January 14, 2021
Dear Arbors Families & Residents,
Due to an increase in positive COVID-19 cases we continue to follow all Department of Health guidelines to prevent further spread of the virus throughout our communities. Most practices, such as the suspension of communal dining and visitation have already been in place at the community. The main purpose of today’s email is to notify you that we will also be suspending small group activities (on a temporary basis) while we anxiously await the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine. Our residents’ safety and security is of upmost importance to us and we will continue to follow every safety measure already set in place. We will also continue to do all that we can to enhance your loved ones’ quality of life in The Arbors. Our focus on quality services will remain in the forefront of our minds as we interact with your loved ones on a daily basis, knowing how difficult a time this is for them and for you.
Now for the great news! As you are aware, through our partnership with CVS and the CDC we will begin vaccinating all residents that wish to receive the vaccination (please see community dates below) this month. This adds another layer of safety and protection for everyone (residents & staff) in our communities. We also want to reiterate some important vaccination information outlined in our previous email that explains some possible side effects an individual may experience after receiving the vaccine. According to the latest CDC publication, individuals might experience some pain and swelling at the injection site as well as fever, chills, fatigue and headaches throughout the body. These side effects are thought to be short lived and should go away in a few days. This is another reason we feel it’s important to ask the residents to stay in their rooms for meals and activities temporarily, thus allowing them to rebound from these potential side effects before allowing them to co-mingle throughout the community. Rest assured we will be checking on the residents regularly to monitor how they are feeling and getting everything they need from us. Click here for helpful tips and information from the CDC and what to expect after getting the COVID-19 Vaccine.
We will continue to monitor the situation and will keep you posted with any further updates as they come about. Please feel free to reach out to our staff to contact your loved ones via FaceTime, SKYPE, Peek a Boo visits or via phone. Please also continue to send cards and care packages as you wish to let those you love know you’re always thinking of them.
Please Stay Safe & Healthy
Respectfully,
Debra Larosa & The Islandia East Team
COVID-19 Vaccine Dates: 10am-4pm
January 15th: Dose 1
February 5th: Dose 1 & 2
February 26th: Dose 2 (for anyone who received their 1st dose on 2/5 and not 1/15)