Jeremy Rutter, Heritage Chief Clinical Officer, shared words of comfort and encouragement for those concerned about staffing and the safety of employees and residents at Rolling Fields Elder Care, which had 5 residents and 17 staff members test positive for COVID-19 on Monday, July 13.
“The health and safety of our residents and staff is of the utmost importance. At this time, all of our COVID-19 positive staff members have been directed to self-quarantine. They are all currently asymptomatic, and they are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Half of the staff members who tested positive were not in direct care positions. We are currently working through our staffing projections for care, and at this time, we are confident that our current staffing levels will support the same continued compassionate care our Elders always receive. We understand that there has been some concern over COVID-19 positive staff being informed they must work. While it is within CDC guidelines for asymptomatic COVID-19 positive staff to work specifically in a COVID-19 positive quarantine unit, we have not had to implement this procedure at Rolling Fields , and at this time remain confident that our current staffing levels will support the same continued compassionate care our Elders always receive. We are blessed to have dedicated Care Partners at Rolling Fields, true healthcare heroes, who each day leave their homes and come to work to protect our most vulnerable population, our seniors. We are honored, and thank them for all they do each day to support Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living. Because of them, we are #HeritageStrong.”
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Heritage Ministries, the parent company of Rolling Fields, was founded as the Orphanage and Homes of the Free Methodist Church in 1886 and has grown from its original campus in Gerry, NY, to six locations in New York with additional affiliations in the states of Washington, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. As a not-for-profit provider of senior care and housing, Heritage is a leader in the industry, employing approximately 1,500 team members, and serving over 2,500 individuals annually. With locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Washington, Heritage and its affiliates provide rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, independent retirement housing, and assisted living. The Homestead Stables provides intergenerational equestrian opportunities as well as boarding, training, and lessons. In addition, childcare is provided at two campuses, allowing for intergenerational programs. For more information on Heritage Ministries, please visit www.heritage1886.org.