Healthcare areas, including the Skilled Nursing Households, Laurel View, Mountain View and Maple Farm, continue to be closed except for end of life situations as directed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
All entrances and exits to the campus are closed except for the main entrance on Kinzer Avenue. All residents and staff must enter and exit the campus at this location.
For the most up-to-date information on this topic, please visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/covid19.
March 27, 2020 4pm
Garden Spot Communities is concerned for the ongoing health, safety and welfare of our residents and staff. From the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak we’ve been monitoring updates and guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the CDC and have been escalating our Emergency Response Plan as the threat level has increased.
Today, Friday, March 27, we learned that:
- The Governor has issued “Stay-at-Home” orders for Lancaster County.
- One of the independent living residents at Garden Spot Village is under investigation for COVID-19.
This combination of events moves us into Phase 5 of our COVID-19 Response Plan.
This involves the following action:
As of 5pm on Friday, March 27, Garden Spot Village campus will be restricted for all visitors who have not demonstrated a need for a “Family Caregiver” Pass. All items that need to be provided to residents can be dropped off at the Screening Tent at the entrance to the campus and they will be delivered.
Only residents, pre-authorized family members providing care to a resident, staff, contract healthcare workers and emergency personnel may enter the campus.
In addition, we are actively monitoring all of our healthcare residents and staff for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and are working with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to follow their guidelines. Plus all residents are being encouraged to self-monitor for signs of shortness of breath, fever or persistent cough.
All of our staff members continue to follow CDC guidelines to reduce the risk of further spreading COVID-19. These include strict handwashing procedures, and the utilization of Personal Protective Equipment as needed.
In addition, residents are highly discouraged from leaving campus for any non-life sustaining reason.
Healthcare areas, including the Skilled Nursing Households, Laurel View, Mountain View and Maple Farm, continue to be closed except for end of life situations as directed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Please encourage family or friends who live at Garden Spot Village to remain on campus and to limit their travel.
All entrances and exits to the campus are closed except for the main entrance on Kinzer Avenue. All residents and staff must enter and exit the campus at this location.
Please know that we continue to monitor the situation through regular contact with the PA Department of Health, the CDC and the PA Emergency Management Agency.
For the most up-to-date information on this topic, please visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/covid19.
March 25, 2020, 1pm
Garden Spot Communities is concerned for the ongoing health, safety, and welfare of our residents and staff. From the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak we’ve been monitoring updates and guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the CDC and have been escalating our Emergency Response Plan as the threat level has increased.
Today, Wednesday, March 25, 2020 we learned that one of our staff members in Laurel View Memory Support tested positive for COVID-19. We are actively monitoring our residents and healthcare staff for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and are working with the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
All of our staff members continue to follow CDC guidelines to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. These include strict handwashing procedures, and the utilization of Personal Protective Equipment as needed.
All visitation to healthcare areas was previously suspended on Friday March 13. In addition, Laurel View Memory Support is a household with extremely limited access. We believe these factors help to limit any exposure to persons in other areas of the campus. The individual in question was a team member whose exposure was limited to one shift that occurred approximately 10 days ago. That person is currently self-isolating at home and is reporting mild symptoms. Active monitoring of Laurel View residents predated this event and has not resulted in additional signs or symptoms of COVID-19 being identified.
Any visitor who is not a caregiver for a family member or POA is asked to postpone visits indefinitely. Residents are highly discouraged from leaving campus for any reason. Healthcare, including the Skilled Nursing Households, Laurel View, Mountain View and Maple Farm continues to be closed except for end of life situations as directed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Please help us ensure the safety of the residents by avoiding visits at this time. Please encourage others to avoid visiting and encourage family or friends who live at Garden Spot Village not to leave the campus.
All entrances and exits to the campus are closed except for the main entrance on Kinzer Avenue. All residents, staff and visitors must enter and exit the campus at this location.
A screening station is located on Linden Drive, beyond the entrance to the campus. Everyone entering the campus will stop at that location and will need to complete a screening interview that will include the following questions:
· Do you have a current respiratory infection?
· Have you been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
· Is your visit absolutely essential?
· Visitors who do not pass the screening will be turned away.
The screening station also functions as a drop-off location for items that need to be forwarded to residents (if the person delivering them is not able to pass the screening).
Please know that we continue to monitor the situation through regular contact with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the CDC and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
For the most up-to-date information on this topic, please visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/covid19.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
March 20, 2020 6pm
We are all aware that the COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly and Garden Spot Communities is working to implement an action plan that addresses any needs as the situation escalates.
Thursday afternoon, Governor Wolf issued an order to close all businesses that are not life sustaining. That order contained the following statements:
- “No person or entity shall operate a place of business in the Commonwealth that is not a life sustaining business regardless of whether the business is open to members of the public.”
- “Life sustaining businesses may remain open, but they must follow, at a minimum, the social distancing practices and other mitigation measures defined by the Centers for Disease Control to protect workers and patrons.”
- “All restaurants and bars previously have been ordered to close their dine-in facilities to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Businesses that offer carry-out, delivery, and drive-through food and beverage service may continue, so long as social distancing and other mitigation measures are employed to protect workers and patrons.”
All of this is an effort to provide the safest environment possible by reducing the likelihood of any transmission of the virus on the campus.
As a result of this, additional measures are being taken at Garden Spot Village.
- The Wellness Center is closed to residents.
- On-campus restaurants have take-out and delivery for residents only.
- The Beauty Salon is closed.
- The campus is closed to the general public.
Any visitor who is not a caregiver for a family member or POA is asked to postpone visits indefinitely. Residents are highly discouraged from leaving campus for any reason. Healthcare, including the Skilled Nursing Households, Laurel View, Mountain View and Maple Farm is closed except for end of life situations as directed by the PA Department of Health.
Please help us ensure the safety of the residents by avoiding all non-essential visits, encouraging others to avoid visiting and encourage family or friends who live at Garden Spot Village not to leave the campus.
All entrances and exits to the campus are closed except for the main entrance on Kinzer Avenue. All residents, staff and visitors must enter and exit the campus at this location.
A screening station is located on Linden Drive, beyond the entrance to the campus. Everyone entering the campus will stop at that location and will need to complete a screening interview that will include the person’s temperature being taken in addition to the following questions:
- Do you have a current respiratory infection?
- Have you been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
- Have you traveled internationally in the last 14 days (including cruises)?
- Are you from an area significantly affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Visitors who do not pass the screening will be turned away.
The screening station also functions as a drop-off location for items that need to be forwarded to residents (if the person delivering them is not able to pass the screening).
Please know that we continue to monitor the situation through regular contact with the PA Department of Health, the CDC and the PA Emergency Management Agency.
March 18, 2020 4pm
Garden Spot Communities continues to be committed to the health and safety of our residents. So, while there have been no incidents of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on our campuses, we were alerted the morning of March 18, 2020 that a case of COVID-19 had been identified in Lancaster County. This event moves us into Phase 4 of our COVID-19 Response Plan.
This involves the following action:
- As of 5am Thursday, March 19, 2020 all entrances and exits to the campus will be closed except for the main entrance on Kinzer Avenue. All residents, staff and visitors must enter and exit the campus at this location.
- A screening station will be established on Linden Drive, beyond the entrance to the campus. Everyone entering the campus will be stopped at that location and will need to complete a screening interview that will include the person’s temperature being taken in addition to the following questions:
- Do you have a current respiratory infection?
- Have you been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
- Have you traveled internationally in the last 14 days (including cruises)?
- Are you from an area (other than Lancaster County) affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
- Visitors who do not pass the screening will be turned away.
- The screening station will also function as a drop-off location for items that need to be forwarded to residents (if the person delivering them is not able to pass the screening).
- All residents are strongly encouraged to limit their off-campus activity to essential tasks/travel only.
- At this time, visitors to the campus are not completely restricted but are limited to essential visits only.
- Sidewalks will be closed to the general public as well.
In addition, the Harvest Table, Refresh Coffee Shop, The Creamery, The Terrace Dining Room, Linden Store and Share and Care Thrift Store remain closed to the general public.
Please know that we continue to monitor the situation through regular contact with the PA Department of Health, the CDC and the PA Emergency Management Agency.
March 14, 2020 1pm
Garden Spot Communities continues to be committed to the health and safety of our residents. So, while there have been no incidents of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in our communities, we were alerted the afternoon of March 13, 2020 that a case of COVID-19 had been identified in Chester County. As a result, we initiated Phase 3 of our COVID-19 Response Plan. This includes a variety of precautions with residents, team members and visitors as well as following the specific guidance of the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the CDC.
Effective at 12am on Saturday, March 14, in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s recommendation, we began to restrict all visitors from visiting our healthcare areas including the skilled nursing households at both Garden Spot Village and Maple Farm as well as Mountain View and Laurel View. Friends and family members are more than welcome to send cards, call on the phone or work with Social Services staff to set up a Skype call, but in-person visits are being curtailed until we receive further guidance form the PA Department of Health.
Independent Living visitor hours have gone into effect. All visitors should park in Lot #1 or Lot #8 and will be screened as they enter the Village Square or the Apartment Suites lobby.
Village Square Entrance
Monday – Friday: 8am – 8pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8am – 6:30pm
Apartment Suites Lobby Entrance
8am – 5pm 7 days per week
Visitors will be asked the following questions:
· Do you have a current respiratory infection?
· Have you been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
· Have you traveled internationally in the last 14 days (including cruises)?
· Are you from an area affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
To ensure the health and safety of everyone, anyone answering “yes” to any of these questions will not be able to proceed into the apartment building.
The Harvest Table, Refresh Coffee Shop, The Creamery, The Terrace Dining Room, Linden Store and Share and Care Thrift Store will be closed to the general public.
We apologize for the inconvenience that this may cause, but due to the extremely contagious nature of this virus and the devastating effect it is having on older adults, we want you to know that we are doing everything possible to make sure everyone is safe.
Please continue to check this page for updates.
March 13, 2020 5pm
Garden Spot Communities continues to be committed to the health and safety of our residents. So, while there have been no incidents of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in our communities, we were alerted this afternoon that a case of COVID-19 has been identified in Chester County. As a result, we have entered Phase 3 of our COVID-19 Response Plan. This includes a variety of precautions with residents, team members and visitors as well as following the specific guidance of the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the CDC.
Effective at 12am on Saturday, March 14, in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s recommendation, we will begin to restrict all visitors from visiting our healthcare areas including the skilled nursing households at both Garden Spot Village and Maple Farm as well as Mountain View and Laurel View. Friends and family members are more than welcome to send cards, call on the phone or work with Social Services staff to set up a Skype call, but in-person visits are being curtailed until we receive further guidance form the PA Department of Health.
We encourage only family and friends of independent living residents to visit Garden Spot Village at this time. All visitors should park in Lot #1 or Lot #8 and will be screened as they enter the Village Square or the Apartment Suites lobby.
Visitors will be asked following questions:
· Do you have a current respiratory infection?
· Have you been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
· Have you traveled internationally in the last 14 days (including cruises)?
· Are you from an area affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
To ensure the health and safety of everyone, anyone answering “yes” to any of these questions will not be able to proceed into the apartment building.
The Harvest Table, Refresh Coffee Shop, The Creamery, The Terrace Dining Room, Linden Store and Share and Care Thrift Store will be closed to the general public.
We apologize for the inconvenience that this may cause, but due to the extremely contagious nature of this virus and the devastating effect it is having on older adults, we want you to know that we are doing everything possible to make sure everyone is safe.
Please continue to check this page for updates.
March 12, 2020, 3pm
While there have been no incidents of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in our communities, we’ve been taking a variety of precautions with residents, team members and visitors as well as following the guidance of the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the CDC.
At this time, in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s recommendation, we’ve begun to discourage all visitors and restrict visitors from areas where the coronavirus (COVID-19) is active (currently Pike, Northampton, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, Philadelphia, Monroe and Wayne counties) from coming to visit our healthcare areas including the skilled nursing households, Mountain View and Laurel View. This means we are encouraging all family and friends who are not absolutely essential to postpone visits until after this situation passes. People are more than welcome to send cards, call on the phone or work with Social Services staff to set up a Skype call.
We are asking those who do visit healthcare areas to arrive between 11am and 7pm. Please enter through the main entrance at Village Square (parking lot #1).
As people enter the healthcare hallway there will be a table where visitors will be asked to sign-in and answer several screening questions before entering.
These questions include:
· Do you have a current respiratory infection?
· Have you been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19)?
· Have you traveled internationally in the last 14 days?
· Do you live in a community, or have you had close contact with someone from a community where a community-based spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is occurring?
To ensure the health and safety of everyone living in healthcare, anyone answering “yes” to any of these questions will not be able to enter the healthcare area.
We apologize for the inconvenience that this may cause, but due to the extremely contagious nature of this virus and the devastating effect it is having on older adults, we want you to know that we are doing everything possible to make sure everyone is safe.
For Independent Living, visiting hours have not been established and sign-in is not required at this time, but we are requesting visitors to follow the same precautions as are listed above.
Please continue to check this page for updates.
March 11, 2020, 10am
As health concerns regarding the possible spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to grow across Pennsylvania, Garden Spot Communities has taken a variety of precautionary measures for the safety and well-being of its residents, staff members and visitors.
Garden Spot Communities (GSC) Emergency Response Team has developed an action plan that follows the guidelines currently provided by the CDC and PA Department of Health. We are also planning for the possibility that further measures may be necessary if the situation escalates in the coming days. For that reason, we ask that you continue to monitor this web site for updates and developments.
Do not come to campus if any of the following apply to you.
- Presence of any flu symptoms including fever, sore throat, body aches, chills, cough,
- International travel within the last 14 days to restricted countries. For updated information on restricted countries visit this website.
- Signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a fever, cough, and sore throat.
- Contact with someone with or under investigation for COVID-19