COVID-19 Delta Variant Update

Dear Friend of Heritage,

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect people of all ages. Recently, the nation has experienced an increase in the number of COVID-19 positive cases, with the entrance of the new Delta COVID-19 variant. Heritage has always been committed to putting the safety and well-being of those who we both serve and employ, as our top priority. During these challenging times, our entire team is working tirelessly to ensure the safety of your loved one. I cannot begin to thank our staff for all they have done to help our residents and their loved ones. They continue to again and again rise to the occasion, offering help whenever, and wherever, it is needed. They have my undying gratitude and truly are the reason we are #HeritageStrong.

As our teams continue to protect each senior who calls a Heritage community home from this unprecedented illness, I want to personally thank you for your constant patience, support, and understanding over the eighteen months.  While we understand you may feel weary living in the constantly changing world of COVID-19 guidelines, we also know that this battle is not yet over. I also wanted to share with you the practices below that will remain in effect until further notice as we work together to keep those we love safe, healthy, and free from harm.

• All staff and visitors in Heritage independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing and rehabilitation communities, nationwide, are required to wear face masks at all times. We continue to screen our staff daily and continue to follow all testing guidelines, as required.
• Visitation at all skilled nursing facilities and assisted living will continue to be held as allowed by current Department of Health and CDC guidelines.
• We encourage residents in all communities to wear a mask as they are able, regardless of vaccine status, in accordance with CDC recommendations.
• We encourage our residents, staff, and loved ones to consider receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Acknowledging that many have concerns and questions, Heritage encourages all residents, their families, and staff to educate themselves on the potential benefits and risks of receiving the vaccine in order to determine which option is right for them. On our website, heritage1886.org/coronavirus, you will find a variety of resources from the CDC to share with your loved ones as you make your decisions.

We continue to seek God’s wisdom and pray for His protection for as we seek to keep each resident and staff member safe, and to promote Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living in these difficult times.

Sincerely,
Lisa Haglund
President and CEO
Heritage Ministries

2020 Year End Letter

Dear Friends of Heritage,

As 2020 draws to a close, we wanted to reach out to you, our residents and families, and thank you for your understanding, support, and most of all, your prayers, during this challenging year. You and your loved ones deserve the very best from us during this difficult time, and our Heritage teams, from chaplaincy to activities and everyone in between, are committed to using love, imagination, innovation, and faith to find ways to encourage and provide hope in the midst of this pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many time-honored traditions and heart-warming gatherings to change drastically this season. As we face those challenges, our Heritage communities, nationwide, have been determined to make the Christmas holiday season extra special.

Our teams are working tirelessly each day to “Bring the Joy” as we create innovative ways for our residents to enjoy meaningful moments, and special memories. In November, we launched a free eCard program to allow family members, friends, and the community to send free cards to their loved ones electronically throughout the year. From our online shoebox Thanksgiving Day Parade, to socially distanced hallway sing-a-longs, community car parades, and recorded holiday performances from area groups televised in our communities, our “Bring the Joy” initiative has helped our residents, staff, and community members to still enjoy traditional activities during a difficult time.

We are working daily to keep our residents safe, loved, and well cared for. We continue to monitor staff daily, and enhanced personal protective equipment is being used as needed in all of our communities to limit transmission of the virus. With the news of an upcoming vaccine for COVID-19, we know you may have many questions. Heritage is working with CVS, Omnicare, and Walgreens to distribute the vaccine to any residents who wish to receive it. We understand that choosing to receive the vaccine is a personal choice, and recently provided all of our residents and families with information to help make that decision. In the upcoming days and weeks community staff will be contacting you and your loved ones to discuss the vaccine, timing and availability further.

Our COVID-19 response team continues to be committed to acting in the best interest of all Heritage residents and staff, monitoring and implementing the constantly changing guidelines and protocols of local, state, and federal authorities. We also continue to advocate with our elected officials for a more reasonable and compassionate approach to visitation.

We understand how difficult this pandemic has been for both you and your loved ones, and thank you again for your patience and understanding. We look to the new year with prayerful hope, and continue to seek God’s wisdom. We pray for His supernatural protection, as we work to keep each resident safe, and to promote Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living during these unprecedented times.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

Lisa Haglund
President and CEO

COVID-19 Vaccine Statement

Dear Friends of Heritage,

The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of our nation’s greatest challenges in modern history. For more than nine months, residents of Heritage and senior living communities nationwide, have lived apart from those they love and have been unable to visit each other face-to-face, or experience the warm embrace of a loving hug from a family member. Heritage employees have put their own health at risk daily and have worked tirelessly using love, imagination, innovation, and faith to find ways to encourage and provide hope in the midst of this pandemic while caring for our greatest generation, our seniors.

For months, we have asked you to join us in prayer for an end to the pandemic that has disrupted life in so many ways. As an organization, we are grateful the newly released COVID-19 vaccines are now placing the world’s attention and priority on our most affected populations, our seniors and front-line healthcare workers.

We are blessed beyond measure that our prayers have been heard, and that our seniors and healthcare heroes in our skilled nursing communities will be among the first to be given the option to receive the vaccine. While we remain respectful of the right to choose vaccination, for the first time in almost a year, our most vulnerable population will have an individual choice in how they will fight COVID-19, and we are so appreciative of our local, state, and federal agencies for recognizing this need.

Our communities have partnered with CVS, Omnicare, and Walgreens to distribute the vaccine to staff and residents who wish to receive it, and will be offering multiple clinics. We understand that some people may be concerned about getting vaccinated. The CDC has stated that while these vaccines are being developed as quickly as possible, routine processes and procedures remain in place to ensure the safety of any vaccine that is authorized or approved for use.

We understand that receiving the vaccine is a personal choice each person must decide upon. Acknowledging that many have concerns and questions, Heritage encourages all residents, their families, and staff to educate themselves on the potential benefits and risks of receiving the vaccine in order to determine which option is right for them. Click here find a variety of resources from the CDC to share with your loved ones as you make your decisions. We encourage you to reach out to your healthcare provider with any questions you may have. We will also continue to communicate with you and your loved ones as we receive any information on vaccination options and availability for our assisted living and independent living staff and residents.

We continue to seek God’s wisdom and pray for His supernatural protection for those whom He has entrusted to our care, as we seek to keep each resident safe, and to promote Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living in these difficult times.

Sincerely,
Lisa Haglund
President and CEO

COVID-19 Update

Dear Friends of Heritage,

As we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic nationwide, the safety and health of our residents and staff continues to be of the utmost importance. It has now been over three months since our skilled nursing and assisted living facilities have been closed to visitors. Staff continue to be monitored daily upon arrival for work and wear surgical masks and eye protection, such as face shields, to limit the transmission of COVID-19 from potential asymptomatic employees. Staff in our skilled nursing and rehabilitation and assisted living communities are nowreceiving mandatory COVID-19testing, as required by the state. We continue to regularly monitor residents for symptoms throughout the day.

Our COVID-19 response team is committed to acting in the best interest of all residents and staff. This group continues to monitor and implement the ever-changing guidelines and protocols of the CDC, as well as local, state, and federal authorities, as phases of reopening begin to emerge. We understand that many of you have expressed concern regarding visitation and seeing your loved one. The current reopening phases in many areas where our communities are located allow for small group gatherings. However, skilled nursing and rehabilitation and assisted living communities are held to a different level of regulation. Our teams continue to provide for both the physical and emotional care of those we serve during these difficult times through various resident engagement activities, to help all residents stay active and engaged. Phone calls, video chats, and window visits continue to be arranged through the social work and activities departments. We are happy to assist in scheduling these visits; however, we do request they be limited to one per day so that we can assure all residents have equal opportunity.

At this time, the following guidelines have been implemented at all of our skilled nursing and assisted living communities:

• No group activities.
• No congregate dining.
• Residents who need assistance with eating can be assisted in the dining spaces with no more than two residents per table at least six feet apart.
• No visitors, with the exception of compassionate end of life. Please contact your community directly for information.
• Residents are required to wear a mask while outside of their room (as tolerated).
• Residents are allowed to go outside if they maintain social distancing and wear a mask (as tolerated).
• Residents are allowed to leave the facility for essential medical appointments, and must wear a mask.
• Residents are not allowed to leave the facility for non-essential reasons (visitation, beauty shop, dining, etc). Exceptions can be made for extenuating circumstances, to be approved by the Heritage COVID-19 team.
• No beautician services in facility.

At this time, the following guidelines have been implemented at all of our Assisted Living Communities:

• No group activities
• No congregate dining
• No visitors with the exception of compassionate EOL (this includes residents visiting other resident’s rooms)
• Residents required to wear a mask while outside of their room (as tolerated)
• Residents are allowed to go outside if they maintain social distancing and wear a mask (as tolerated)
• Residents are allowed to leave facility for essential medical appointments. Must wear a mask.
• Residents are strongly encouraged not to leave facility for non-essential reasons (visitation, beauty shop, dining, etc).
• Residents are required to quarantine if exposed to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID. Quarantine length will be determined by State requirements.
• No beautician services in facility.

At this time, following additional guidelines apply to Independent Living residents in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Washington only:

• No group activities.
• No congregate dining.
• Residents required to wear a mask while outside of their room (as tolerated).
• Limit of one visitor per resident per day.
• Visitor must be masked and screened.
• Tours allowed, participants must be masked and screened.
• Moving help limited to two, must be masked and screened.
• Residents can go out of the facility as allowed by state reopening phases. Must wear a mask.
• Residents must self-monitor for symptoms. Report any symptoms to administrator.
• No beautician services in facility.

The following additional guidelines apply to Independent Living Residents in New York State only (*unless services are offered in a building that houses assisted living residents*).

• Residents are required to wear a mask while outside of their room (as tolerated).
• Limit of one visitor per resident per day.
• Visitor must be masked and screened.
• Tours allowed, participants must be masked and screened.
• Moving help limited to two, must be masked and screened.
• Residents can go out of the facility as allowed by state reopening phases. Must wear a mask.
• Residents must self-monitor for symptoms. Report any symptoms to the administrator.
• Beautician services are allowed in the facility.
• Limited to one resident in the beauty shop at a time.
• Both the resident and beautician must wear a mask.
• The entire beauty shop will be disinfected between residents.
• Group activities are allowed.
• All participants must maintain a six foot distance from each other and wear a mask as tolerated.
• Gatherings are limited to 25% of maximum room occupancy, or 25 people, (including residents, staff, and guests) whichever is less.
• Congregate dining is now allowed (diners must maintain a social distance of six feet)
• Limited to 25% of maximum room occupancy, or 25 people, (including residents, staff, and guests) whichever is less.

Additionally, in response to increased rates of COVID-19 transmission in certain states, and to protect New York’s successful containment of COVID-19, the state has joined with New Jersey and Connecticut in jointly issuing a travel advisory for any individual returning from travel to states that have a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19. Based upon Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 205, issued June 25, 2020, the following states meet the criteria for required 14-day quarantine. This order will apply to anyone interacting with any of our New York state communities.

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Arizona
• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Iowa
• Idaho
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Nevada
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah

As more details are made available to us by state and local governments regarding time frames for the reopening of visitation in our communities, we assure you, we will immediately reach out to you with any information. We understand how difficult this separation is for you and your loved ones. Our compassionate staff continues to provide care, comfort, and love to each of our residents, and we thank you for all of the thoughts, prayers, and support you have offered them during this uncertain time.

We continue to seek God’s wisdom and pray for His supernatural protection for those whom He has entrusted to our care, as we seek to keep each resident safe and to promote Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living in these difficult times.

Sincerely,

Lisa Haglund
President and CEO

COVID-19 Update

Dear Friends of Heritage,

As we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic nationwide, the safety and health of our residents and staff continues to be of the utmost importance. It has now been over three months since our skilled nursing and assisted living facilities have been closed to visitors. Staff continue to be monitored daily upon arrival for work and wear surgical masks and eye protection, such as face shields, to limit the transmission of COVID-19 from potential asymptomatic employees. Staff in our skilled nursing and rehabilitation and assisted living communities are nowreceiving mandatory COVID-19testing, as required by the state. We continue to regularly monitor residents for symptoms throughout the day.

Our COVID-19 response team is committed to acting in the best interest of all residents and staff. This group continues to monitor and implement the ever-changing guidelines and protocols of the CDC, as well as local, state, and federal authorities, as phases of reopening begin to emerge. We understand that many of you have expressed concern regarding visitation and seeing your loved one. The current reopening phases in many areas where our communities are located allow for small group gatherings. However, skilled nursing and rehabilitation and assisted living communities are held to a different level of regulation. Our teams continue to provide for both the physical and emotional care of those we serve during these difficult times through various resident engagement activities, to help all residents stay active and engaged. Phone calls, video chats, and window visits continue to be arranged through the social work and activities departments. We are happy to assist in scheduling these visits; however, we do request they be limited to one per day so that we can assure all residents have equal opportunity.

At this time, the following guidelines have been implemented at all of our skilled nursing and assisted living communities:

Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Communities:

• No group activities.
• No congregate dining.
• Residents who need assistance with eating can be assisted in dining spaces with no more than two residents per table, at least six feet apart.
• No visitors, with the exception of compassionate end of life. Please contact your community directly for information.
• Residents are required to wear a mask while outside of their room (as tolerated).
• Residents are allowed to go outside if they maintain social distancing and wear a mask (as tolerated).
• Residents are allowed to leave facility for essential medical appointments, and must wear a mask.
• Residents are not allowed to leave the facility for non-essential reasons (visitation, beauty shop, dining, etc). Exceptions can be made for extenuating circumstances, to be approved by the Heritage COVID-19 team.
• No beautician services in facility.

Assisted Living Communities:

• No group activities.
• No congregate dining.
• No visitors, with the exception of compassionate end of life. Please contact your community directly for information.
• Residents required to wear a mask while outside of their room (as tolerated).
• Residents are allowed to go outside if they maintain social distancing and wear a mask (as tolerated).
• Residents are allowed to leave the facility for essential medical appointments, and must wear a mask.
• Residents are strongly encouraged not to leave the facility for non-essential reasons (visitation, beauty shop, dining, etc).
• No beautician services in facility.

The following additional guidelines apply to independent living residents only:

• No group activities.
• No congregate dining.
• Residents are required to wear a mask while outside of their room (as tolerated).
• Limit of one visitor per resident per day.
• Visitor must be masked and screened.
• Tours allowed, participants must be masked and screened.
• Moving help limited to two, must be masked and screened.
• Residents can go out of the facility as allowed by state reopening phases. Must wear a mask.
• Residents must self-monitor for symptoms. Report any symptoms to administrator.
• No beautician services in facility.

As more details are made available to us by state and local governments regarding time frames for the reopening of visitation in our communities, we assure you, we will immediately reach out to you with any information. We understand how difficult this separation is for you and your loved ones. Our compassionate staff continue to provide care, comfort, and love to each of our residents, and we thank you for all of the thoughts, prayers, and support you have offered them during this uncertain time.

We continue to seek God’s wisdom and pray for His supernatural protection for those whom He has entrusted to our care, as we seek to keep each resident safe and to promote Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living in these difficult times.

Sincerely,

Lisa Haglund
President and CEO

Current Visitation Policies

At this time, the following guidelines have been implemented at all of our communities:

• Visitation at all skilled nursing and rehabilitation and assisted living communities continue to be suspended until further notice.
• Common areas, including handrails and door knobs, are disinfected frequently.
• Masks are being worn in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines at each location.
• Social distancing must be observed at all times.
• All pet visits continue to be suspended.

The following additional guidelines apply to independent living residents only:

• Independent living residents are to follow the phases of reopening as directed by state and local governments in their community. We encourage these residents to continue to follow the best practices of social distancing, and to wear a mask when unable to social distance.
• Independent living residents may not enter skilled nursing and rehabilitation or assisted living communities due to continued visitor restriction.

Download letter to independent living residents

Letter to Friends of Vinecroft

I reach out today to share many updates with you.

On May 11, 2020, I was confirmed to lead as permanent President and CEO for Heritage and its affiliates. I am honored and blessed to have been chosen to lead Heritage through this unprecedented time, and look forward to working with each member of our staff as we continue to promote Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living to all those entrusted to our care.

I began my career with Northwest Bank, a ten billion dollar corporation, for over twenty years, prior to joining the Heritage organization, where I have most recently served as the Vice President of Marketing, Development, and Sales. I truly believe in giving back, and have been an active member of the community throughout the years, with involvement ranging from Chautauqua Leadership Network, PTA, St. Susan Center, Family Services, and the Bemus Point United Methodist Church. My husband, Jason, and I reside in Bemus Point, NY, along with our four children, Allison, Brennan, Madelynn, and Michael in Bemus Point. We are active members of the Bemus Point United Methodist Church.

Additionally, Jeremy Rutter, Heritage Vice President of Skilled Nursing Operations and Executive Director of Hearthstone Communities, a Heritage senior living community in Woodstock, IL, has been named Chief Clinical Officer of our organization. He previously served Heritage as the Administrator of Record at The Village in Gerry, NY and Administrator at The Park in Jamestown, NY, two Heritage rehab and skilled nursing communities.

It has now been over two months since our skilled nursing and assisted living facilities have been closed to visitors. Staff are being monitored daily upon arrival for work, continue to wear surgical masks, and are now wearing eye protection, such as face shields, to limit the transmission of COVID-19 from potential asymptomatic employees. We continue to regularly monitor residents for symptoms throughout day.

The health and safety of our staff and residents are of the utmost importance. As we have been directed to move into mandated testing for all employees by Governor Cuomo’s office, we needed to determine how we could implement that efficiently, while complying with all regulations, and preventing any impact to resident care. Our COVID-19 response team is committed to acting in the best interest of all staff and residents.

As a result, Heritage skilled nursing and rehabilitation communities in Chautauqua County temporarily ceased all admissions effective Tuesday, May 19, 2020, in response to the New York State mandate to test all nursing home employees for COVID-19. This temporary admission halt will affect The Village in Gerry, NY, The Park in Jamestown, NY, and The Green in Greenhurst, NY. We will not accept admissions into our skilled nursing communities until we have sufficient test results indicating that our staffing will not be negatively impacted by our compliance with the executive order.

Our COVID-19 task force continues to monitor and implement the ever-changing guidelines and protocols of the CDC as well as local, state, and federal authorities. At this time, the following guidelines have been implemented at all of our communities:

• Visitation at all skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, and independent living communities are suspended until further notice.
• Common areas, including handrails and door knobs, are disinfected frequently.
• Masks are being worn in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines at each location.
• Social distancing must be observed at all times.
• All pet visits continue to be suspended.
• We continue to discourage any non-essential trips or errands for our independent living residents. We do have a grocery delivery system in place to protect our residents and staff from exposure. If you are interested in using this service, please contact your community directly.

Our teams continue to provide for both the physical and emotional care of those we serve during these difficult times through various resident engagement activities. Phone calls, video chats, and window visits are being arranged through the social work and activities departments. We are happy to assist in scheduling these visits; however, we do request they be limited to one per day so that we can assure all residents have equal opportunity.

In an effort to offer more expedient and transparent communication, we have implemented an auto call system, so all families can be notified immediately, in the event we have a resident with a confirmed positive COVID-19 test. We ask that you send your current email address to questions@heritage1886.org so we may also contact you via email, or call 1-833-623-0162 with any questions.

We continue to seek God’s wisdom and pray for His supernatural protection for those whom He has entrusted to our care, as we seek to keep them safe and to promote Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living in these difficult times.

Sincerely,
Lisa Haglund
President and CEO

COVID-19 Update

Dear Residents, Families, and Friends of Vinecroft:

We hope that you were able to appropriately celebrate Easter Sunday despite the restrictions we all face as a result of the current pandemic. I know many participated in online services from their usual churches. The various chaplains from Heritage also provided Easter Sunday services via video.

As you know from earlier communications, Vinecroft has lost two of its dear residents to this aggressive virus. Two others who were tested have now also been confirmed positive for COVID-19. One of those has returned to and is staying in their apartment and is exhibiting no signs or symptoms at this time. Staff serving meals to this resident are taking appropriate precautions.

We continue to follow CDC guidelines to curtail any additional spread, and we are monitoring the health condition of each resident daily. Our staff our wearing masks and avoiding direct contact with residents if at all possible. Meals are now primarily being served using disposable products.

We continue to encourage all residents to be alert to any signs and symptoms and to seek immediate healthcare at the first sign. Should this be the case, please be sure to inform the medical staff that you live in a congregate facility that has had residents who have tested positive for COVID-19. Based on the other cases at Vinecroft, residents should watch not only for fever and/or a cough but should also be alert to any unusual diarrhea or general fatigue.

We continue to ask our residents to comply with the following guidelines in order to avoid additional potential spread of Coronavirus:

• Residents are asked to remain in their apartments and to NOT walk the hallways or be in any other areas of the congregate building.
• Residents should only be in the hallways of the congregate building as needed to exit the building. We discourage leaving the building for any reason other than to walk outside for exercise while maintaining appropriate social distancing.
• Residents will be supplied with surgical masks which should be worn anytime they leave their apartment or when they are in the presence of a staff member in their apartment.
• At this time, visitation is suspended. In an emergent situation, prior approval from management is required to gain access.

We will be issuing regular updates in a similar manner, however, we also encourage you to check our Facebook page and this webpage for the most up to date information.

Sincerely,
David Smeltzer
President and CEO

UPDATED 4/6/2020

COVID-19 Update

On Sunday, April 5, 2020, another Vinecroft resident was taken to the hospital due to fatigue. This resident later tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total of congregate residents testing positive to three with one of those three deceased. To emphasize, none of those hospitalized exhibited any of the commonly reported symptoms of fever or cough. All three reported some amount of fatigue and two of the three reported diarrhea.

In addition to the restrictions and efforts already put into place, we now must insist that all Vinecroft congregate residents remain in their apartments. The only exception should be to exit the building to take a walk outside while practicing appropriate social distancing. We are doing everything we can to assure that our staff are available and able to meet your needs within the regulatory guidelines for an independent living community.

Our laundry facilities are now closed to residents. In the next 24 hours, we will put into place a procedure for providing laundry service to all residents at no charge. We will provide this information as soon as it is available.

COVID-19 is an extremely infectious disease and impacts those who are over the age of 85 in a much more significant manner than younger individuals. We cannot emphasize enough adherence to the following guidelines:

• Residents are asked to remain in their apartments and to NOT walk the hallways or be in any other areas of the congregate building.
• Residents should only be in the hallways of the congregate building as needed to exit the building. We discourage leaving the building for any reason other than to walk outside for exercise while maintaining appropriate social distancing.
• Residents will be supplied with surgical masks which should be worn anytime they leave their apartment or when they are in the presence of a staff member in their apartment.
• At this time, visitation is suspended. In an emergent situation, prior approval from management is required to gain access.
• All meals will be served on disposable products, except for the tray. When meals are delivered by staff, the resident should be wearing a mask and stay in the bedroom. Staff will conduct a verbal health check of the resident at this time.
• All staff will be wearing N95 masks at all times while on duty. When delivering meals, staff will wear gloves which will be changed after delivery to each apartment.
• Meal trays will be picked up by staff and placed in plastic bags and returned to the kitchen for sanitization.
• ****NEW**** All common areas of the congregate apartment building are closed to residents. This includes resident laundry rooms.

Again, we will be issuing regular updates in a similar manner, however, we also encourage you to check our Facebook page and website for the most up to date information.

Sincerely,
David Smeltzer
President and CEO, Heritage Ministries

UPDATED 4/5/2020

COVID-19 Statement

On Friday, April 3, 2020, two residents of the congregate apartment building of Vinecroft Retirement Community were taken to the hospital with symptoms of fatigue and diarrhea. We are saddened to report that one of those residents passed away before the end of the day Friday, and our deepest sympathies go out the family of this dear person.

The other resident remains hospitalized. Tests for COVID-19 were performed on both residents. The two residents who were hospitalized Friday did not exhibit the classic symptoms as publicized for COVID-19 of fever or cough, rather their initial symptoms were of fatigue and diarrhea. At this time, Vinecroft has two confirmed positive cases of COVID-19.

We are encouraging all residents to be alert to any of these signs and symptoms and to seek immediate healthcare at the first sign. Should this be the case, please be sure to inform the medical staff that you live in a congregate facility that has had residents who have tested positive for COVID-19.

While there have been no group activities and all resident meals were being served in their apartments for more than two weeks now, the following additional measures were put into place by mid-day on Saturday, April 4:

• Residents are asked to remain in their apartments and to NOT walk the hallways or be in any other areas of the congregate building.
• Residents should only be in the hallways of the congregate building as needed to exit the building. We discourage leaving the building for any reason other than to walk outside for exercise while maintaining appropriate social distancing.
• Residents will be supplied with surgical masks which should be worn anytime they leave their apartment or when they are in the presence of a staff member in their apartment.
• At this time, visitation is suspended. In an emergent situation, prior approval from management is required to gain access.
• All meals will be served on disposable products, except for the tray. When meals are delivered by staff, the resident should be wearing a mask and stay in the bedroom. Staff will conduct a verbal health check of the resident at this time.
• All staff will be wearing N95 masks at all times while on duty. When delivering meals, staff will wear gloves which will be changed after delivery to each apartment.
• Meal trays will be picked up by staff and placed in plastic bags and returned to the kitchen for sanitization.

We will be issuing regular updates in a similar manner, however, we also encourage you to check our Facebook page and continue to check back on our website for the most up to date information.

Sincerely,
David Smeltzer
President and CEO

UPDATED 4/1/2020

COVID-19 Update

Dear Residents, Families, and Community Members,

We are grateful to report that as of this writing, none of our Heritage or Heritage affiliated communities have any positive cases of COVID-19. We continue to work diligently to ensure the health and safety of our residents and staff.

As mentioned in my last communication, residents of our skilled nursing facilities are being closely monitored for any signs or symptoms. We continue to check temperatures three times per day. The same is true in our assisted living communities with temperatures being taken twice daily. We continue to reach out to those who reside in our independent living communities to check on their health and have expanded our services to include meal delivery and grocery pick up.

The leadership teams of our communities have completed table top drills and each community currently has the necessary personal protective equipment in place for the safety of our staff, should we have a positive case. In the event of a positive case, each skilled nursing facility has a dedicated location for those individuals. Staff are aware of the procedures that will be followed to assure their safety and to avoid any potential spread throughout the facility.

I want to remind you that we are now going on 18 days since our communities essentially went into a quarantine scenario. All visitation was stopped and all congregate dining and large group activities were discontinued. Staff have been wearing surgical masks anytime they are working in direct care areas. All of these steps have been taken to avoid unknowingly introducing COVID-19 into our facilities.

In addition to the steps being taken to assure the health of your loved ones, our teams are working diligently to provide opportunities for life enrichment and connection with those under our care. Please feel free to contact the appropriate facility if you want to arrange a virtual visit. Additionally, in some of our communities, window visits may be possible.

We have been blessed to receive many donations from the community, and we know that many of you are praying for our residents and staff. Words cannot express how important your support is to our care teams! We continue to seek God’s supernatural protection for our residents, staff, and communities.

Sincerely,
David Smeltzer
Heritage President and CEO

UPDATED 3/18/2020

Letter to Friends of Vinecroft

As COVID 19/Coronavirus is an ever-changing, fluid situation, we want to provide an update of new restrictions that will be implemented immediately. These are in addition to the steps we outlined in our letter to you last week. Please know, our response team is diligently monitoring updates and recommendations from local, state, and federal agencies on an hourly basis and will make any necessary changes to continue to ensure the health of our residents.

Effective immediately*:

1. We will be offering grocery delivery services to our independent living residents to help mitigate risk by reducing your off-site travel
2. At this time, we are asking for non-medically necessary visitation to stop. In the case of essential visitors, a screening form must be completed. Any exceptions to the screening or this practice will be at the sole discretion of the facility administrator
3. At this time, we are asking our residents to adopt the following best practices and guidelines as they have been communicated from various governmental bodies:
   1. Avoid group gatherings over 10
   2. Self-isolation if over the age of 65
   3. Reduce unnecessary travel and appointments
   4. Utilize grocery delivery service as offered above
   5. If you must leave the building, a screening form must be completed upon re-entry
   6. There will be no group dining; meals will be delivered to apartment residents
   7. No group activities
   8. IL residents may order take-out meals which can be picked up outside the main entrance if applicable

At this time, there continues to be NO confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 in any of our communities. The steps we are implementing are directly tied to the recommendations of the CDC, as well as state and local health departments, and we will continue to adjust our policies and procedures as needed. The facilities will continue to reach out to families with any changes as able, and we encourage you to monitor our websites and Facebook pages for the latest facility information. Administrators will also be communicating updates as they occur.

We are committed to the safety and well-being of our residents and have put these measures in place to keep our residents safe. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the facility with any questions or concerns you may have and bear with us as we work to take quick action when needed while trying to keep our residents and families well informed of these changes. Working together, we can minimize the impact of this virus on our community and continue to promote Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living to each and every resident in our care.

Sincerely,
Lisa Haglund
Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Development
On behalf of the Heritage Leadership Team

UPDATED 3/16/2020

Letter to Friends of Vinecroft

Dear Friends of Vinecroft,

Last week we sent you a letter outlining our current steps to prevent the spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19. As this is an ever-changing, fluid situation, I wanted to provide an update of new restrictions that will be implemented immediately.

1. Visitor restrictions will be extended until such time as lifted by all regulatory agencies
2. Visiting hours have been reduced, and NO FAMILIES are allowed to enter outside of current visitation hours of 10am-7pm
3. Visitors must complete a screen or will not be allowed to enter
4. Moving forward, no group dining will be offered, and meals will be delivered to residents
5. No group activities
6. Residents may order take-out meals which can be picked up outside the Main entrance if applicable

I would like to reaffirm that there are no suspected or confirmed cases here in our community at this time. The steps we are implementing are directly tied to the recommendations of the CDC, as well as state and local Health Departments, and we will continue to adjust our policies and procedures as needed. The facilities will continue to reach out to families with any changes as able, but we encourage you to monitor our website and Facebook page for the latest facility updates.

We are committed to the safety and well-being of our residents and have put these measures in place to first and foremost keep our resident safe. We have a team in place that is diligently monitoring news updates and guidance from local, state, and federal agencies on an hourly basis and will make any necessary updates to continue to ensure the health of our residents. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the facility with any questions or concerns you may have and bear with us as we work to take quick action when needed while trying to keep our residents and families well informed of these changes. Working together, we can minimize the impact of this disease on our community and continue to share God’s love by providing independent living for seniors in the Western New York region.

Sincerely,
Lisa Haglund
Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Development
On behalf of the Heritage Leadership Team

UPDATED 3/13/2020

Visitation Update

To comply with directives from local and state Departments of Health, visitation hours for independent living residents are 10am to 7pm.

UPDATED 3/10/2020

Statement from Vinecroft
Regarding COVID-19

David Smeltzer, Heritage president and CEO, recognized this week that Vinecroft Retirement Community, a Heritage senior living community in Clarence Center, NY, is prepared should COVID-19 coronavirus begin to affect region.

Smeltzer stressed that while Vinecroft currently has NO confirmed cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus, they are taking precautions.

He shared, “At Vinecroft, our residents and those we serve are our highest concern. The health and safety of both our residents and staff is of the utmost importance, and we are taking action to reduce the risk of exposure for all. The steps we are implementing are directly tied to the recommendations of the CDC and New York State Department of Health, and we will adjust our steps if those recommendations change. We are not holding events that bring outside groups of people, and are minimizing large group and outside trip activities to lessen the chance of exposure. Our staff has been well trained in preparation to support our residents.”

Presently, visitors are being limited at Vinecroft, and any individuals, including vendors and employees are being screened daily before entering a Vinecroft building. Those who exhibit any symptoms, have recently traveled, or have been near anyone ill with symptoms are not currently being granted entrance.

Vinecroft and Heritage staff have prepared extensively for any potential cases in the area. Lisa Haglund, Heritage vice president of sales, marketing, and development, explained that she has confidence in the team. “Vinecroft and Heritage have taken a proactive approach to prevent the spread and transmission of COVID-19 within its communities. Heritage has formed a COVID-19 task force, including experts in the fields of nursing homes, and senior housing, and includes a CDC certified infection preventionist. I have the utmost confidence that this team of experts have prepared Vinecroft and Heritage to respond in a manner that keep our residents, staff, and families safe.”

UPDATED 3/4/2020

Statement from Vinecroft
Regarding COVID-19

At Vinecroft, our residents and those we serve are our highest concern. We would like to assure the public that we currently have no suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) at Vinecroft. The health and safety of both our community members and staff is of the utmost importance, and we are taking action to reduce the risk of exposure for all.

The steps we are implementing are directly tied to the recommendations of the CDC and the New York State Department of Health, and we will adjust our steps if those recommendations change.

• Effective immediately, we are asking visitors to not enter our communities if they are exhibiting any type of symptoms or have recently traveled to any area of concern.
• We are limiting events that bring outside groups of people to Vinecroft communities and are minimizing large group and outside trip activities to lessen the chance of exposure.
• Our staff has been well trained in preparation to support our residents.

We thank everyone for their patience and cooperation. Working together we can minimize the impact of this disease on our community.