Update: December 1

Written by Menorah Park on December 1, 2020

* 2nd floor, The Terrace

At this time Menorah Park has no other confirmed cases of COVID-19 on our campus which includes the Jewish Home, the Inn, and the Oaks.

Resident Death Due to COVID

Sadly, over the weekend, we lost a resident to COVID. The resident was one of three who are currently being treated on our dedicated COVID unit. We are in the process of completing the second round of testing of the residents.

Per Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order, nursing homes that reside in a designated orange zone must test their staff twice a week. We will begin testing staff on Mondays and Fridays until further notice. For more information regarding the COVID-19 zones, visit: https://covidhotspotlookup.health.ny.gov/#/home

Virtual Visits
SJFS will continue to work with families to assist with video chats or phone calls to the best of their ability. They can also help you to determine how best to make the most of the virtual visit ( i.e. coordinating with 2 or 3 family members for one call or having a 1:1 call with your loved one.) As Gillian Riggall, MSW is now serving as the social worker for Terrace residents, we have reassigned Terrace visits to her and have reassigned Gillian’s 2nd-floorresidents to Evelyn Kinsey, MSW Care Manager. Gillian can be reached at [email protected] and Evelyn can be reached at [email protected].

Ellen Somers, Asst. Director and Judith Huober, Director continue to work with their assigned residents. For new residents, or if you are unsure of your assigned SJFS staff person, please contact Ellen Somers at [email protected] or (315) 446-9111, ext. 225.

We have recently been having more difficulty with the connection for FaceTime. If you are able to use Zoom, please let your assigned person know so this can be set up as it seems to have a consistently good connection.

EXCEPTION: Family Visitation of Resident Who Is Actively Dying or Deceased
Our policy applies to any resident who has been designated by the Menorah Park medical staff as being in an actively dying stage.

• 9 am to 9 pm – 7 days a week for actively dying residents
• Only 2 family members are permitted at one time so any additional family must wait outside (outdoors or in-car) for their turn.
• All visitors must complete the screening process and have their temperature taken.
• They DO NOT need to provide a negative COVID test result.
• Once they enter the facility, following the screening, they are to go directly to the resident’s room and remain in the room until they leave the facility.
• They are not permitted to be in shared spaces ( common areas, dining rooms, or other residents’ rooms, etc.)
• They are required to wear a mask over their nose and mouth at all times
• Under 18 allowed accompanied by an adult over 18.

Dropping Items Off for Residents
Families are still welcome to drop off items for their loved ones at our main entrance.

Questions Regarding Resident Care
If you have questions regarding the care of your loved one or want a status update, please contact your nurse manager. If you do not hear back from nursing within 24-48 hours, please contact your assigned caseworker or call the front desk and ask them to transfer you to social work.

The teamis as follows:

• Terrace
  Gillian Riggall, MSW (Starting November 30)
  Days: Monday, Thursday, and Fridays
  Phone: 315-446-9111, ext. 124*(*This extension is being monitored by the social work team. If you have not received a response within 24-48 hours, please call the front desk and ask them to connect you to the social work department.)
  [email protected]
• 1^st Floor & Short Term Rehab
  Jocelyn Perrault
  (315) 446-9111, x118
  [email protected]
• 2^nd Floor
  Jacki O’Brien-Gerace
  (315) 446-9111., x124
  [email protected]

Posted Under: COVID-19