To all Seneca View Residents and Families:
Seneca View is pleased to inform you that there have been no new cases of COVID-19 amongst our resident population so far this year. In addition, there was only the one new staff positive case that we contacted you about in early/mid January. Seneca View has come off full precautions on all nursing units. The wearing of surgical masks, eye protection, and the weekly COVID testing are still in place for all nursing home staff. Limited resident group activities and socially distant dining routines are being restarted, and we are seeking the return of our barber and beautician.
Since the last Administrator’s Update, CVS Pharmacy has held three Federal Nursing Home Vaccination Clinics at Seneca View for both residents and staff. And, through Schuyler Hospital, we continue to promote vaccination to those who are able and interested in receiving it. This includes new hires and new resident admissions that are medically able and consent to vaccination.
We have received many calls this week from families looking to learn more about visiting the residents. New York State has recently announced that nursing home Restricted Visitation Programs can begin under new expanded guidelines. New requirements have been placed on these programs and we are realigning our previously developed plan to meet the new criteria, including the offering of pre-visit COVID-19 testing for guests, among others. We are also currently recruiting additional staff to ensure ample staff are available as we- look to begin scheduling visits.
We will be contacting you again later this week with program details.
It has been nearly a year since the pandemic began forcing a world of change upon us. Throughout this period of time the Seneca View team has worked very hard to keep our residents as safe, healthy, and happy as we can under the circumstances. We are all increasingly optimistic that the worst could already be behind us. But, most of all, we are looking forward to bringing our residents back together with their families.
Please continue to monitor our SCHUYLERHOSPITAL.ORG website, and please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. You can also reach our State Ombudsman, Trish Chevallard, at (607)274-5492, if you need.
My Best Regards,
Patrick Ryan, Administrator