Resources

03/21/202o

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING PPE (PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT)

Dear Family Members and Friends,

As most of you are aware, there has been a world-wide shortage of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), which affects us all and particularly the health-care industry. Although we have an inventory of PPE, it is a limited supply. Med-line, our supplier, was unable to fulfill our order 2 weeks ago. The President has lifted liability exposure for 3M to sell N95 masks manufactured for use by the construction industry; therefore, these will now be available to the health-care industry. The President is also stating that supply should match demand very soon. We are hopeful that we will have the ability to acquire more PPE, particularly N95 masks, very soon and have applied to Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council for their assistance in acquiring these masks for our HCP (Health-Care Providers), i.e. caregivers.

We would like to ask that any of our Lodge family and friends consider donating any extra PPE supplies that you may have on hand. If stores currently have inventory in stock, there are limited quantities that can be sold to each customer. If you and your families are shopping or have a sufficient stock for yourselves, we would be so appreciative and thankful if you are in the position to donate even one box of PPE, whether it is masks, gloves, gowns, or goggles. Please, keep in mind, that although quantities are limited now, we do currently have supplies to care for our residents. However, we want to be as prepared as possible in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in our community.

Our Lodge caregivers and all health-care providers are true heroes, and this is very evident during this time of crisis. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for all of them and for everything they do daily, regardless of the risks they face on our behalf. We pray a special blessing over our caregivers, and all HCP, and for their safety and well-being, especially during this time.

If you have donations of PPE, please contact Rebecca Schroeder, Administrator, (810)304-5684. Again, we thank you all in advance for your consideration to donate PPE and for your generosity. 

Sincerely,

The Lodge Management Team

3/14/2020 New Precautionary Measures and Information      

Applicable to Independent Living

• No visitors allowed

• The clubhouse is closed until further notice

• All Resident Activities are cancelled until further notice

• Any future communications will be delivered to your cottage including your mail. (No need to check your mailbox cubby.)

• Meals will be delivered to your cottage in disposable containers in an effort to increase infection control measures. (We are in the process of implementing this.)

March 6, 2020

Dear Residents and Family Members,

This letter will serve as an update to keep all of you informed of The Lodge’s preparation and plans pertaining to COVID-19 (The Novel Coronavirus). The Lodge at Leon Springs places utmost priority on the safety and well-being of our staff and residents; therefore, we are adhering to the guidelines and directives set forth by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) and THHS (Texas Health and Human Services). For your reference, links to these agencies’ websites are listed at the bottom of this letter.

Although there have been no cases of COVID-19 reported in our specific area, and San Antonio has no identified cases of community transmission to date, this situation is rapidly evolving. In addition to our existing infection control protocols, we are implementing proactive measures for residents and staff to protect themselves and our community.

(1) First and foremost, we are actively communicating with staff, residents, and family members, providing the most current updates on COVID-19 and precautions we are implementing in response to this information.

(2) We remain diligent in maintaining a clean environment to reduce the spread of germs. We are increasing the frequency of sanitation and surface cleaning of all common areas. We have ordered additional supplies to fulfill this objective. Management is initiating refresher training, as well as introducing supplemental training materials, on cleaning protocols and infection control guidelines. (As mentioned in our initial letter/email update on COVID-19, frequent hand-washing with soap and water and/or appropriate use of hand sanitizer, cough etiquette, and keeping one’s hands away from one’s face are basic, standard precautions required of everyone.)

(3) We continue adherence to our existing policies and procedures related to prevention of communicable illness among staff and residents. All staff and residents are asked to report upper respiratory symptoms, specifically a temperature above 100.4 degrees, shortness of breath, and/or cough. Staff members who are ill will be asked to stay home and seek appropriate medical attention. Residents will also be quarantined to their apartment, as we notify reporting agencies and seek necessary medical attention.

(4) Management will screen all visitors and vendors. Those that display or report symptoms of illness, or have had recent exposure to someone that has, will be asked to postpone their visit. Additionally, those that have recently travelled to the specific areas that the CDC has issued a Level II or III travel advisory will also be asked to postpone their visit for a minimum of 14 days and must be confirmed free of respiratory symptoms before returning. (Travel advisory has been issued for China, Japan, S.Korea, Italy, Iran, and Japan.)

(5) As addressed above, management will also interview and report residents and staff members who have travelled to areas that the CDC has issued a Level II or III travel advisory. Appropriate and necessary restrictions will be implemented for them, as well.

(6) As of March 6th, we are cancelling outings and specific events to help prevent the possibility of exposure to COVID-19. We are adhering to the CDC’s recommendations for social distancing and/or self-quarantine. This virus is highly contagious and air droplet transmittable. Examples of cancelled outings include shopping trips to HEB or Walmart; we will assist residents with alternatives, such as curbside delivery. Additionally, off-campus lunch outings will be suspended until further notice. The Lodge will tenatevely provide alternative luncheons on-campus.

(7) Weekly, scheduled entertainment by outside entertainers, who visit multiple communities, will also be assessed on an individual basis. All are subject to the same screening requirements implemented for visitors and vendors and addressed accordingly.

(8) The Lodge at Leon Springs encourages residents to consider rescheduling NONESSENTIAL appointments, particularly to medical offices and facilities. Until we are given further notification, we encourage all residents to suspend plans to leave the campus for nonessential reasons. In addition, family members should do their due diligence to make informed decisions regarding their visits to the community. Everyone should monitor and consider public health updates from CDC and THHS before their visit.

We greatly appreciate everyone’s cooperation in this matter. Because ours is a population that has been identified as one that is highly vulnerable, we will be vigilant to protect our residents and staff to the best of our ability. It is important to note that this information is not all encompassing, nor is it to be considered medical advice. If you have additional questions, please contact Rebecca Schroeder, Administrator, at (810)304-5684.

Sincerely,

The Lodge Management Team

LINK #1: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  (www.cdc.gov)

LINK #2: Texas Health and Human Services (THHS) (www.dshs.texas.gov)