Blog Post

UPDATED STATEMENT ON COVID-19

Dear Staff, Family and Friends of Grace Barker Health:

As the COVID-19 virus continues to impact our world, we are pleased to report that, to date, there are no cases of the coronavirus at The Cove or The Willows at Grace Barker.

As you know, we implemented Level 3 visitor restrictions at The Cove a week before they became mandated by the R.I. Department of Health for all nursing homes, and have taken every recommended precaution to keep our residents and staff healthy and safe. This is our number one priority.

We extended the Level 3 restriction to The Willows assisted living out of an abundance of caution and temporarily closed our adult day health program until further notice. Grace Barker is ahead of the curve from other assisted living and adult day programs because of the many years of infection control experience we have had dating back to 1966 when our nursing home was founded.

In addition to disinfecting “high touch” areas such as doorknobs and handrailings throughout our properties, we are running the air conditioning systems at The Cove and The Willows 24/7 to continuously refresh the air. Additional filters have been installed and will be cleaned regularly to capture particles and further improve the air quality indoors.

Plenty of personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are on-hand for staff use. Thanks to leaders at the State of Rhode Island at the governor’s level as well as the Department of Health for helping to secure these important supplies in addition to our own pre-planned inventory.

We thank our amazing staff – from activities, CNAs, dietary, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, nursing, office and therapy as well as our residents and families – for whom we are so grateful. Their understanding, compliance and willingness to work with our elderly and frail population with compassion and care is beyond reproach. Every day, we witness the care and concern for each resident as if they were a member of their own family.

Our Skype communications program has taken off, and really helps to connect our residents with their families and friends. A video or phone call brightens their spirits for days and are expecially welcome at a time when in-person visits are prohibited. To schedule a Skype visit, email skype@gracebarkerhealth.com.

We will continue to keep you updated as our COVID-19 journey together unfolds.

 

Sincerely,

Mark Lescault, Administrator
Mary Beth Lescault, Director of Nursing
Benjamin Lescault, Assistant Administrator