Elmhurst Residents & Staff Test Negative for Coronavirus
All 41 residents and 34 staff at Elmhurst, The House of Friendship nonprofit assisted living residence in Wheeling have tested negative for the coronavirus, according to Jamie Crow, executive director.
“Elmhurst and all other assisted living residences in the state were mandated by the governor to be tested for the virus, recently,” Crow said, noting, “Long-term care facilities had been tested before the order that we too be tested. Crow is in her second term as president of the West Virginia Assisted Living Association.
Crow said Elmhurst, which is celebrating its 130th year of service to older adults this year, has been in quarantine since mid-March. Family and friends have not been allowed to visit inside the residence, although some visits have occurred through first floor screened windows with social distancing.
“It is a wonderful testament to how seriously our staff has taken the need to observe all safety measures to protect our residents and themselves during these unusual and difficult times,” Crow noted, adding, “We continue to maintain a vigorous housekeeping regimen throughout our building and outside seating areas. It has been and all-hands-on-deck approach to keeping this virus out of Elmhurst.” Staff must wash hands, take their temperature, and wear masks and gloves upon entering the building. Residents’ temperatures are taken daily, as well, she explained.
All safety measures will continue in place until the government changes the guidelines, Crow said. That, she explained, appears difficult to ascertain. “Until then, we will not change course in our efforts to keep residents healthy.”
Crow and members of the WVALA are slated to meet July 15-16 at the Greenbrier for their annual meeting.
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