January 12, 2024
Firestone Health Care and Heritage Hills are experiencing COVID-19 cases and exposures. Visitation is still open for all residents. When visiting please notify the receptionist of the area you are visiting, and you will be advised if you need additional personal protective.
Visitors are requested to screen at the Welcome Center and put on their visitors sticker before entering Heritage Hills Personal Care or Firestone Healthcare Center. Visitors should wash hands before and after visits and must wear masks for the entire visit. We continue to take precautions including periodic testing of residents and team members to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
If you have any concerns about how you are feeling or have had exposure to someone with COVID-19, we do recommend testing and holding off on your visit until you feel better. We request you do not visit in public areas.
March 2, 2023
The recent COVID-19 cases in Firestone Health Care and Heritage Hills have resolved. We are returning to standard precautions with visitor screening at the Welcome Center and a requirement to wear a surgical mask. We appreciate your support and cooperation both in the recent outbreak and during on-going precautionary measures.
February 8, 2023
Firestone Health Care and Heritage Hills are experiencing COVID-19 cases and exposures. Visitation is still open for all residents. When visiting please notify the receptionist of the area you are visiting and you will be advised if you need additional personal protective items which will be provided to you. We encourage you to hold off visiting residents who are Covid positive.
Visitors are requested to screen at the Welcome Center and put on their visitors sticker before entering Heritage Hills Personal Care or Firestone Healthcare Center. Visitors should wash hands before and after visits and must wear masks for the entire visit. We continue to take precautions including periodic testing of residents and team members to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
If you have any concerns about how you are feeling or have had exposure to someone with COVID-19, we do recommend testing and holding off on your visit until you feel better. Please remember that visitation is allowed in the resident’s room only or outside, never in the public spaces.
February 3, 2023
Firestone Health Care is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases and exposures. Visitation is still open for all residents. Heritage Hills remains clear of COVID-19. When visiting please notify the receptionist of the area you are visiting and you will be advised if you need additional personal protective items which will be provided to you.
Visitors are requested to screen at the Welcome Center and put on their visitors sticker before entering Heritage Hills Personal Care or Firestone Healthcare Center. Visitors should wash hands before and after visits and must wear masks for the entire visit. We continue to take precautions including periodic testing of residents and team members to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
If you have any concerns about how you are feeling or have had exposure to someone with COVID-19, we do recommend testing and holding off on your visit until you feel better. Please remember that visitation is allowed in the resident’s room only or outside, never in the public spaces.
February 2, 2023
Firestone Health Care is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases and exposures. Visitation is still open for all residents. Heritage Hills remains clear of COVID-19. Some visitors may be required to take additional precautions when visiting loved ones due to positive results or exposure.
Visitors are requested to screen at the Welcome Center and put on their visitors sticker before entering Heritage Hills Personal Care or Firestone Healthcare Center. Visitors should wash hands before and after visits and must wear masks for the entire visit. We continue to take precautions including periodic testing of residents and team members to avoid the spread of COVID-19. If you have any concerns about how you are feeling or have had exposure to someone with COVID-19, we do recommend testing and holding off on your visit until you feel better. Please remember that visitation is allowed in the resident’s room only or outside, never in the public spaces.
January 30, 2023
There is a team member and a resident from Firestone Health Care team who tested positive for COVID-19. Visitation is still open for all residents. Heritage Hills is clear of COVID-19.
Visitors are requested to screen at the Welcome Center and put on their visitors sticker before entering Heritage Hills Personal Care or Firestone Healthcare Center. Some visitors may be required to take additional precautions when visiting loved ones due to positive results or exposure. Visitors should wash hands before and after visits and must wear masks for the entire visit. We continue to take precautions including periodic testing of residents and team members to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
If you have any concerns about how you are feeling or have had exposure to someone with COVID-19, we do recommend testing and holding off on your visit until you feel better. Please remember that visitation is allowed in the resident’s room only or outside, never in the public spaces.
December 12, 2022
Early this week, one Firestone Health Care team member tested positive for COVID-19. Visitation is still open for all residents.
Visitors are requested to screen at the Welcome Center and put on their visitors sticker before entering Heritage Hills Personal Care or Firestone Healthcare Center. Some visitors may be required to take additional precautions when visiting loved ones due to positive results or exposure. Visitors should wash hands before and after visits and must wear masks for the entire visit. We continue to take precautions including periodic testing of residents and team members to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
If you have any concerns about how you are feeling or have had exposure to someone with COVID-19, we do recommend testing and holding off on your visit until you feel better. Please remember that visitation is allowed in the resident’s room only or outside, never in the public spaces.
Please be mindful in addition to Covid-19, there is an increase in flu and RSV in the community. Please take extra precautions during this holiday season.
November 3, 2022
Today, one team member tested positive for COVID-19. Visitation is still open for all residents.
All visitors must screen at the Welcome Center and put on their visitors sticker before entering Heritage Hills Personal Care or Firestone Healthcare Center. Some visitors may be required to take additional precautions when visiting loved ones due to positive results or exposure. Visitors should wash hands before and after visits and must wear masks for the entire visit. We continue to take precautions including periodic testing of residents and team members to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
If you have any concerns about how you are feeling or have had exposure to someone with COVID-19, we do recommend testing and holding off on your visit until you feel better. Please remember that visitation is allowed in the resident’s room only or outside, never in the public spaces. We will be holding a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for team members and residents on November 17th at 12 noon.
October 24, 2022
Over the weekend, one team member tested positive for COVID-19. Visitation is still open for all residents.
All visitors must screen at the Welcome Center and put on their visitors sticker before entering Heritage Hills Personal Care or Firestone Healthcare Center. Some visitors may be required to take additional precautions when visiting loved ones due to positive results or exposure. Visitors should wash hands before and after visits and must wear masks for the entire visit. We continue to take precautions including periodic testing of residents and team members to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
If you have any concerns about how you are feeling or have had exposure to someone with COVID-19, we do recommend testing and holding off on your visit until you feel better. Please remember that visitation is allowed in the resident’s room only or outside, never in the public spaces.
October 21, 2022
Yesterday, one Firestone Healthcare team member tested positive for COVID-19. Visitation is still open for all residents.
All visitors must screen at the Welcome Center and put on their visitors sticker before entering Heritage Hills Personal Care or Firestone Healthcare Center. Please note that, visitors to Keystone Rehab will be given instructions on how to enter Keystone Rehab after check-in. Some visitors may be required to take additional precautions when visiting loved ones due to positive results or exposure. We continue to take precautions including periodic testing of residents and team members to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
If you have any concerns about how you are feeling or have had exposure to someone with COVID-19, we do recommend testing and holding off on your visit until you feel better. Visitors should wash hands before and after visits and must wear masks for the entire visit. Please remember that visitation is allowed in the resident’s room only or outside, never in the public spaces.
October 17, 2022
Over the weekend, two residents in Firestone Healthcare tested positive for COVID-19. Visitation is still open for all residents.
All visitors must screen at the Welcome Center and put on their visitors sticker before entering Heritage Hills Personal Care or Firestone Healthcare Center. Please note that, visitors to Keystone Rehab will be given instructions on how to enter Keystone Rehab after check-in. Please note that, some visitors may be required to take additional precautions when visiting loved ones due to positive results or exposure.
We continue to take precautions including periodic testing of residents and team members to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
Visitors should wash hands before and after visits and must wear masks for the entire visit. We recommend maintaining social distance during your visits. In some cases, visitors may be required to take additional precautions. Please remember that visitation is allowed in the resident’s room only or outside, never in the public spaces. Visitors must have their visitor’s stickers on for the whole visit.
If you have any concerns about how you are feeling or have had exposure to someone with COVID-19, we do recommend testing and holding off on your visit until you feel better. Please note that we are now in the start of flu season as well.
October 14, 2022
Yesterday, one team member in Firestone Healthcare tested positive for COVID-19. Visitation is still open for all residents.
All visitors must screen at the Welcome Center and put on their visitors sticker before entering Heritage Hills Personal Care or Firestone Healthcare Center. Please note that, visitors to Keystone Rehab will be given instructions on how to enter Keystone Rehab after check-in. Please note that, some visitors may be required to take additional precautions when visiting loved ones due to positive results or exposure.
We continue to take precautions including periodic testing of residents and team members to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
Visitors should wash hands before and after visits and must wear masks for the entire visit. We recommend maintaining social distance during your visits. In some cases, visitors may be required to take additional precautions. Please remember that visitation is allowed in the resident’s room only or outside, never in the public spaces. Visitors must have their visitor’s stickers on for the whole visit.
If you have any concerns about how you are feeling or have had exposure to someone with COVID-19, we do recommend testing and holding off on your visit until you feel better. Please note that we are now in the start of flu season as well.
October 11, 2022
Today, one team member and one resident in Firestone Healthcare tested positive for COVID-19. Visitation is still open for all residents.
All visitors must screen at the Welcome Center and put on their visitors sticker before entering Heritage Hills Personal Care or Firestone Healthcare Center. Please note that, visitors to Keystone Rehab will be given instructions on how to enter Keystone Rehab after check in. Please note that, some visitors may be required to take additional precautions when visiting loved ones due to positive results or exposure.
We continue to take precautions including periodic testing of residents and team members to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
Visitors should wash hands before and after visits and must wear masks for the entire visit. We recommend maintaining social distance during your visits. In some cases, visitors may be required to take additional precautions. Please remember that visitation is allowed in the resident’s room only or outside, never in the public spaces. Visitors must have their visitor’s stickers on for the whole visit.
If you have any concerns about how you are feeling or have had exposure to someone with COVID-19, we do recommend testing and holding off on your visit until you feel better. Please note that we are now in the start of flu season as well.
October 10, 2022
Since Saturday, five team members and one resident in Firestone Healthcare tested positive for COVID-19. Visitation is still open for all residents.
All visitors must screen at the Welcome Center and put on their visitors sticker before entering Heritage Hills Personal Care or Firestone Healthcare Center. Please note that, visitors to Keystone Rehab and Millstone will be given instructions on how to enter those areas after check in. The change of entrance for Millstone and Keystone is to keep visitors to just the areas they are visiting. Please note that, some visitors may be required to take additional precautions when visiting loved ones due to positive results or exposure.
We continue to take precautions including periodic testing of residents and team members to avoid the spread of COVID-19. We will be holding a bivalent COVID-19 booster clinic for team members and Healthcare residents on October 12. Please reach out to Karley Kolocin for Firestone Healthcare, if you’d like your family member to receive the booster. To learn more about the bivalent booster, please visit the CDC website.
Visitors should wash hands before and after visits and must wear masks for the entire visit. We recommend maintaining social distance during your visits. In some cases, visitors may be required to take additional precautions. Please remember that visitation is allowed in the resident’s room only or outside, never in the public spaces. Visitors must have their visitor’s stickers on for the whole visit.
If you have any concerns about how you are feeling, we do recommend testing and/or holding off on your visit until you feel better.
October 6, 2022
Today, two residents in Firestone Healthcare tested positive for COVID-19. Visitation is still open for all residents, but in some cases, visitors may be required to take additional precautions. All visitors must screen at the Welcome Center and put on their visitors sticker before entering Heritage Hills Personal Care or Firestone Healthcare Center. Please note that, visitors to Keystone Rehab and Millstone will be given instructions on how to enter those areas after check in.
We continue to take precautions including periodic testing of residents and team members to avoid the spread of COVID-19. We will be holding a bivalent COVID-19 booster clinic for residents of Personal Care & Residential Living on October 10th and team members and Healthcare residents on October 12. Please reach out to Karley Kolocin for Firestone Healthcare or Miranda Troyer for Heritage Hills Personal Care, if you’d like your family member to receive the booster.
Visitors should wash hands before and after visits and must wear masks for the entire visit. We recommend maintaining social distance during your visits. In some cases, visitors may be required to take additional precautions. Please remember that visitation is allowed in the resident’s room only or outside, never in the public spaces. Visitors must have their visitor’s stickers on for the whole visit.
If you have any concerns about how you are feeling, we do recommend testing and/or holding off on your visit until you feel better.
September 7, 2022
On Tuesday, a team member tested positive during routine testing. We continue to take precautions including periodic testing of residents and team members to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
Visitors should wash hands before and after visits and must wear masks for the entire visit. We recommend maintaining social distance during your visits. In some cases, visitors may be required to take additional precautions. Please remember that visitation is allowed in the resident’s room only or outside, never in the public spaces.
If you have any concerns about how you are feeling, we do recommend testing and/or holding off on your visit until you feel better.
August 31, 2022
On Monday, an additional resident in Firestone Healthcare tested positive for COVID-19. All precautions are being taking including periodic testing of residents and team members to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
Visitors should wash hands before and after visits and must wear masks for the entire visit. We recommend maintaining social distance during your visits. In some cases, visitors may be required to take additional precautions. Please remember that visitation is allowed in the resident’s room only. The FDA today approved an updated Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech booster for COVID-19. Learn more about that here.
If you have any concerns about how you are feeling, we do recommend testing and/or holding off on your visit until you feel better.
August 26, 2022
In the last 24 hours, an additional two residents in Firestone Healthcare and three team members tested positive for COVID-19. All precautions are being taking including periodic testing of residents and team members to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
Visitors should wash hands before and after visits and must wear masks for the entire visit. We recommend maintaining social distance during your visits. In some cases, visitors may be required to take additional precautions. Please remember that visitation is allowed in the resident’s room only.
If you have any concerns about how you are feeling, we do recommend testing and/or holding off on your visit until you feel better.
August 24, 2022
Yesterday, three residents in Firestone Healthcare and three team members tested positive for COVID-19. Residents and team members continue to undergo periodic testing as well as taking other precautions.
The COVID-19 transmission rate in Lancaster County is high and with students heading back to school, we encourage you to take COVID-19 precautions when you are out and about. Keep in mind that the latest variant is causing more respiratory symptoms and more significant illness. For the safety of residents and team members, visitors to campus MUST wear masks and we recommend maintaining social distance and washing hands before and after your visit. In some cases, visitors may be required to take additional precautions. Please remember that visitation is allowed in the resident’s room only.
Not everyone that is positive for COVID-19 will show significant symptoms and COVID-19 can seem like allergies or fatigue. If you have any concerns about your health, we do recommend testing and/or holding off on your visit until you feel better.
August 5, 2022
Since the last update, 3 team members have tested positive for COVID-19. Residents and team members are undergoing periodic testing as well as taking other precautions.
The COVID-19 numbers in Lancaster County are high. For the safety of residents and team members, we encourage all visitors to take precautions. During visits, masks must be worn and we recommend maintaining social distance and washing hands before and after your visit. Visitation is allowed in the resident’s room only. At this time, we are seeing that those positive with COVID-19 are not showing many, if any symptoms, and it often seems like allergies or fatigue. If you have any concerns, we do recommend testing and/or holding off on your visit.
July 1, 2022
June 17, 2022
May 27, 2022
Thank you for your patience while we worked the campus parking and roads. All roads and parking lots are now open. Please note that the main entrance circle is a fire lane so no parking is permitted outside of the parking spaces. Also, for everyone’s safety please follow the arrows on the main circle as it is a one way circle.
Please note that, COVID-19 cases remain high in Lancaster County. We encourage you to wash your hands frequently especially before and after visits. Also, if you are feeling unwell in anyway, including runny nose, cough, sore throat or headache, or had contact with anyone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, please refrain from visiting. At this time, the symptoms for COVID-19 often seem like allergies. Masks are required on campus for all visitors and team members.
Active COVID-19 Cases
Personal Care: 0 Residents 0 Team Members
Healthcare: 2 Residents 9 Team Members
May 24, 2022
Our first day of resealing is going very well. Thank you for your patience with this project and for driving so carefully on our campus. As a reminder, the lower entrance is closed today as we are sealing the south side of campus which includes the team member parking lot, the dock area and United Zion Circle from Cottages 2 – 26. Tomorrow, Wednesday, the main entrance, the drop off circle, Lexington Parking and Scenic Circle (cottages 60-66) will be closed for sealing. On Thursday, Keystone Parking Lot, Garden & Vista parking lot and United Zion Circle from Cottage 28 to the entrance of the upper level parking behind the bus garage will be closed for sealing. The upper level parking lot behind the bus garage will continue to be available for parking during this time. Additional parking is available across the street at High Sports.
Active COVID-19 Cases
Personal Care: 0 Residents 0 Team Members
Healthcare: 1 Residents 8 Team Members
May 23, 2022
Please note that campus parking will be impacted May 24 to May 26 due to resealing and painting (weather permitting). On Tuesday, we will be sealing the south side of campus which includes the team member parking lot, the dock area and United Zion Circle from Cottages 2 – 26 (the lower entrance will be closed). This also includes the driveways of these cottages. On Wednesday, the main entrance, the drop off circle, Lexington Parking and Scenic Circle (cottages 60-66) will be closed for sealing. On Thursday, Keystone Parking Lot, Garden & Vista parking lot and United Zion Circle from Cottage 28 to the entrance of the upper level parking behind the bus garage will be closed for sealing. The upper level parking lot behind the bus garage will continue to be available for parking during this time. Please note that during this time, campus traffic patterns may be changed, parking will be very limited and more folks may be walking on campus. We encourage you to drive very slowly and carefully due to these changes. Please plan your visits accordingly. Additional parking is available across the street at High Sports.
Active COVID-19 Cases
Personal Care: 0 Residents 0 Team Members
Healthcare: 1 Residents 7 Team Members
May 16, 2022
The positivity rate is rising in Lancaster County. Residents and team members are undergoing periodic testing as well as taking other precautions. We encourage all visitors to take precautions as well. During visits, masks must be worn and we recommend maintaining social distance and washing hands before and after your visit. Visitation is allowed in the residents room only. At this time, we are seeing that those positive with COVID-19 are not showing many, if any symptoms, and it often seems like allergies. If you have any concerns, we do recommend testing and/or holding off on your visit.
Active COVID-19 Cases
Personal Care: 5 Residents 2 Team Members
Healthcare: 1 Residents 6 Team Members
May 15, 2022
Active COVID-19 Cases
Personal Care: 5 Residents 2 Team Members
Healthcare: 1 Residents 3 Team Members
May 11, 2022
Active COVID-19 Cases
Personal Care: 5 Residents 2 Team Members
Healthcare: 0 Residents 2 Team Members
May 9, 2022
Active COVID-19 Cases
Personal Care: 5 Residents 2 Team Members
Healthcare: 0 Residents 1 Team Members
May 6, 2022
Active COVID-19 Cases
Personal Care: 5 Residents 2 Team Members
Healthcare: 0 Residents 0 Team Members
May 4, 2022
Active COVID-19 Cases
Personal Care: 3 Residents 2 Team Members
Healthcare: 0 Residents 0 Team Members
We currently have three COVID-19 positive residents in Personal Care. Residents and team members are undergoing periodic testing as well as taking other precautions to ensure there is no additional spread. Visitation is allowed in the residents room only. During visits, masks must be worn and we recommend maintaining social distance.
As we are a healthcare facility, visitors and vendors are still required to wear mask covering mouth and nose on our campus as well as to be screened for COVID-19 when entering the building. We continue to follow the guidance from CDC, PA DOH, PA DHS and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
All levels of care are open for visitation. With the warmer weather, we encourage you to visit your loved one outside. Inside visitation is still restricted to the resident’s room.
If you are not feeling well, have any possible COVID-19 symptoms, or had contact with anyone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, please refrain from visiting.
If you visit Heritage Hills Personal Care and later test positive for COVID-19, please call Miranda Troyer at 717-627-8415. If you visit any other areas on campus and later test positive for COVID-19, please call 717-626-2071 and ask for Karley Kolocin.
April 28, 2022
COVID-19 transmission rates in Lancaster County are still low and we do not have any current resident cases. However, we are seeing cases in the county. As we are a healthcare facility, visitors and vendors are still required to wear mask covering mouth and nose on our campus as well as screening for COVID-19 when you enter the building. We continue to follow the guidance from CDC, PA DOH and PA DHS and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
All levels of care are open for visitation. With the warmer weather, we encourage you to visit your loved one outside. Inside visitation is still restricted to the resident’s room.
If you are not feeling well, have any possible COVID-19 symptoms, or had contact with anyone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, please refrain from visiting.
If you visit Heritage Hills Personal Care and later test positive for COVID-19, please call Miranda Troyer at 717-627-8415. If you visit any other areas on campus and later test positive for COVID-19, please call 717-626-2071 and ask for Karley Kolocin.
March 4, 2022
We are so excited that the COVID-19 numbers continue to recede. However, as we are a healthcare facility, visitors and vendors are still required to wear mask covering mouth and nose on our campus as well as screening for COVID-19 when you enter the building.
We also encourage all guests wash hands or use hand sanitizer before and after visiting. Visitation is still restricted to the resident’s room or outside areas.
If you are not feeling well, have any possible COVID-19 symptoms, or had contact with anyone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, please refrain from visiting. If you visit Heritage Hills Personal Care and later test positive for COVID-19, please call Miranda Troyer at 717-627-8415. If you visit any other areas on campus and later test positive for COVID-19, please call 717-626-2071 and ask for Karley Kolocin.
January 12, 2022
United Zion continues to see COVID-19 cases on campus. Team members and residents with exposure are tested. Visitation remains open. We ask that all guests take the required precautions of wearing a mask, washing hands and, if needed, wearing additional personal protective equipment. If you are not feeling well, have any possible COVID-19 symptoms, or had contact with anyone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, please refrain from visiting. If you visit Heritage Hills Personal Care and later test positive for COVID-19, please call Miranda Troyer at 717-627-8415. If you visit any other areas on campus and later test positive for COVID-19, please call 717-626-2071 and ask for Karley Kolocin.
We continue to encourage everyone to get the vaccine and/or booster as well as take precautions such as wearing medical grade mask and social distancing.
January 7, 2022
After a long time without a resident COVID-19 case, unfortunately a Firestone Healthcare Center resident has tested positive for COVID-19. As the COVID-19 cases in Lancaster County continue to climb, this is not unexpected. We have also had a few team members test positive. We will continue with the mitigation and prevention measures recommended by the CDC, the PA Department of Health and CMS. This includes testing of staff and residents in accordance with state and federal guidelines, screening all visitors and staff for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and requiring personal protective equipment based on current guidelines.
Based on the guidelines from CMS, visitation for Heritage Hills Personal Care and Firestone Healthcare Center will remain open for visitors. We ask that all guests take the required precautions of wearing a mask, washing hands and if needed wearing additional personal protective equipment. If you are not feeling well, have any possible COVID-19 symptoms, or had contact with anyone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, please refrain from visiting. Symptoms of COVID-19 include, but are not limited, to runny nose and congestion, fever, cough, loss of taste and smell, headache, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, body aches, sore throat and diarrhea. If you visit and later test positive for COVID-19, please call 717-626-2071 and ask for Karley Kolocin.
We greatly encourage everyone to get the vaccine and/or booster as well as take precautions such as masking wearing and social distancing. Please see the CDC website for additional information on precautions and symptoms. For vaccination or booster shot locations near you, please visit vaccines.gov.
November 23, 2021
In Person Visitation – Currently Open
Healthcare is open to visitors. We ask that visitors continue to screen, wear masks, and visit outdoors or in resident rooms, and practice social distancing while visiting. No visitation or loitering is permitted in common areas, dining rooms, or lobbies.
Personal Care
In Person Visitation – Currently Open
Personal Care is open to visitors. We ask that visitors continue to screen, wear masks, and visit outdoors or in resident rooms, and practice social distancing while visiting. No visitation or loitering is permitted in common areas, dining rooms, or lobbies.
October 28, 2021
Visitation is open at all levels.
Healthcare
In Person Visitation – Currently Open
Residents may receive up to 2 visitors indoors, up to 10 visitors outside between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Visitors must screen. Visitors must wear mask when visiting indoors or outdoors. All visitors are required to check in and go directly to the resident’s room. Visitation may only occur in resident rooms or outside of the building. No visitation or loitering is permitted in common areas, dining rooms, or lobbies.
Personal Care
In Person Visitation – Currently Open
Residents may receive visitors between 8 AM and 8 PM either indoors in their room or outside. Visitors must screen. Visitors must wear mask when visiting indoors or outdoors. All visitors are required to check in and go directly to the resident’s room. Visitation may only occur in the resident room or outside of the building. No visitation or loitering is permitted in common areas, dining rooms, or lobbies.
October 23, 2021
Please note the current status of visitation. At this time, we estimate opening visitation on October 28.
Healthcare
In Person Visitation – Currently Closed
Please call 717-627-8406 to schedule virtual visits. When open, residents may receive up to 2 visitors indoors, up to 10 visitors outside between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Visitors must screen. Visitors must wear mask when visiting indoors or outdoors. All visitors are required to check in and go directly to the resident’s room. Visitation may only occur in resident rooms or outside of the building. No visitation or loitering is permitted in common areas, dining rooms, or lobbies.
Personal Care
In Person Visitation – Currently Closed
Please call 717-627-8432 to schedule virtual visits. When open, residents may receive up to 2 visitors indoors, up to 10 visitors outside between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Visitors must screen. Visitors must wear mask when visiting indoors or outdoors. All visitors are required to check in and go directly to the resident’s room. Visitation may only occur in resident rooms or outside of the building. No visitation or loitering is permitted in common areas, dining rooms, or lobbies.
October 13, 2021
Due to this, we will temporarily be suspending visitation and all group activities in Healthcare and Personal Care. Meals will be delivered to the residents’ rooms. We strongly suggest refraining from leaving the campus at this time for any reason other than medical appointments. Virtual visitation and window visits will be available, please call 717-627-8406 for Healthcare visits and 717-627-8432 for Personal Care visits.
We will also be routinely testing all residents and team members regardless of vaccination status to ensure safety. These safety measures will be ongoing until Saturday, October 23, 2021.
We are hopeful that during this period there will not be any further positive results that arise and this concludes quickly. We know this can be very disheartening but our Personal Care and Healthcare Center have done a great job staying healthy the past 18 months and we just want to continue our streak! We will do everything we can to make this period of time as easy as we are able for everyone residing here. If you think your loved one is eligible for compassionate care visits and we have not contacted you, please reach out: Healthcare Center – our nursing team at 717-626-2071, Personal Care – Director Miranda Troyer at 717-627-8432.
Healthcare
In Person Visitation – Currently Closed
Please call 717-627-8406 to schedule virtual visits. When open, residents may receive up to 2 visitors indoors, up to 10 visitors outside between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Visitors must screen. Visitors must wear mask when visiting indoors or outdoors. All visitors are required to check in and go directly to the resident’s room. Visitation may only occur in resident rooms or outside of the building. No visitation or loitering is permitted in common areas, dining rooms, or lobbies.
Personal Care
In Person Visitation – Currently Closed
Please call 717-627-8432 to schedule virtual visits. When open, residents may receive up to 2 visitors indoors, up to 10 visitors outside between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Visitors must screen. Visitors must wear mask when visiting indoors or outdoors. All visitors are required to check in and go directly to the resident’s room. Visitation may only occur in resident rooms or outside of the building. No visitation or loitering is permitted in common areas, dining rooms, or lobbies.
Residential Living
Visitors are required to wear mask in common areas and corridors. We suggest all residents wear masks while in common areas and corridors.
September 20, 2021
As of September 13, all areas of United Zion are open to visitors.
Healthcare Center
Residents may receive up to 2 visitors indoors between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Visitors must screen. Visitors must wear mask when visiting indoors or outdoors. Larger group visits are possible outside, please call to schedule.
Personal Care
Residents may receive up to 2 visitors indoors between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Visitors must screen. Visitors must wear mask when visiting indoors or outdoors. Larger group visits are possible outside, please call to schedule.
All visitors are required to check in and go directly to the resident’s room. Visitation may only occur in resident rooms or outside of the building. No visitation or loitering is permitted in common areas, dining rooms, or lobbies.
August 30, 2021
This morning a staff member who works in the Healthcare Center tested positive for COVID-19. We will close the Healthcare Center to visitors as we test all staff and Healthcare residents. We anticipate opening Healthcare Center visits on Wednesday, September 1 for all areas except North Hall. North Hall will open September 13.
Healthcare
Visitation – Currently Closed
When open, residents may receive up to 2 visitors indoors, up to 10 visitors outside between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Visitors must screen. Visitors must wear mask when visiting indoors or outdoors.
Personal Care
Visitation– Currently Open
All residents may receive up to 2 visitors indoors, up to 10 visitors outside between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Visitors must screen. Visitors must wear mask when visiting indoors or outdoors.
All visitors are required to check in and go directly to the resident’s room. Visitation may only occur in resident rooms or outside of the building. No visitation or loitering is permitted in common areas, dining rooms, or lobbies.
Residential Living
Visitors are required to wear mask in common areas and corridors. We suggest all residents wear masks while in common areas and corridors.
On Monday, August 23rd, the Food and Drug Administration removed the emergency use authorization from the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 and has officially approved it for use in individuals 16 and up. (It remains emergency use authorization for individuals between the ages of 12 and 15 and for the administration of the third dose for immunocompromised individuals.) This vaccine will now be marketed under the name “Comirnaty” so please do not be surprised if you see the new name in educational materials or memos.
Our pharmacy continues to provide vaccines. We encourage all team members to receive the vaccine. If you were waiting for the official FDA approval, please contact Ellen to schedule your vaccine. Along with the newly approved Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine, our Pharmacy is able to offer our team members the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines as well. If a resident, team member or team member’s family wish to be vaccinated, please contact Ellen Haupt at 717-627-8425.
For vaccinated team members and residents, we will be offering the COVID-19 booster at a later date. Individuals are eligible for the booster 8 months following their second vaccine. Residents and team members vaccinated at United Zion will begin to meet that timeline in October of this year. Please be on the lookout for additional information on the boosters as we continue to approach that time.
Additional information will be forthcoming regarding the recent COVID-19 vaccine mandate for nursing homes as we continue to wait for additional guidance.
Updated June 1, 2021
We are excited to announce that starting today, June 1st, Personal Care residents that have been FULLY vaccinated will no longer need to wear masks on-campus (excluding Healthcare areas). Also, Personal Care residents that are fully vaccinated will also no longer need to have socially distant activities and mealtimes. Personal Care visitation will still be restricted to resident rooms and outside spaces with a maximum of 2 visitors at time. All visitors including campus residents will still need to wear a mask when visiting in Personal Care.
Please note that ALL campus visitors will need to continue to wear masks in the building, regardless of vaccination status. Our pharmacy is offering on-campus vaccinations to residents including the Johnson and Johnson one-shot vaccine. If you know a resident who is not yet vaccinated and would like to be vaccinated, please let us know so we can make the arrangements.
Updated May 26, 2021
On Monday, we re-opened the Healthcare Center to visitation. Please note that visitation hours in Healthcare are 9:15AM-11AM, 12:15PM-4PM, 5:15PM-8PM. Since we cannot have anyone in the dining rooms during meals, we kindly ask all family and friends to not visit outside of these times. All visits must take place in the resident’s room or outside. It is a maximum of 2 visitors per resident at any time. Please note, all Healthcare visitors must sign in first at the reception before entering at the Farmhouse door on the porch (not the ambulance entrance).
Personal Care visits will continue to occur from 8AM – 8PM but we do ask that you be considerate of meals times as guests are not allowed into the dining areas or public spaces within Personal Care. Visits must occur in the resident’s room or outside. It is a maximum of 2 visitors per resident at any time. You will need sign-in and out at reception.
Although the CDC has revised mask wearing guidelines, those do not apply in health related settings like Healthcare and Personal Care. Thus, masks are still required when visiting residents in Healthcare or Personal Care even if outside and/or vaccinated. You will also need to wear your visitor’s sticker as well as maintain 6 feet of social distance.
In Residential Living, the Residential Living residents that are fully vaccinated, are not required to wear a mask in the Residential Living areas of the building only. However, we do request that all visitors wear mask even if fully vaccinated while in the main areas of the building. Staff, regardless of vaccination status, is required to wear masks unless in their private offices.
Please note that if visitors are observed not following the guidelines, they may be asked to leave.
Thank you for your understanding.
Updated May 6, 2021
We regret to inform you that we had one employee test positive today for COVID-19. All staff and Healthcare residents are undergoing COVID-19 testing and no additional cases have been found at this time. We will continue to test staff and Healthcare residents weekly.
Based on this positive case, we will be suspending in-person Healthcare visits and volunteers visits within Healthcare for at least 2 weeks. In Healthcare, virtual visitation and window visits will be available starting Saturday May 8th. Please schedule your virtual and window visits here.
Personal Care will continue to be open to in-person visits from 8AM and 8PM. All visitors will be screened at reception. Also, visitors must were masks and safety glasses for their entire visit. Visitation is restricted to outside or in-room only. No more than 2 visitors at a time. Please be considerate of meal times.
We encourage everyone to get vaccinated. Find a vaccine provider here or check out the Lancaster County vaccination site.
Please note that our entrance has moved due construction. Please follow the signs and do not walk into the roped off area. To learn more about this project, please check out our Heart of the Home video.
Updated March 22, 2021
We are updating the Healthcare visitation hours to meet the needs and safety of the residents. Healthcare visitation hours will be 9:15AM-11AM, 12:15PM-4PM, 5:15PM-8PM. Since we cannot have anyone in the dining rooms during meals, we kindly ask all family and friends to not visit outside of these times. Please note, all Healthcare visitors must sign in first at the new entrance and then enter through the Farmhouse door on the porch (not the ambulance entrance). You will not need to sign out after your visit moving forward.
Personal Care visits may occur from 8AM – 8PM but we do ask that you be considerate of meals times as guests are not allowed into the dining areas or public spaces within Personal Care. You will need sign-in and out at reception.
When visiting residents in Healthcare or Personal Care, you need to wear your visitor’s sticker and your mask for the entire visit (even if outside) as well as maintain 6 feet of social distance. All visits must remain in the resident’s room or outside if it is a nice day. It is a maximum of 2 visitors per resident at any time. Please note that if visitors are observed not following the guidelines, they may be asked to leave.
Thank you for your understanding.
Updated March 13, 2021
We continued to not have anyone test positive for COVID-19 during this week’s testing. We will be continuing weekly testing at this time based on the current positivity rate in Lancaster County.
As vaccine rates are increasing, CMS has changed its guidance on visitation guidance for nursing homes – learn more here. Based on this new guidance, we will be revising visitation restrictions starting Monday March 15. Please note that visitation guidelines are subject to change and visitation may be restricted for a period if any resident or staff member test positive.
All visitors must be screened at reception before seeing the resident (even if resident is outside). If you have been sick, tested positive for COVID-19 or had close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, please do not visit. Visitors will no longer need to schedule visitation in advance for Healthcare or Personal Care. Visitation will be open between 8AM-8PM daily. If possible, visitation should occur outside. No more than two visitors per resident at a time. Visitors must wear mask and maintain 6 feet of social distance. We encourage eligible resident family members to consider getting vaccinated before visiting. Find a vaccine provider here or check out the Lancaster County vaccination site.
Our entrance has moved due construction. Please follow the signs and do not walk into the roped off area. To learn more about this project, please check out our Heart of the Home video.
Updated March 5, 2021
We are so happy to report that staff and resident testing this week was negative for COVID-19. The positivity rate in Lancaster County has fallen to a level that allows us to go back to weekly testing instead of twice weekly testing. Healthcare and Personal Care will continue to have in-person scheduled visitation.
We are starting construction on Monday, March 8 for the Heart of the Home Project. To learn more about this project, please check out our Heart of the Home video. We hope that you will consider giving a gift to support this much needed renovation of our main spaces including a larger chapel auditorium. Due to this construction, the main entrance will be moving. Please follow the signs to our temporary entrance. Also, keep an eye out for an invitation to our virtual Gala and silent auction that will be raising funds for this project.
Updated February 26, 2021
Today’s good news is that in-person visits have re-started for Healthcare residents. Please schedule your visits online here for Healthcare. For in-person visits for Personal Care residents, please call 717-627-8432. We are continuing to test employees and Healthcare residents two times a week and Personal Care once a week. There have been no COVID-19 positive test results yet this week.
Updated February 20, 2021
We are excited to report that all residents and team members tested negative for COVID-19 during this week’s testing. Today was our second vaccination clinic.
Please sign up for virtual visits for Healthcare here. In-person visit with Personal Care residents can be scheduled by calling 717-627-8432.
Updated February 12, 2021
Unfortunately, we had one team member test positive for COVID-19 today. This means that Healthcare in-person visits will be suspended at this time. Vaccination and following the CDC’s recommendations for personal safety offers the best protection against COVID and the best way to help stop the spread of this virus. We will be holding our second vaccine clinic for all residents and staff on February 20. We encourage everyone to get vaccinated, a list of locations for vaccinations in PA can be found on the Department of Health’s website.
Updated February 11, 2021
We are excited to report that all residents and team members tested negative for COVID-19 on Tuesday and Wednesday. This means that Healthcare will be starting in-person scheduled visits today, February 11th. Please sign up for visits for Healthcare here. Visits with Personal Care residents can be scheduled by calling 717-627-8432. Please keep in mind that our next vaccine clinic for residents and staff is coming up on February 20th. We highly encourage all residents and staff to get the vaccine.
Updated February 5, 2021
All staff and healthcare residents tested negative for COVID-19 today. For Healthcare residents, virtual visits can be scheduled here. For Personal Care residents, please call 717-627-8432 to schedule your in-person visitation.
Updated February 2, 2021
We are so glad to report that all staff and Healthcare residents tested negative for COVID-19 today. We were excited to hold our first COVID-19 vaccine clinic this past Saturday (January 30th) for residents and team members. We are so thankful for the CVS staff that came out to administer a very successful COVID-19 vaccination clinic. Our next vaccine clinic for residents and team members is February 20th.
Updated January 29, 2021
Unfortunately, today a team member tested positive for COVID-19. This means that in-person visitation for residents of the Healthcare Center will be suspended until further notice. Personal Care will continue to have in-person scheduled visitation, call 717-627-8432 to schedule.
We will be having a vaccination clinic for Healthcare, Personal Care and employees this Saturday January 30th Please note that mask wearing and other protocols will continue to be in place even after residents and employees have received the second dose of the vaccine.
We encourage everyone that is eligible for the vaccine to consider getting it. Visit CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine benefits page to learn why. PA Department of Health has approved vaccinations for those over 65 and those with specific pre-existing conditions. For locations or to sign up, please visit PA Department of Health Website.
Updated January 26, 2021
During today’s testing, no staff members or Healthcare residents tested positive for COVID-19. We will be starting scheduled in-person visitation tomorrow for Healthcare. Please sign up online here for Healthcare visitation. For Personal Care, visitation please call 717-627-8432 to schedule your visit. Please remember to make sure we have your family member’s COVID-19 vaccine authorization paperwork as vaccinations are taking place this Saturday
Updated January 22, 2021
All tests today of staff and Healthcare residents were negative for COVID-19. Testing of all residents and team members will start again on Tuesday.
Updated January 21, 2021
During testing on Tuesday and Wednesday, we did not have any staff members or residents test positive for COVID-19. Testing will occur again on Friday for staff and Healthcare residents.
We have been given the date of Saturday January 30th for COVID-19 vaccinations for Healthcare residents and employees. We are hopeful with the changes in PA COVID-19 vaccination guidelines that Personal Care residents will also be able to receive the vaccine at this time as well. Please note that we do not know how many doses of the vaccine we will receive at this time. For those that are medical POAs, please keep an eye out for information on our vaccination clinic and the consent paperwork. Questions regarding vaccinations can be directed at Healthcare’s Director of Nursing, Heather Brown, or the Director of Personal Care, Miranda Troyer. Please note that mask wearing and other protocols will continue to be in place even after residents and employees have received the second dose of the vaccine.
We encourage everyone that is eligible for the vaccine to consider getting it. Visit CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine benefits page to learn why. PA Department of Health has approved vaccinations for those over 65 and those with specific pre-existing conditions. For locations or to sign up, please visit PA Department of Health Website.
Please note that Healthcare residents are still restricted to virtual visitation only – please sign up here. Personal Care families may call 717-627-8432 to schedule in-person visitation.
Updated January 15, 2021
In today’s testing, no residents or team members tested positive. We will be testing again on Monday.
We did hear that our vaccination clinic with Omnicare/CVS Pharmacy will take place on January 30 for team members and Healthcare residents. We will continue to advocate for Personal Care and Residential Living to receive the vaccine as well. Please note that Department of Health controls all access, distribution, clinic dates and related aspects of vaccination. Unfortunately, United Zion has no control over when and how it will be available to you. The CDC, through their Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, did not include Residential Living residents on their list, thus they are not included in this first vaccine group. United Zion has expressed concern over this to our state association, as have many other Life Plan Communities, but this has not changed the outcome.
We are encouraging all team members and residents that are eligible to get this vaccine to help stop the spread of this virus. Please note that even after being vaccinated, team members and residents will still be required to wear masks and maintain safety precautions.
Updated January 14, 2021
During testing Tuesday, we did not have any staff members or residents test positive for COVID. On Wednesday, no Personal Care residents tested positive but one Healthcare staff member did test positive. This staff member is comfortably resting at home. Family members of Healthcare residents are encouraged to sign up for a time for virtual visitation, sign up here. Personal Care families may call 717-627-8432 to schedule in-person visitation. Testing will occur again on Friday for Healthcare residents and staff.
We have been given a tentative date for vaccinations for Healthcare residents and staff. More details will come next week.
Updated January 5, 2021
During testing today, we did not have any Healthcare Resident test positive. However, we did have one Healthcare Center staff member test positive. Due to this, in-person visitation will be suspended in the Healthcare Center and virtual visitation will resume.
Personal Care residents will be tested tomorrow and all staff will again be tested on Thursday.
We are still waiting to hear about COVID-19 vaccination for team members and residents.
Updated December 31, 2020
During testing today, we did not have anyone test positive. With this news, we are happy to announce we are COVID-19 free. This means we will resume scheduled in-person visitation for Healthcare by Monday January 4th. Healthcare families can schedule their time online here or by calling 717-626-2071. Personal Care families may call 717-627-8432 to schedule visitation.
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year.
Updated December 29, 2020
During testing on Monday-Tuesday, we did not have any residents test positive. We did have one staff member test positive. This staff member was sent home to rest. Staff will again be tested on Thursday for COVID-19.
The great news is that Personal Care is now in the green phase and we will be resuming scheduled in-person visits with Personal Care residents. Please call 717-627-8432 to schedule visits with Personal Care residents.
Vaccinations have started in Lancaster County for long-term care. We are waiting to hear from the pharmacy regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for staff and residents here at United Zion.
Due to the increase of COVID-19 in Lancaster County, we continue to emphasis the need to wear masks, social distance and practice good hand washing.
Wishing everyone a happy New Year.
Updated December 22, 2020
We continued to screen employees and skilled and personal care residents for COVID-19 this week. Our testing results did not find any additional staff or residents on campus with COVID-19. Staff will again be tested on Thursday for COVID-19. The testing helps assure we do not have COVID-19 positive team members working and also helps us to quickly identify any resident who may have COVID-19.
We continue to have a few residents in skilled and personal care actively with COVID-19. Due to the increase of COVID-19 in Lancaster County, we continue to emphasis the need to wear masks, social distance and practice good hand washing.
As in-person visitation is suspended until further notice, please consider scheduling a virtual visit with your loved one. On Friday, we will be showing special Christmas messages for residents over the close circuit TV.
Updated December 19, 2020
In testing of team members yesterday, we did not find any additional cases of COVID-19. We are continuing to see staff and residents recover. Please keep those affected by COVID-19 in your prayers.
Updated December 16, 2020
During our universal testing of team members, Healthcare residents and Personal Care residents on Monday and Tuesday, we found one asymptomatic Healthcare team member along with three Personal Care residents, who tested positive for COVID-19.
Our next universal testing of team members will be this Friday.
As in-person visitation is suspended until further notice, please consider scheduling a virtual visit with your loved one.
Updated December 11, 2020
On Friday, we tested all staff members and were pleased to find that we had no additional team members test positive. We will have our next round of testing for staff and Healthcare residents on Tuesday and Personal Care residents will be tested on Wednesday.
Updated December 9, 2020
Lancaster County is currently above a 13% positive rate for COVID testing and PA DOH is projecting the rate of COVID-19 cases in Lancaster County to continue to rise (see trajectory graphs). We are now testing staff twice a week to ensure no asymptotic staff are working. Our testing on Tuesday revealed two asymptotic staff members. Several additional staff members are also at home resting as they were diagnosis with COVID-19 between staff testing days. Please note that all staff members are screened at the beginning and end of their work day.
Residents in Healthcare and Personal Care are tested weekly. Healthcare residents were tested on Tuesday and, unfortunately, we did have a few additional positive cases. Families have been notified. Personal Care residents were tested today, Wednesday, and no additional cases of COVID-19 were detected.
Please keep these residents and team members in your prayers for a quick recovery.
Family members may drop of packages for residents at the main entrance. There is a bench in the vestibule which packages may be placed. Please label packages with resident’s name and unit number and indicate if anything is perishable. Also, don’t forget to submit your Christmas Wishes video for residents to see on Christmas Day. Virtual visitations are available. Please call to reserve a time.
We continue to follow guidance from PA DHS, PA DOH and CDC and consult with LGH and our infectious disease consultants as well as our Medical Director to ensure the best possible care for residents and that all protocols are being followed. Our dedicated team is providing quality care during extremely difficult circumstances. Currently, our team is working on the vaccination plan for eligible team members and residents of Healthcare and Personal Care. For information on PA vaccine roll out, please visit the DOH Website.
Please keep in mind the guidance from the state of Pennsylvania and CDC to help curtail the spread of COVID-19 – keep social distances of 6 feet or more, wear a mask and wash your hands.
Updated December 3, 2020
As cases rise in Lancaster County, we are unfortunately seeing a rise of COVID-19 cases on campus. We are now seeing cases of COVID-19 in all levels of care on the campus including Residential Living and Personal Care.
To avoid further spread, we have shut down all public spaces in the community including in-person dining, lobby, fitness center and computer lab. For Residential Living, we are offering meal delivery and carryout as well as support with grocery delivery. All activities have been moved to our campus closed circuit TV system including chapel services and exercise classes.
Although this is disappointing news, we were not caught by surprise. We have been preparing for this time. We feel confident that our dedicated team is doing everything we can to keep the residents physically safe. Please keep the residents and caregivers in your thoughts and prayers.
Please note that we continue to have measures in place to minimize risk throughout the building. We are following the regulatory standards and guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), PA DOH and other agencies. We are also in contact with our infectious disease consultants. We follow a rigorous sanitation regimen that follows, and in some cases exceeds, all state and federal guidelines. We have increased the daily volume of cleaning done in common, medical and residential areas. All protective and medical equipment are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. As we had already planned, we will be increasing the frequency of universal testing of staff, Healthcare residents and Personal Care residents to twice a week.
We greatly encourage all families to reach out virtually (phone or video) to their loved ones. Please let us know if we can help facilitate those connections. Also, consider submitting a video or photo message by 12/12 for your loved one for us to share on the campus close circuit TV system on Christmas Day.
As cases in Lancaster County and the surround areas are increasing, we encourage everyone to continue to practice safe habits including mask wearing, handwashing and social distancing. Your efforts will help keep everyone safe.
Updated November 25, 2020
We received the final results of last week’s testing on Tuesday, three additional non-direct care staff did test positive however all residents tested negative. To decrease the time that it is taking to get results, United Zion this week moved to rapid testing. Testing took place Tuesday and Wednesday. No staff members have tested positive this week. However, we did have a resident in Healthcare Center test positive.
The resident that tested positive is in isolation and the wing in which the resident resides in the Healthcare Center has been placed in quarantine. Treatment measures are in place to minimize risk throughout the building. We are following the regulatory standards and guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), PA DOH and other agencies. We are also in contact with our infectious disease consultants. Please keep this resident in your prayers for a speedy recovery.
Please note that Personal Care and the Healthcare Center are still closed to in-person visitation. Healthcare virtual visitation can scheduled online here or by calling Zach at 717-627-8406. For Personal Care, please call Personal Care at 717-626-2071. All visitation must be scheduled in advance.
Universal testing of staff, Healthcare residents and Personal Care residents will occur weekly until we have two weeks of no positive cases at United Zion. Following two weeks of no positive cases, we will stop testing residents and will hopefully be able to resume in-person scheduled visits. We will continue to provide regular communication to all resident responsible parties to provide more personal updates regarding their loved ones and our reopening status.
As cases in Lancaster County and the surround areas are increasing, we encourage everyone to continue to practice safe habits including mask wearing, handwashing and social distancing. Please review the recommendations from the CDC on being safe during this holiday season – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. We wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
Updated November 17, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 numbers in Lancaster County, we resumed weekly testing of all staff members at United Zion. Unfortunately, this week several tests have come back COVID-19 positive for Personal Care and support staff in Skilled Nursing Care. Due to this, all in-person visitation for Personal Care and the Healthcare Center are temporarily postponed. Please reach out to schedule virtual visitation with residents. We have also closed the hair salon for all residents including residential living.
Treatment measures are in place to minimize risk throughout the building. We are adhering to the regulatory standards regarding continued universal testing from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). We will continue to provide regular communication to all resident responsible parties to provide more personal updates regarding their loved ones and our reopening status.
Universal testing of staff, Healthcare residents and Personal Care residents will occur weekly until we have 2 weeks of no positive cases. Following two weeks of no positive cases, we will stop testing residents and will resume in-person scheduled visits.
As cases in Lancaster County and the surround areas are increasing, we encourage everyone to continue to practice safe habits including mask wearing, handwashing and social distancing. As the holidays are coming up, please review the recommendations from the CDC on being safe during this holiday season – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.
Healthcare virtual visitation can scheduled online here or by calling Zach at 717-627-8406. For Personal Care, please call Personal Care at 717-627-8432. All visitation must be scheduled in advance.
Updated October 23, 2020
We received great news today. Our latest COVID-19 universal testing came back and all results were negative. Therefore, Healthcare will be resuming in-person scheduled visitation on Monday, October 26. Universal testing of staff will continue on at least a monthly basis based on the current state guidelines.
As cases in Lancaster County and the surround areas are increasing, we encourage everyone to continue to practice safe habits including mask wearing, handwashing and social distancing. Healthcare visitation can scheduled online here or by calling Zach at 717-627-8406. For Personal Care, please call Personal Care at 717-627-8432. All visitation must be scheduled in advance
Updated October 20, 2020
As you know, we are doing universal COVID-19 testing of all staff each week. As a precaution, we are also testing Healthcare residents as well. In last week’s testing, we had great news. All staff and all Healthcare residents tested negative for COVID-19 last week.
If this week’s test, all come back negative, Healthcare will be able to resume scheduled in-person visitation. However, at this time, Healthcare will continue with window visits and virtual visitation only. Personal Care continues to have scheduled in-person visitation.
We do not have any active cases of COVID-19 at this time. We continue to adhere by the latest recommendations from DOH, DHS, CDC and others as safety for the residents and team members is our utmost concern. As cases in Lancaster County continue to creep up, we encourage everyone to continue to practice safe habits including mask wearing, handwashing and social distancing.
Healthcare visitation can scheduled online here or by calling Zach at 717-627-8406. For Personal Care, please call Personal Care at 717-627-8411. All visitation must be scheduled in advance.
Thank you again for all your support.
Updated October 12, 2020
At this time, we are undergoing weekly testing for COVID-19 for both staff and Healthcare residents. In last week’s testing, we had one positive test result for an asymptomatic non-direct care staff member. This staff member had limited contact with residents. However, Healthcare will continue with window visits and virtual visitation only. Personal Care will still have schedule in-person visitation. We do not have any active cases among residents at this time. We continue to adhere by the latest recommendations from DOH, DHS, CDC and others as safety for the residents and team members is our utmost concern.
Healthcare visitation can scheduled online here or by calling Zach at 717-627-8406.
Personal Care visitation can scheduled online here or by calling Julie at 717-617-7998.
All visitation must be scheduled in advance.
Thank you again for all your support.
Updated October 1, 2020
On September 29th, we started another round of universal testing of staff. Although it is only mandated for Healthcare Center staff, we decide to test all staff in the facility. Unfortunately, we were notified today that one staff member with very limited resident contact did test positive. Due to this, the Healthcare Center will be returning to the red stage of re-opening and remain there until no staff or residents test positive for two weeks. In red, visitors are not permitted. Personal Care will remain in the yellow stage and thus will continue visitation as this staff member did not have contact with Personal Care residents.
For those that had visitation scheduled with residents in the Healthcare Center, we will look to reschedule those visits once we are out of the red stage.
Please note that we will be rolling out an online sign up for scheduling in-person visits for both Healthcare and Personal Care in the near future. As a reminder, visits for Personal Care residents are scheduled with Julie at 717-617-7998 and must be scheduled in advance.
Thank you for all your support and prayers during this time. Please continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and wear a mask when you are in public. This helps protect residents, staff and the greater community from COVID-19.
Updated September 10, 2020
As a reminder, you can schedule visitation with residents (either virtual or outside). For Healthcare residents, please call Zach at 717-626-2071 x1006. For Personal Care residents, please call Julie at 717-617-7998. They will provide guidelines for those visits. Please note that all visits must be scheduled in advance.
The PA Department of Health recently announced that we can now allow for compassionate care visitation, details available here. This visitation has specific guidelines and restrictions. It is only available for residents of long-term skilled nursing, not for Personal Care. If a resident meets the State’s criteria for compassionate care visitation, the care team at United Zion will notify the family and provide the most up-to-date guidance for these visits.
We do not currently have any cases of COVID-19 on our campus and are currently in Step 3 for Personal Care and Healthcare Centers. The state of PA has issued additional guidance on additional routine universal testing for Skilled Nursing facilities. We will be following all guidelines from PA Department of Health and PA Department of Human Services in regards to all routine universal testing. We will provide more details on the testing program at United Zion when it becomes available.
We thank our team members for their continued diligence in providing excellent care and support to our residents. United Zion is preparing for the potential of another wave of the coronavirus coupled with the pending flu season and will continue its efforts to keep residents and staff safe. We continue to urge residents, families and the greater community to continue to be vigilant. Please continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and wear a mask when you are in public. This helps protect residents, staff and the greater community from COVID-19.
Updated July 27, 2020
United Zion has started a three phase planning for reopening and welcoming visitors for residents in Personal Care and Skilled Care. Phases are determined from review of mandatory testing completed in both Personal Care and Skilled Care and current situation with staff and residents. Each area of care will return to phase 1 if a staff or resident test positive for COVID-19 or by direction from the state.
Phase 1
End of Life comfort visits only. Family notified of the availability for a visit and the protocols to follow for these visits.
Phase 2
Window visits or outdoors visits may be scheduled. Families should contact Zach Souders for Health Care at 717-627-8406 or Kristen Bennett for Personal Care at 717-368-9365. Visiting location is shared when the visit is scheduled. Visitors must enter the reception area for screening. The receptionist will provide further direction. Visitors must wear mask and maintain six feet of physical distance. If we have inclement weather on the day of the visit, the visit will move inside to a common space.
Phase 3
Outdoor and indoor visits may be scheduled. Outdoor visits are preferred. Indoor visits will occur in a central common space. Visits will not occur on the care floors or in resident rooms. Families should contact Zach Souders for Health Care at 717-627-8406 or Kristen Bennett for Personal Care at 717-368-9365. Assigned visiting location will be shared when the visit is scheduled. Visitors must enter the reception area for screening. The receptionist will provide further direction. Visitors must wear mask and maintain six feet of physical distance.
Visits between Personal Care and Health Care residents will be by appointment when both levels have reached phase 3.
See reopening plan details for Healthcare here. See reopening plan details for Personal Care here.
Update: July 23, 2020
United Zion received word this week that our universal testing of Personal Care for both residents and staff from over two weeks ago came back with no cases of COVID-19. Unfortunately, we got word today that a Personal Care staff member tested positive for COVID-19. This team member has not been on campus for over week and we think the chances of transmission are low. Our Personal Care team is taking every precaution and continuing to monitor residents for any possible spread.
Using the guidelines from Healthcare and Personal Care based on the guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the team is working on plans for a phrased approach to opening the campus. Once plans are finalized, we will post those plans. At this time, we are offering scheduled window visitation as well as virtual visitation for Healthcare and Personal Care, please call us to arrange a time.
We continue to urge residents, families and the greater community to continue to be vigilant. Please continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and wear a mask when you are in public. This helps protect residents, staff and the greater community from COVID-19.
Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers.
Update: July 9, 2020
United Zion has completed universal testing of Healthcare and Personal Care. We are still awaiting results from the testing of Personal Care. Unfortunately, we are seeing test results take longer these last few weeks. Currently, we have no known COVID-19 cases on campus.
We are currently working on re-opening plans for Healthcare and Personal Care based on the guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Once plans are finalized, we will post those plans. At this time, we are offering scheduled window visitation as well as virtual visitation for Healthcare and Personal Care, please call us to arrange a time.
We continue to urge residents, families and the greater community to continue to be vigilant even as restrictions begin to ease. Please continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and wear a mask when you are in public. This helps protect residents, staff and the greater community from COVID-19.
Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers.
Update: July 1, 2020
United Zion continues to be vigilant in response to COVID-19.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health mandated skilled nursing centers implement a mass testing plan for residents and staff by July 24, 2020. Last week, we implemented the mass testing for residents and staff in skilled care. As expected, our universal COVID-19 testing last week in skilled nursing did reveal a small number of asymptotic but COVID-19 positive staff and residents.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services mandated testing for Personal Care residents and staff by August 31, 2020. Today, July 1, we are testing Personal Care residents and staff. We anticipate results early next week.
As the potential for exposure to the virus remains, we urge residents, families and the greater community to continue to be vigilant even as restrictions begin to ease. The population we serve are the most vulnerable to viruses such as COVID-19. Please continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and wear a mask when you are in public.
As the PA Department of Health and PA Department of Human Services has released guidelines regarding easing of restrictions in Personal Care and Healthcare Centers once a community is clear of COVID-19 cases. We are working to create a plan for the skilled and personal care areas to welcome visitors which we will post once available. At this time, we are offering scheduled window visitation as well as virtual visitation for Healthcare and Personal Care, please call us to arrange a time.
Thank you for your ongoing support. We ask you to continue to keep United Zion in your thoughts and prayers.
Update: June 24, 2020
Each week, we look to provide you updates on how the virus is affecting United Zion Retirement Community as its affects continue to be felt nationwide.
United Zion tested Healthcare residents and staff for COVID-19 earlier this week to determine if there is anyone who is asymptomatic. We are estimating that the results will be back next week. We do expect that the testing will find some asymptotic positive residents and staff. We continue to urge everyone to practice frequent handwashing, wear a mask in public and maintain proper social distancing. Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers.
As previously mentioned, we have eased some restrictions for our Residential Living residents. However, per state regulations, visitors to Personal Care and Healthcare are still prohibited even once Lancaster County enters green on Friday. If you’d like to set up a window visit or virtual visit, please call us at 717-626-2071 so that can be arranged.
We are excited to be celebrating our 115th anniversary this Friday. Although our days are busy with the challenges of COVID-19, we continue to look to the future and to address the needs of the community for the next 115 years.
Update: June 17, 2020
As COVID-19 continues to affect our state, we have been providing regular updates on how the virus is affecting United Zion Retirement Community.
After a period of United Zion not treating any residents with COVID-19, we regret to inform you we are now treating one resident. We also have a team member testing for COVID-19.
United Zion continues to prepare to test Healthcare residents and staff for COVID-19 to determine if there is anyone asymptomatic. A date for testing is not finalized.
We continue to adhere to strict protocols and continue taking aggressive measures to protect our communities from exposure to COVID-19. United Zion is adhering to the CDC’s Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings. We are working closely with our medical director and following the guidelines of the CDC, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Our nursing administration continues to have regular communications with representatives from the state Department of Health and their infection control consultants, ECRI.
We would like to express our gratitude to our residents and their loved ones for your patience, encouragement and understanding during this challenging time. We also appreciate the support from the community. The outpouring of support and positive messages we received have been overwhelming! Please continue to keep United Zion Retirement Community in your thoughts and prayers.
Update: June 10, 2020
As COVID-19 continues to affect our state, we would like to provide an update on how the virus is impacting United Zion Retirement Community.
Our top priority remains the health, safety and well-being of our residents and team members. United Zion team members have been on the frontlines of this virus. We are grateful for their dedication and the care, service and compassion they provide each day.
At this time, United Zion is currently COVID-19 free for residents and staff. All staff who had COVID-19 are clear to return to work, following current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
United Zion will be moving forward test Healthcare residents and staff for COVID-19 to determine if there is anyone asymptomatic. We anticipate testing to occur before the end of July.
We continue to adhere to strict protocols and continue taking aggressive measures to protect our community from exposure to COVID-19. United Zion is adhering to the CDC’s Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings. We are working closely with our medical director and following the guidelines of the CDC, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Our nursing administration continues to have regular communications with representatives from the state Department of Health and their infection control consultants, ECRI.
Please note that visitors are still restricted from Healthcare and Personal Care. However, we are offering scheduled window visits or virtual visit. If you are interested in scheduling a window or virtual visit, please call 717-626-2071 and ask for Zach Souders to schedule for Healthcare residents or ask for Kristen Bennett to schedule for Personal Care residents.
We would like to express our gratitude to our residents and their loved ones for your patience, encouragement and understanding during this challenging time. We also appreciate the support from the community. The outpouring of support and positive messages we received have been overwhelming! Please continue to keep United Zion Retirement Community in your thoughts and prayers.
Update: June 2, 2020
Since our last update there have been no additional residents or team members that tested positive for COVID-19. All team members who had tested positive have been released to return to work.
As we move into “yellow”, some restrictions in residential living will be lifted over the next few weeks and services will return. We know that yellow does not mean that we are out of the woods so we are going to be very prudent and careful in what this loosening of restrictions will look like. We ask that you are understanding of our focus on resident and team member safety as we look to the future. In residential living, this includes a return to the full list of meal options, the ability to pick up meals, housekeeping services and some size-limited group activity. Masks are still required when outside of your unit and we appreciate you still following social distancing and handwashing guidelines.
On Friday, when Lancaster County will officially move from “red” to “yellow” under Governor Wolf’s plan, Healthcare and Personal Care will continue to keep all aggressive infection control protocols and social distancing measures in place. Although we will continue to restrict visitors on campus, require screenings of all folks on campus and require everyone on campus to wear mask; we will be introducing the opportunity to have window visits with your family in Healthcare or Personal Care. Please call Zach Souder at 717-626-2071 to schedule a visit in Healthcare or Kristen Bennett at 717-368-9365 to schedule a visit in Personal Care.
We continue to appreciate the support and prayers from each of you.
Update: May 26, 2020
As our extraordinary team continues to work tirelessly to take care of residents here at United Zion during this time. The outbreak of COVID-19 continues impacting Pennsylvania, Lancaster County and United Zion.
In Healthcare, United Zion is currently treating three residents who tested positive or are presumed positive. We also have one resident is being treated in the hospital. Ten residents have recovered. Unfortunately, six have passed due to the virus. We ask that you continue to keep these families and residents as well as our staff in your prayers. We have had 12 employees test positive; ten are cleared to return to work, following current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Two team members are recovering at home.
There are no cases of COVID-19 in Personal Care or Residential Living either for residents or employees.
We continue to adhere to strict protocols and continue taking aggressive measures to protect our communities from exposure to COVID-19. We are adhering to the CDC’s Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings. We are working closely with our medical director and following the guidelines of the CDC, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Our Healthcare Center leadership team continues to have regular communications with representatives from the state Department of Health and their infection control consultants, ECRI.
In the past week, numerous news and government organizations released statistics for nursing and personal care communities. If you compare the numbers, you will notice differences. United Zion seeks to be transparent in the numbers we are releasing on our website as well as in regular updates to residents and families. Each one of these numbers is more than a number to us, they are a person who we care for with a family we are seeking to support. United Zion will continue to be open and transparent with our residents, team members and the greater community. At the same time, our organization will continue to protect our residents’ privacy and personal health information as required under HIPPA regulations.
As a reminder, visitors are restricted at all campuses, and we have posted signs at entrances to remind the public not to visit in Healthcare or Personal Care. We encourage all families to continue to follow the Governor’s Shelter in Place orders for Lancaster County. We encourage families and residents to communicate through phone calls, texts, video chat, and other virtual means. We have team members who can assist with phone calls and video calls. For assistance communicating with friends or family in Healthcare, please ask for Life Enrichment by calling 717-626-2071. For assistance communicate with friends and family in Personal Care, please ask for Kristen Bennett at 717-626-2071.
We are developing plans for when Lancaster County moves to the yellow and then green. We will provide updates as they are developed. We look forward to the day we can welcome families back on campus.
We are so grateful to our residents and their loved ones for your patience, encouragement and understanding. Please continue to keep United Zion in your thoughts and prayers.
Update: May 18, 2020
As the COVID-19 outbreaks continues to impact Pennsylvania and Lancaster County, our top priority remains the health, safety and overall well-being of our residents and team members. We greatly appreciate the United Zion team members who work on the frontlines of this virus.
As it has been reported, COVID-19 affects those over 65 and those with pre-existing medical conditions more severely than any other age group. We ask you to pray for recovery for those who have been infected by this virus.
At United Zion, we have keenly felt the impact of COVID-19. As of Sunday, 18 Healthcare residents have tested positive or are presumed positive. Unfortunately, 4 have passed away. Please pray for their families during this time. The bright spot is that 9 have recovered. Please note that presumed cases are based on consultation with the resident’s physician and our medical director. If we learn, following testing, that any presumed case was in fact negative, our numbers will be revised. 11 Healthcare Center employees have tested positive. 9 have been cleared to return to work, following the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and approval by medical personal. There are no cases of COVID-19 in Personal Care or in Residential Living for either staff or residents.
We continue to adhere to strict protocols and continue taking aggressive measures to protect our community from exposure to COVID-19. This includes adhering to the CDC’s Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings. We are working closely with our medical director and following guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the CDC and other industry groups. Our Healthcare team continues to have regular communications with representatives from the PA Department of Health and infection control consultants, ECRI.
United Zion will continue to be open and transparent with our residents, team members and the greater community. At the same time, our organization will continue to protect our residents’ privacy and personal health information as required under HIPPA regulations. We have released regular public updates on our website and will maintain that practice. We also provide regular updates to our residents and their family members.
As a reminder, campus visitors are restricted. We urge all families to continue to follow the Governor’s Shelter in Place orders for Lancaster County. We encourage families and residents to communicate through phone calls, texts, video chat, and other virtual means. We have team members who can assist with phone calls and video calls. For assistance communicating with friends or family in Healthcare, please ask for Life Enrichment by calling 717-626-2071. For assistance communicate with friends and family in Personal Care, please ask for Kristen Bennett at 717-626-2071. We are doing a Facebook Live at 2PM May 18th on using video call technology including Zoom, FaceTime and Google Duo for those that would appreciate some tips on using these platforms. It will be recorded available on Facebook afterwards as well.
We are so grateful for your support, encouragement and understanding during this challenging time. The outpouring of support and positive messages we’ve received has been overwhelming! Please continue to keep United Zion, the residents and the team in your thoughts and prayers.
Update: May 13, 2020
We have been hearing about a rise in scams during this time since so many of us are at home.
Here are a few current scams to be aware of and some tips from the FTC:
- Don’t respond to texts, emails or calls about checks from the government. The government will not call to verify your bank account information for direct deposits. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now or sooner is a scammer.
- Ignore online offers or phone calls for vaccinations. There are no products proven to treat or prevent COVID-19 at this time such as immunity pills or cures. Do not give any personal information over the phone and do not click on any online ads.
- Be wary of ads for test kits. The FDA recently announced approval for one home test kit, which requires a doctor’s order. But most test kits being advertised have not been approved by the FDA, and aren’t necessarily accurate. At this time, there also are no FDA-authorized home test kits for the Coronavirus.
- Hang up on robocalls. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from low-priced health insurance to work-at-home schemes to protective gear. Do not give out personal information over the phone.
- Watch for emails claiming to be from the CDC or WHO. Go to your web browser and search for the actual WHO or CDC site. And don’t click on links from sources you don’t know.
- Do your homework when it comes to donations. Never donate in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money. Do not make the donations over the phone.
Update: May 8, 2020
It is with heavy hearts, we must report that we lost another Healthcare resident to COVID-19 in the last week. So far we have had 2 deaths due to COVID-19 in Healthcare. Please keep those families in your prayers. In total, we have had 9 total Healthcare residents test positive for COVID-19 which includes the two we lost. The current Healthcare residents who have tested positive or are under observation appear to be progressing well. At this time, we have had no cases in Personal Care or Residential Living. Our top priority remains the health, safety and well-being of our residents and team members.
Our team members are working tirelessly on the front lines and doing extraordinary work. We have tested 24 staff members to date. 15 of those tested came back negative. We are waiting results on 2 tests. Out of the 7 team members that had COVID-19, 3 have been cleared to return. The others are still at home resting until cleared by medical personnel.
Once again, let us say how much we truly appreciate your understanding and support. We continue to enforce the commonwealth’s decision to restrict visits into the facility at this time. We know it is hard to be away from family especially during Mother’s Day Weekend. We continue to encourage family members to communicate regularly through video calls, phone calls, emails and letters. If you need assistance setting up those calls please call us at 717-626-2071.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will we be called if my love one is diagnosed with COVID-19? Yes, just like any health status change, we will notified the Healthcare POA for the resident.
- Who do I call if I have questions? Please call 717-626-2071. Let the receptionist know if your question is regarding the health of your loved one or about setting up a phone call so that the receptionist knows where to direct your call. Please note that HIPPA applies for health information, so if you are calling about a specific resident’s health, it may be best for their Healthcare POA to call.
- Will there still be family meetings and how frequently? Yes, family meetings will held via the phone at the same frequency as before COVID-19. If you’d like frequent updates, please let staff know.
- How can I send messages of comfort to a family member? You may drop them off at the receptionist or send them in the mail. Please note that items that are dropped off may undergo a 24 hour quarantine process (we do have refrigeration available, if needed).
- Can I do a video chat with my loved one? Yes, we know they would love to hear from family. If the loved one needs help with the phone or with video, a virtual visitation for Healthcare or Personal Care residents can be scheduled by contacting a member of our Life Enrichment department at 717-626-2071.
- If we would like to provide a family member with their own device for virtual visitation, would a staff member be able to help them set it up? Please contact our Life Enrichment Department at 717-626-2071 to make arrangements.
- When was our last annual survey (state inspection) by the PA Department of Health? United Zion underwent our annual survey earlier this year.
Update: May 7, 2020
We wanted to make families aware of a new resource developed by the Pennsylvania State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office to assist residents and their families during this difficult time.
The Office has established a Virtual Family Council that is open to any family member or friend of a long-term care resident in Pennsylvania. These free, web-based meetings will be hosted by the PA Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office and will provide an opportunity for dialogue and networking, as well as updates regarding resources and policies. We encourage our families to attend.
These meetings will occur twice a month from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The current schedule of dates are: May 19; June 2, 16 & 30; July 14 & 28. The meetings will be hosted via ZOOM and are available to anyone with a family member or friend residing in any long-term care facility in Pennsylvania. You are welcome to attend all meetings or just a few. To obtain connection information, email jarotz@pa.gov and indicate Virtual Family Council in the subject line or visit their Facebook page: PA Long-Term Care Virtual Family Council.
Each session will offer some informational updates regarding the COVID-19 situation and resources available. Conversation and questions will be welcome following that segment and will be moderated by representatives of the Ombudsman office. Guidelines for the calls, and that information can be found here.
For specific questions regarding Virtual Family Council, please contact Kim Shetler, Ombudsman Specialist, via email at c-kshetler@pa.gov or by telephone at 570-784-4420.
The Pennsylvania State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office is a federally-mandated advocacy network that works independently of long-term care providers and facilities. There are local ombudsmen in each county in Pennsylvania who are available to serve residents and families. The Office was established within the Department of Aging and the Office of Advocacy & Reform.
Update: May 6, 2020
Transcript from May 6 Video available here
Update: May 4, 2020
United Zion Retirement Community had planned construction to start in early April on the current chapel and Lexington Dining Room. This is part of a planned two year, two phase improvement project for dining, activity spaces and the chapel here at United Zion Retirement Community. Although the project was approved by the state to move forward while under the stay-at-home order, United Zion did place it on hold until construction resumed in PA. This construction is now taking place using every precaution and guidelines recommended by the PA Governor Tom Wolf, Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine, PA Department of Health and the CDC. For more information on construction guidance in PA, please read here.
Here are a few key precautions that are being taken:
- The area is contained from the rest of the building.
- Construction worker are entering from separate entrance and parking away from United Zion staff.
- Construction workers are screen daily including temperatures taken at the beginning and end of shift.
- Construction workers are also required to wear mask and have hand washing stations that are specific for them.
- No more than six workers are allowed on-site at a time.
- Construction workers are being provided a safety plan regarding all rules to be followed.
This project provides a much needed enhancement to United Zion for the residents. It also addresses some basic system and building upgrades that were becoming necessary including new HVAC system and windows. This will also allow for more space for social distancing should that continue to be a need.
We continue to pray for the swift recovery for those in our community and outside our community that have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are working to recover from this virus. We are proud of the work our team is doing to care for residents of United Zion. Today, we thanked our dedicated employees with ice cream treats.
Update: May 1, 2020
We are grateful for the continued support the community is giving United Zion Retirement Community. We want to provide you with an update on how it has impacted our community as we continue to work to keep residents and team members safe.
Currently, we have 7 residents in Healthcare that are battling COVID-19. We also have 3 team members that are currently resting at home as they recover from COVID-19. Three of our employees have recovered and been cleared by medical personnel to return to work.
While we strive for transparency in everything we do, please know that we are bound by federal guidelines under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) that protect the privacy of residents, who may not want their condition known. Our medical director follows all established federal and state laws in notifying families of any change in the medical condition of their loved ones. The residents of United Zion are our first priority.
United Zion’s medical director and healthcare staff have been following all the CDC’s Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings as well as following the guidelines of the PA Department of Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The administrative leadership team at United Zion Retirement Community is in contact with the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Recently, we started consulting with ECRI, who are infectious disease preventionists that come highly recommended by the PA Department of Health. Pennsylvania Department of Health and ECRI reviewed our policies and procedures to assure best practices are and were being followed.
For more information on scheduling virtual visitation for Healthcare or Personal Care residents, please contact a member of our Life Enrichment department at 717-626-2071. If you are a resident family member with questions, please call us at 717-626-2071 and asked to speak to Social Services. Chaplain Ethan is conducting pastoral care visits over the phone or video chat, please call him at 717-627-8419 should you need support.
We continue to urge you to continue to follow the CDC guidelines and the governor’s stay-at-home request for Lancaster County in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19. This includes: staying at home unless you need to go out for essential supplies, such as groceries or medication; to practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from others in public spaces; and to frequently wash your hands. Please keep in mind that COVID-19 is highly transmittable and maintaining social distancing is very important.
Once again, we thank you also for continuing to keep United Zion in your thoughts and prayers.
Update: April 27, 2020
We understand the importance of keeping everyone informed of what is happening on our campus in relation to COVID-19. We continue to navigate through these challenging times. We are grateful for the continued support the community is giving United Zion Retirement Community.
The health, safety and well-being of United Zion’s residents and team members is our highest priority. Over the weekend, two Healthcare residents tested positive for COVID-19. As previously announced, we also had three team members that tested positive. We are greatly sadden to report that one of the residents passed away. Please keep their family in your prayers as they grieve.
Our team made the decision today to assign dedicated teams to each healthcare unit for providing resident care. These designated teams will work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among residents and team members. We appreciate the dedication of all our team members as they care for the residents.
While we strive for transparency in everything we do, please know that we are bound by federal guidelines under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), that protect the privacy of our residents, who may not want their condition known. Our medical director follows all established federal and state laws in notifying families of any change in the medical condition of their loved ones. Our residents are our first priority.
United Zion’s medical director and healthcare staff have been following all the CDC’s Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings as well as following the guidelines of the PA Department of Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The administrative leadership team at United Zion Retirement Community is in contact with the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
This week, we look forward to welcoming back the staff who have recovered from the virus. Our team members are our brave heroes on the front lines, working under challenging conditions and going above and beyond each day to deliver compassionate care to the residents. We are so proud of you and your tireless dedication and determination!
We have been encouraged by the outpouring of support we have received from generous organizations, community members and individuals. Our friends and partners have donated personal protective equipment (PPE) and handmade cloth masks, as well as gifts of food that have brightened the spirits of our hardworking team. We also thank you for your thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement. It lifts us up to know you are thinking of us at this time.
Although there is no visitation, we have created ways for you to interact with your loved ones. We continue to encourage family members to communicate with their love ones regularly through online video chats, phone calls and emails. For more information on scheduling virtual visitation for Healthcare or Personal Care residents, please contact a member of our Life Enrichment department at 717-626-2071.
We urge you to continue to follow the CDC guidelines and the governor’s stay-at-home request in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19. This includes: staying at home unless you need to go out for essential supplies, such as groceries or medication; to practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from others in public spaces; and to frequently wash your hands. Please keep in mind that COVID-19 is highly transmittable and maintaining social distancing is very important.
Once again, we thank you also for continuing to keep United Zion in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Update: April 22, 2020
United Zion Retirement Community continues to be vigilant in monitoring the ongoing health, welfare, and safety of our residents and team members as there continues to be a number of COVID-19 cases in Lancaster County. We want to make you aware that we have received confirmation of a few team members testing positive for COVID-19. These team members with positive tests have not been on campus since they had symptoms. They are at home and doing well. Team members with positive test results will remain home for the full 14 days at which time their ability to return to work will be assessed by medical personnel. At this time, we consider the overall risk to residents and team members to be low. We do not currently have any residents with COVID-19.
We have notified public health officials as required and are following procedures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. We are and will continue to take every step recommended by federal, state and local authorities. Those steps include all team members wearing face mask, being routinely screened for symptoms and taking temperatures twice a day. We also continue to monitor all residents for symptoms including temperature.
Our prayers are with these team members and their families. We also continue to pray for everyone who is dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
To everyone doing their very best to maintain a clean and safe environment for our residents and team members, I want to say thank you.
Update: April 17, 2020
We continue to have a campus wide no visitation policy that includes Residential Living, Personal Care and Healthcare. All deliveries are to come to the main entrance including for residential living apartment residents. Also, all residents are to wear masks when outside of their residences. All meals will continue to be delivered to residences. All public areas in the building have been closed.
Please note that staff will continue to follow all policies and recommendations from the CDC and PA Department of Health. This includes wearing masks, checking temperatures and maintaining appropriate social distance.
Please keep in mind these health tips from the CDC:
- Wash your hands
- Wear a face mask
- Do not touch your face
- Practice social distancing
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
- Stay at home
We appreciate your understanding and support as we work to keep all residents and staff safe in these unprecedented times.
Looking for ways to help staff or United Zion during these times, you can make a donation online and indicate how you’d like it directed such as to the Caregiving Fund for staff members.
Update: March 27, 2020
Today, Governor Wolf announced a stay-at-home order for Lancaster County going into effect at 8PM tonight. . We will continue to take every precaution we can.
We have a campus wide no visitation policy that includes Residential Living, Personal Care and Healthcare. In rare situations, such as end-of-life, a visit may be approved by the administration with full screening of the visitor. All deliveries are to the main entrance.
Please keep in mind these health tips from the CDC:
- Wash your hands
- Do not touch your face
- Practice social distancing
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
- More information available here.
For information on what a stay-at-home order means, please go here.
We appreciate your understanding as we work to keep all residents and staff safe in these unprecedented times.
Update: March 18, 2020
We want to make our friends, family and residents aware of the additional precautions that we have taken. While we have no incidents of COVID-19 on campus, there are now cases being reported in Lancaster County.
- Dining: All Personal Care and Healthcare Residents are receiving tray service in their rooms. Residential Living will be able to order take out from the Lexington Dining. Please call ahead.
- Healthcare and Personal Care Residents are receiving health screenings each staffing shift.
- Staff and contractors will be undergoing health screenings including a temperature check when they come in the building.
- We will be continuing a no visitation policy in Personal Care and Healthcare. In rare situations, such as end-of-life, a visit may be approved with full screening of the visitor.
- Communal Group Activities are cancelled.
Please keep in mind these health tips from the CDC:
- Wash your hands
- Do not touch your face
- Practice social distancing
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
This is a fluid situation and we appreciate your understanding as we work to keep all residents and staff safe in these unprecedented times.
Update: March 13, 2020
While we have no incidents of the coronavirus (COVID -19) at United Zion, we are taking additional precautions to limit the spread. We know these changes will cause disruption, but ask you understanding and support.
The Personal Care and Health Care areas of United Zion are closed to visitors including volunteers and Residential Living residents. In rare situations such as end of life events, a visit may be approved. In this situation, visitors will be screened before entering the building. We understand that connecting with loved ones is incredibly important. Please consider other ways of reaching your loved ones including telephone, email and text.
Visitors may visit Residential Living residents within their homes. Please avoid visiting in common areas such as the dining room and lobby. Please do not visit if:
- You have signs or symptoms or a respiratory infection such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat.
- Have had contact with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 or is under investigation for COVID-19 or someone ill with respiratory illness.
- Traveled internationally within the last 14 days to countries with sustained community transmission
- Or residing in a community where community-based spread of COVID-19 is occurring.
We apologize for the inconvenience that this may cause, but due to the extreme contagious nature of this virus and the devastating effect it is having on older adults, we believe it is necessary to put these limits in place.
Memo: March 11, 2020
To Residents and Family Members:
We know that you may be concerned about the spread of the 2019 coronavirus and how it may impact us here at United Zion Retirement Community. Ensuring residents are cared for in a safe and healthy environment is our greatest concern.
At this time, we don’t have any cases in our community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended a variety of steps that we are implementing to help reduce the potential for the virus to enter our building. However, we need your help in battling COVID-19. Below are some examples of how you can help protect residents, as well as prevent the spread throughout the community.
For family members and friends, we ask that you don’t visit United Zion if you have any symptoms of respiratory illness. Those symptoms include: cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose, and/or shortness of breath. We understand that connecting with loved ones is incredibly important, and there are a variety of other ways you might consider connecting with them. These may include telephone, email, text, or through Skype or Facebook. Let us know how we can help facilitate communication.
United Zion is following the recommendations of the CDC on prevention steps, including following strict handwashing procedures, and in many circumstances, wearing gowns and gloves when interacting with residents who are sick. We also are following CDC recommendations as they are updated. In addition, our community is in close contact with the local and state health department and are following their guidance. We are posting signs on our entryway doors to notify visitors of the symptoms of COVID-19 with a request that visitors not enter the building if they are experiencing these symptoms.
We will notify you if any residents or staff are diagnosed with COVID-19. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at: United Zion Retirement Community, 722 Furnace Hills Pike, Lititz, PA 17543
For additional information, please visit the CDC’s coronavirus disease information page.
Thank you for your continued support and for being a valuable member of our community.
With gratitude,
Sue Verdegem, CEO