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April 22: COVID-19 Update

The pandemic and COVID-19 are all it seems we can talk about these days. Please know that you are not alone if you feel anxious or overwhelmed. I wanted to take a moment, however, and focus on some positive things in these trying times. Until this pandemic is over, The Glebe staff and I will continue to play our part in helping to keep you safe and mitigate COVID 19 in our community. Thank you for everything you are doing to support The Glebe community and following the pandemic mitigation guidance. 

Things we know:

  1. We know how the virus is spread.

We should wash our hands on a regular basis and especially if we venture out of home, apartment, or cottage. Keep hand sanitizer with you to use every time you touch a frequently used surface, such as a handle or doorknob in the community. Also, remember social distancing as you are out of your apartment or cottage walking the grounds.  Keep six feet or more away from a passing neighbor or staff member.

  • We know testing is improving.

Newer, faster tests are being developed. Effective March 27, the Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for a new test that will provide results in about five minutes. While these tests are not currently available in our area, it will provide much-needed testing in high demand areas and will help mitigate the spread through contact tracing. The Glebe is prepared to utilize onsite test kits in the event we need to test a resident or team member. Our current turnaround time for test results is approximately 72 hours.

  • We know people are recovering.

More than half a million people have or are currently in the process of, recovering from COVID-19. This is in part thanks to the essential medical providers supporting individuals with COVID-19 in acute care settings. Monitoring for early warning signs and symptoms help to determine the need for testing, thus earlier intervention of acute care.

  • We know people are coming together.

We will get through this, because we have come together, supported the greater good and focused on the positive. We are supportive of one another, reaching out to a neighbor by phone or email, sending a handwritten note of thanks and following the guidance of staying home and staying well.

Community Updates

The CDC recommends wearing face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain or in areas with potential for significant community-based transmission (such as our community.)  The CDC continues to advise that the use of simple cloth face coverings will slow the spread of the virus from those who have the virus, yet do not show any symptoms. 

Residents issued cloth face masks:

Given the CDC guidance, on Thursday, April 23, every independent living resident will be issued a cloth face mask with instructions on how to wear their mask. Out of an abundance of caution, The Glebe will begin requiring residents to don the face mask whenever they enter the community center areas and hallways.  Thus, if you leave your apartment or cottage, please wear your facemask. Remember the quote from last week’s update: “Do not change your behavior to avoid being infected. Assume you are infected and change your behavior to avoid transmitting.” 

Extension until May 9 of Housekeeping and Facilities Service Suspension:

Due to continued increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in our state and in our region, The Glebe is extending the suspension of housekeeping and facilities services for independent living apartments and cottages until May 9. If you have an emergency need or questions please contact Joyce Horton, 591-2177 or the manager on duty.

Executive Director to Answer Questions:

Residents were asked to submit any question they have related to the current Glebe Situational Summary and the Coronavirus.

Resident Questions:

  1. Has or does The Glebe have any COVID 19 cases? 

To date, The Glebe has not had any residents or staff test positive for COVID-19. 

  • Does The Glebe have a plan in the event we have COVID-19 cases?

Yes. The Glebe is required by our licensing entities to have an emergency operations manual that includes plans for an epidemic/pandemic. This plan has been recently updated as it relates to COVID-19 to include guidance from the CDC and CMS. The plan includes infection control, rapid response, staffing, supplies, PPE, facilities, dining, housekeeping, and notification/communication. The Glebe leadership and operations staff continue to review this document and educate ourselves in the event that we have a COVID-19 outbreak in our community. The Glebe staff will work hand in hand with the Virginia Department of Health and the CDC if anyone does test positive in the future.

  • How can we stay engaged and connected during the “stay at home order”?

There continue to be numerous resident activities for physical health, mental health and spiritual health.  

  • Get outside and walk the grounds to take in the natural beauty that surrounds our community.  This will not only support your physical wellbeing but spiritual as well.
  • Use Victor’s exercise handouts or request check out of the available wellness equipment or virtual fitness library: wellness at its best. 
  • Stay current on social media and technology to connect with both neighbors and family members.  If you don’t feel confident using an iPhone or iPad, please contact resident services so that a Glebe staff member may assist. I know this will bring a smile to those on the other side of the screen.
  • Start a new hobby or do something you have always wanted to try. For many of us, life responsibilities and time constraints have kept us from trying something new.  As an example, if you always wanted to take up drawing, simply type “learn to draw” into Google and see what creative juices you have kept hidden all these years. 
  • Deliver handwritten notes as a random act of kindness to uplift a neighbor and create an unexpected smile. 

Due to the ongoing social distancing recommendations, The Glebe social services staff are working from their office location.  However, residents are free to call social services for any support needs by contacting Taylor Belton at 591-2197 or Beverly Able, 591-2173.  Social services staff can assist and offer solutions related to social isolation, give referrals to external facility support systems such as the Alzheimer’s Association, answer questions regarding home health support, provide solutions related to depression and anxiety surrounding COVID-19.

The intent of the above is solely for the protection of our residents, their families and our team members during the COVID-19 crisis. Our focus continues to be preventing the spread of this virus into our community. The Glebe administration and staff very much appreciate your cooperation and understanding. If you have any questions and/or concerns, please reach out to a member of management in the community.

Information Hot Line:

You may now call, 591-2598, to hear COVID-19 related messages with updates that impact The Glebe community, residents and families.  You may also go to The Glebe’s website, https://glebeprd.wpengine.com/, and review memos from the executive director or from the corporate office, LifeSpire of Virginia.  Click on the COVID-19 update banner at the top of the screen.