Coronavirus Update

COVID-19 Vaccine

Based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), an independent panel of medical and public health experts, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends health care personnel (HCP) and residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) be included among those offered the first supply of COVID-19 vaccines. Early protection of all HCP is critical in order for HCP to continue taking care of residents at LTCFs. LTCF HCP are on the front lines and risk being exposed to COVID-19 each day on the job. Making sure LTCF residents can receive COVID-19 vaccination as soon as vaccine is available will help save the lives of those who are most at risk of dying from COVID-19.

Resources:

Answering Your Questions About the New COVID-19 Vaccines

Quick Answers for Healthcare Professionals to Common Questions People May Ask About COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 Vaccine Basics: What Healthcare Personnel Need to Know

Why Get Vaccinated?

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Recipients

VillageCare Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (VCRN) should be receiving the vaccine on or around Sunday, January 3, 2021, for patients and staff. VCRN is partnering with CVS, one of the approved pharmacies to administer the vaccine. This process requires two doses be administered. Below is the dose information:

• The 1st dose is scheduled to be administered on-site, at VCRN, on Sunday 1/3/2021.
• The 2nd dose is scheduled to be administered on-site, at VCRN, on Sunday 01/24/2021.

Limited Family Visitation Halted

Effective, December 1, 2020

At this time, we regret to inform you that we must halt all in-person family visitation effective December 1, 2020. As per the New York State Department of Health mandate, all in-person visitations must not be allowed for 14 days if any COVID-19 test comes back positive from a patient or workforce member.  Please know that we have taken every precaution to ensure the safety of our patients, visitors and staff and we are compliant with regulations.  We will notify you once we are able to resume in-person visitation.

We have set up a special hotline, 212-337-5905 , if you have any questions or to receive any updates on our visitation policy.

We continue to offer Virtual Visitation and Window Visits.  Families, friends and patients can arrange either a FaceTime or Zoom call or Window Visitation to keep in touch with their loved ones. In order to do so, you may schedule an appointment online by filling out this form.  We kindly ask that requests be made at least 1 day in advance. 

For updates and COVID-19 status within the facility, you may call our Family Information Hotline at 212-337-5905.

Hotline hours: Sun-Sat, 8am - 8pm.
_{If you receive the voice message system, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.}

We are also be providing phones and IPads to those patients who need them to help you keep in touch during this time.

We continue to exercise necessary precautions consistent with state DOH and CDC guidance including monitoring temperature of staff and residents and looking for other signs and symptoms of the virus.  If anything is noted, staff will be sent home immediately.  Patients that develop symptoms will be dealt with on a case by case basis and their families will be informed.  
 
Please be assured that are doing everything we can to maintain a safe environment and that we continue to refine our protocols as new information becomes available.
 
Additional steps that we have already taken:

•   Professional cleaning and disinfecting of the entire facility.

•   No communal dining. Food is delivered directly to patient rooms.

•   All staff wearing masks and other protective equipment.

•   Patients are encouraged to wear masks as much as possible and practice social distancing .

Download official visitors notice poster from the NYSDOH:   English(PDF)   En Español(PDF)

Download official visitors notice

Pets Policy

Until further notice, pet privileges have been revoked, unless they are serving in the capacity of service animals.

Given the changing nature of the spread of Coronavirus in New York City, VillageCare reserves the right to make changes to this policy based on guidance from regulatory agencies.

Staff at The Center have been specially trained to enhance their abilities to interact with patients and to work in non-traditional ways with those in their care and with their families. The state-of-the-art medicine and care, along with surrounding and an environment designed to promote healing and well-being, enhance the patient staff-relationship.

Common areas are central to the two distinct "neighborhoods" that are created on each floor. The "commons" are where patients can socialize with other patients, dine, relax and visit with family, friends and loved ones. Dining areas on each floor have have self-serve hospitality food bars and full-service pantries.

The overall facility design promotes efficient and effective delivery of rehabilitation services, respecting individual privacy and dignity. A healing bamboo garden, integrated into the entire facility footprint so that it can be seen from all levels, will offer a place for quiet social interaction and contemplation. The design facilitates the flow of patients and staff throughout the Center. Operationally, wireless electronic medical records, wireless staff communications and electronic dietary, patient monitoring and workflow systems will support better staff functioning and patient care.