Path Forward 

This page will be updated frequently with the most recent communication at top. 

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, National Lutheran Communities & Services and myPotential at Home have been committed to following the most advanced best practices in health and safety protocols to protect our residents, clients and team members. Currently, COVID-19 vaccines are required for all team members, with proof of vaccination required prior to employment. NLCS has a process for applicants who have been offered a position to request an exemption or deferral for medical or religious reasons.

Love Your Neighbor Pledge 

As we establish plans to make our path forward and establish a new normal, the risks increase for the possibility of the virus spreading throughout our organization. Each of us has personal responsibility for keeping everyone safe, and we need to realize that our own behaviors can impact those with whom we work and serve. To show care and concern for each other, and to LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR, team members and clients are invited to pledge and commit to slowing the spread of COVID-19. Clients and team members are encouraged to consider your personal impact on our community and our ability to move forward through the established phases. We hope everyone will post the pledge in a visible place in your home as a reminder that your neighbors are counting on you to do your part in keeping everyone safe.

 

Path Forward Update – November 24, 2020

 

April 1, 2020, 4 p.m.

Governor Northam’s Stay at Home Executive Order

On Monday, March 30, Governor Ralph Northom issued a temporary Executive Order requiring people to “Stay at Home” due to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). This is an opportunity to discuss what it means for those who receive care from and work at myPotential at Home. This temporary order lasts through June 10, 2020 (however, can be rescinded sooner if the spread of the virus is curved).

One category of essential businesses includes organizations that provide health care services or support. myPotential at Home is a health care services for the senior population, and our employees will continue to report to work to perform assigned duties. Employees have been provided documentation that they can travel with to and from work they can provide should a request be made from a law enforcement authority.

As an organization, we recognize three levels of “Staying at Home.” Most clients fall into the second category, and a few will fall into category three.

I. Stay at Home – for all Virginians to stay at their place of residence, exceptions include obtaining food, beverages, supplies and seeking medical attention.
II. Older Persons & the immunocompromised – stay at home, have others/other services bring supplies to you. Minimize your contact with others. You are able to go outside for exercise while maintaining the six-foot social distancing order.
III. Quarantine – those who have traveled or have just experienced a hospital stay. We are asking these clients to separate themselves by staying in their home for a 14-day period. Meals and mail can be delivered by your myPotential at Home caregiver if needed.

We continue to have no confirmed cases of COVID-19 for clients or employees. Still, we ask that you continue to comply with the statewide mandate to stay at home. I thank you all for your patience and perseverance. The Shenandoah Valley is a resilient community and are all working together for the health and safety of one another.

Thank you to our clients for entrusting the myPotential at Home team to keep you well. Thank you to the team for your continued dedication to those you serve.

 

March 13, 2020, 5 p.m. 

As we continue to take additional proactive measures to protect our clients from the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus) and in following recommendations from federal and state government agencies, effective March 11, 2020 at 7 p.m., all National Lutheran Communities including The Village at Rockville, The Village at Orchard Ridge and The Legacy at North Augusta have modified their visitation policy. The new visitation policy only allows for essential visits in the health care or assisted living setting, and anyone permitted to the community must follow proper protocol, including completing a COVID-19 questionnaire and having a temperature check.

An essential visit is being defined as a visit to someone who has experienced a significant change in their medical condition. It has also been determined that myPotential at Home’s care visits are essential visits and will continue through the duration of the new visitation protocol. 

The information we are learning about COVID-19 is fluid and changing quickly. We will release new memos as we have more updated information.

As a reminder, the best way to keep from getting sick is to practice the essential guidelines outlined by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control. This includes:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 

I know this is a very tumultuous time for everyone. Thank you to our clients for entrusting the myPotential at Home team to keep you well. Thank you to the team for your continued dedication to those you serve. 

February 28, 2020 

According to recent information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), they continue to closely monitor an outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus (named “2019-nCoV”) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and continues to expand. The United States reported the first confirmed instance of person-to-person spread with this virus on January 30, 2020. Imported cases of 2019-nCoV infection in people have been detected in the U.S. While person-to-person spread among close contacts has been detected with this virus, at this time this virus is NOT currently spreading in Maryland or Virginia.

At myPotential at Home, we are being mindful about proactive planning and education about the virus for all of our clients and team members. While there is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Additionally, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

If you click this link, you will find a resource from the World Health Organization with five things to know and five things to do about the coronavirus. Although the resource does indicate the health care setting, we believe that the same practices should be in place in our daily lives.

We will continue to monitor and will provide updates if there is a noted change in our region.

Source: Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) websites