Friendship Village Senior Services’ Update and Response to COVID-19 as of Saturday, May 16th, 2020
Dear Friends, Residents and Families of Friendship Village:
A nice weekend in store for Friendship Villages on this Saturday, May 16th, 2020.
Residents in independent living and assisted living on both campuses are doing well today, and we continue to be thankful for that. None of these Residents are known to have COVID-19 as of today.
We still insist on everyone remaining vigilant in complying with the protocols that have been in place for quite some time:
- No physical contact with others
- Maintain proper social distancing of at least 6 feet from others
- Wear a face mask over the nose and mouth whenever outside of apartments and villas
- Wash hands and/or use hand sanitizer frequently
- Be EXTRA careful if off campus on essential errands
- No visits to friends and family for any period of time or where risk may be present (risk is present everywhere)
- Report ANY signs or symptoms of COVID-19 to your Care Navigator immediately and, if you detect one, immediately self-quarantine until you speak with them
On the Chesterfield campus, 2 Residents are recovering in the COVID Care Center and will graduate in the coming days. 2 Residents are being treated in the hospital and we pray that they will rejoin us soon.
As reported yesterday,
At Sunset Hills, there are a number of staff who worked together in the skilled nursing facility who have shown symptoms and have tested positive. Upon identification, these employees were immediately sent to quarantine in their homes until their recovery period ends when they can return to work COVID-free.
One Resident on that unit had begun to show symptoms and has since tested positive for the virus. They had been quarantined away from others and cared-for by a well-trained and equipped team during quarantine and their condition is good. As a precaution, their roommate, who has also been quarantined but has shown no symptoms in the past 6 days, is being tested as well. We pray that the virus has been isolated and halted and that everyone affected recovers soon. Very aggressive actions are being taken. This is not news we like to hear or report but necessary to do so. Please pray with us for a good outcome.
No Visitor Policy Still in Full Effect
As many would expect, all of the security and no-visitor policies remain in full effect at all locations as we continue to combat the coronavirus. We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of all involved, Residents and families alike.
Although the State of Missouri and St. Louis County is lifting some stay at home orders, Friendship Village must still adhere to our protocols and the guidance provided by the CDC and the Departments of Health as prescribed for senior living communities. We will maintain our measures and vigilance, as we are currently, until a time when we feel there will be an opportunity to safely begin relaxing some of our measures, but that time is not now. Our No-Visitor Policy remains in effect until further notice. We appreciate your continued understanding and cooperation.
Gift-Giving in Appreciation of our Staff is Open on our FriendshipVillageSTL.com website:
Many family members and Residents have inquired as to how to donate a gift of appreciation for the staff for their service during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our website at FriendshipVillageSTL.com now has an easy-to-use tab to use in making contributions for the staff and we thank all of you for considering a gift. As funds are collected, we will identify the best use of those funds in order to do the most that can be done for our employees. Every gift is appreciated, large and small.
As always, all of us thank you all for your continued prayers as we continually ask our Lord Jesus Christ to enable us to do our best to fend-off the COVID-19 coronavirus and to maintain the safety and protection of our Residents and staff.