During this time of heightened awareness about the Covid-19 virus, it’s important that we are all sharing the most up-to-date and factual information. Here is the latest COVID-19 news from Graceworks Lutheran Services, Graceworks Enhanced Living, Graceworks at Home and Graceworks Housing Services. To navigate directly to the Graceworks service of your choice, you can use the buttons below:
November 12, 2021:
Effective December 5, 2021, Graceworks will require all employees in our nursing facility areas (Linden House and Courtyard Park), Bethany Rehab Center, Graceworks at Home home health care, and Graceworks Enhanced Living licensed Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This mandate also requires all students, volunteers and vendors working in these areas to be vaccinated or have an approved exemption.
The vaccination mandate does not apply to residents or their personal visitors and guests. The majority of our residents and clients have elected to be vaccinated. We continue to encourage all family members and guests to get vaccinated or complete a Covid-19 test prior to visiting. Visitors and guests taking these measures helps us achieve the safest environment for our residents and employees.
We’re grateful to our Graceworks residents and their families for choosing to “do their part” throughout the pandemic.
April 26, 2020: Message from Graceworks Vice President of Marketing & Advancement, Jackie D’Aurora
Dear Housing Residents, Enhanced Living Individuals, Graceworks at Home Clients, Family Members, Guardians and POAs, I am reaching out to you today to provide a COVID-19 update. I know you are keenly aware that the entire world is dealing with the health crisis related to the highly contagious novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We are all working together to “flatten the curve” by following prescribed guidelines to protect those who are most vulnerable. Read more…
We have taken steps and will continue to take steps to reduce the spread of infection.
Knowing that our older population is at the highest risk, we have implemented a number of measures designed to protect our residents and staff. We have shared several of these steps over the past weeks: implementation of a no visitor policy, staff screening of temperatures and reporting of any symptoms of illness along with greatly enhanced cleaning procedures. We continue to comply with all new measures informed by guidance from the Ohio Dept. of Health (ODH), the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
As of April 26, 2020, no residents or staff has tested positive for COVID-19. Yet this is a highly contagious virus that could impact us despite our best efforts. We will stay vigilant.
We will not be sharing personal details publicly about positive tests.
Please know and understand, if we need to contact a family member with updates about a specific individual or resident, we will reach out to them directly. But, please note that out of respect to those affected and their families and, in accordance with privacy laws, we will not be sharing any personal details regarding Graceworks staff or resident positive cases publicly by name but will submit information as required by the CDC, ODH and the local Health Department. We have connected with the local health department several times to refine our planning and response process.
Contact us with questions.
We understand that this health crisis is particularly challenging for you. We empathize with your feelings of separation and vulnerability, and we want to thank you for your ongoing support and trust. Again, let me assure you the safety and well-being of every resident and employee is of the utmost importance. It is vital to our continued strength as an organization. An email box for questions surrounding this pandemic has been established. You may direct your questions to covidquestions@graceworks.org.
We want to keep you up-to-date and we need your help to reach you more rapidly. Please share your email address. This one step will allow us to reach you with updates on the many steps we are taking to take care of our residents at this difficult time. You can share your email address by sending your name and resident’s name to emailrequest@graceworks.org. We will post updates regularly on our website. Because conditions can change quickly and new government regulations are added daily, letters in the mail will not provide you with the most up-to-date information. Again, please keep checking our website since that is where we will be posting the most current information. www.graceworks.org.
One last thought:
I can assure you that we are working diligently to ensure the safety, well-being of our residents, families and staff during this world health crisis, COVID-19. We continue daily monitoring of the information provided by the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and the CDC along with the local health department. Our Leadership Team communicates daily to review protocols and review any changes that might need to be made based on the daily briefings from the states. Additionally, we have, and continue to follow all CDC recommendations and guidelines and have very clear protocols in place for all our Bethany and Graceworks employees.
To my entire Graceworks family, be well, be safe and please continue following all the guidelines we have established to get through this health crisis… together.
With gratitude,
Jackie D’Aurora
To receive the most up-to-date information please provide your contact information here.
Graceworks Housing Services remains fully committed to maintaining a safe living and working environment. Below is a timeline of recent events and communications:
June 8, 2020: Ohio Re-opening Guidelines (download PDF)
May 6, 2020: Graceworks Housing Services Kentucky Open Letter (download PDF)
May 4, 2020: Graceworks Housing Services Message (download PDF)
April 2, 2020: Stay-at-Home orders in Ohio extended through May 1. Social distancing, hand washing, hand sanitizing and no mass gatherings over 10 people still enforced.
March 27, 2020: Communication to all Residents and Staff regarding continuing the no visitation rule during this time and outlining cleaning protocols.
March 27, 2020: Graceworks Housing Services Message (download PDF)
March 23, 2020: Ohio, Indiana under Stay at Home Order, Kentucky closes non-essential businesses. All Graceworks employees are essential employees. New CDC Requirements implemented for all employees after possible exposure or exposure to COVID-19. Additionally, if employees had traveled to hot zones in the U.S., self-isolation is required for a minimum of 7 days and reporting symptoms apply.
March 18, 2020: Implemented mandatory temperature checks instituted for all employees before leaving their home. Reporting/Calling in anything above a 100.3 F, do not report.
March 16, 2020: All Graceworks Housing Services staff informed of new directives for hand washing, wearing gloves, equipment sanitation and PPE as required based on the services they are providing in the home.
March 13, 2020: Implemented restrictions on all visitation to homes and facilities except certain compassionate care situations, such as end of life situations. Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
March 13, 2020: Graceworks Housing Services Message (download PDF)
March 3, 2020: Provided updated information to all Graceworks Lutheran Services, Graceworks at Home, Graceworks Housing Services and Graceworks Enhanced Living residents, staff and guests on travel alerts and how to report if you had visited certain countries as outlined by the CDC.
March 2, 2020: Provided updated information to all Graceworks Housing Services residents, staff and guests on the importance of hand washing, hand sanitizers and to limit touching your face, mouth or nose, etc.
February 3, 2020: Graceworks Housing Services began displaying educational posters, know the symptoms, about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (nCoV) at entrances. Additional information was shared with staff at that time as to what was known about this virus and how, at that time it was believed to have spread.
Graceworks Enhanced Living is taking great strides every day to maintain a safe living and working environment. Below is a timeline of recent events and communications:
June 8, 2020: Waiver Home Visitation Guidelines (download PDF)
May 26, 2020: Enhanced Living Memo from Deb Lyle, Administrator (download PDF)
April 29, 2020: Graceworks Enhanced Living Message (download PDF)
April 2, 2020: Stay-at-Home orders in Ohio extended through May 1. Social distancing, hand washing, hand sanitizing and no mass gatherings over 10 people still enforced.
March 23, 2020: Ohio, Indiana under Stay at Home Order, Kentucky closes non-essential businesses. All Graceworks employees are essential employees. New CDC Requirements implemented for all employees after possible exposure or exposure to COVID-19. Additionally, if employees had traveled to hot zones in the U.S., self-isolation is required for a minimum of 7 days and reporting symptoms apply.
March 19, 2020: All Graceworks Enhanced Living residences limited entry to essential personnel only. All Day Programs closed. Staff provided guidelines as to completing an attestation form every time they enter a residence in regards to their current health and any travel that may have been recently completed.
March 18, 2020: Implemented mandatory temperature checks instituted for all employees before leaving their home. Reporting/Calling in anything above a 100.3 F, do not report.
March 16, 2020: Graceworks Enhanced Living Message (download PDF)
March 13, 2020: All Graceworks Enhanced Living staff informed of new directives for hand washing, wearing gloves, equipment sanitation and PPE as required based on the services they are providing in the home.
March 3, 2020: Provided updated information to all Graceworks Lutheran Services, Graceworks at Home, Graceworks Housing Services and Graceworks Enhanced Living residents, staff and guests on travel alerts and how to report if you had visited certain countries as outlined by the CDC.
March 2, 2020: Provided updated information to all Graceworks Enhanced Living residents, staff and guests on the importance of hand washing, hand sanitizers and to limit touching your face, mouth or nose, etc.
February 3, 2020: Graceworks Enhanced Living began displaying educational posters, know the symptoms, about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (nCoV) at entrances. Additional information was shared with staff at that time as to what was known about this virus and how, at that time it was believed to have spread.
Graceworks At Home is committed to maintaining a safe living and working environment. Below is a timeline of recent events and communications:
May 26, 2020 – We at Graceworks at Home recognize how difficult this time of physical distancing is for all people, especially for older adults. The health of our clients remains our top priority, and this includes their mental health and wellbeing. We are dedicated to finding new ways to connect with clients and reduce the negative impact of social isolation and loneliness in older adults living alone. For companionship visits that don’t require medical support, we have developed a new “remote visit” option that can be done via phone or video call between clients and their caregivers to reduce in-person contact and provide much-needed social interaction. We have also expanded our use of telehealth services as an alternative way to provide wellness checks and care in between essential in-person health care visits. Graceworks at Home is here to support our clients in any way possible during this difficult time. We take comfort in knowing these technologies will help us continue providing professional care while enriching lives with compassion and companionship.
May 21, 2020: Graceworks at Home continues to actively monitor our current health crisis, COVID-19, and enhance our preventative and precautionary measures to help ensure the safety of clients and employees. Although the state of Ohio is beginning to loosen some restrictions, we remain diligent in following strict safety protocols and infection best practices to maintain a safe living and working environment. Like all health care workers, in-home caregivers are on the front lines. Before they begin working each day, all employees are taking their temperature, sanitizing their hands and equipment before and after each homecare client visit, and answering a series of screening questions to ensure they are not exhibiting any known COVID-19 symptoms. As required based on the services they are providing in the home, employees are wearing designated personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves and gowns. From the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken thoughtful and deliberate steps to educate and protect employees and the vulnerable populations we serve, and we will continue to do so as the situation evolves.
May 1, 2020: As of April 29, 2020, no residents have tested positive for COVID-19. We have had one staff member, from Graceworks at Home, test positive. The staffer is quarantined at home and the public health department has been contacted. The employee is not exhibiting symptoms and has worn the designated personal protective equipment (PPE) as required to protect clients. The employee did not work in the nursing home or assisted living areas at Bethany Village. Our diligence to date has aided in keeping residents and staff healthy. Yet this is a highly contagious virus that could impact us despite our best efforts. We will stay vigilant.
April 2, 2020: Stay-at-Home orders in Ohio extended through May 1. Social distancing, hand washing, hand sanitizing and no mass gatherings over 10 people still enforced.
March 23, 2020: Ohio is under a Stay-at-Home Order, All Graceworks employees are essential employees. New CDC Requirements implemented for all employees after possible exposure or exposure to COVID-19. Additionally, if employees had traveled to hot zones in the U.S., self-isolation is required for a minimum of 7 days and reporting symptoms apply.
March 18, 2020: Before employees begin working each day, they take their temperature, sanitize their hands before each homecare client visit, and answer a series of questions to ensure they are not exhibiting any known COVID-19 symptoms.
March 13, 2020: All Graceworks at Home staff informed of new directives for hand washing, wearing gloves, equipment sanitation and PPE as required based on the services they are providing in the home.
March 13, 2020: Graceworks at Home Message (download PDF)
March 2, 2020: Provided updated information to all Graceworks at Home clients and staff on the importance of hand washing, hand sanitizers and to limit touching your face, mouth or nose, etc.
February 3, 2020: Graceworks at Home began displaying and distributing educational posters, know the symptoms, about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (nCoV) at entrances. Additional information was shared with staff at that time as to what was known about this virus and how, at that time it was believed to have spread.
6430 Inner Mission Way Dayton, OH 45459
(937) 433-2110
information@graceworks.org
