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.

On 01/25/22, in accordance with DOH and CDC requirements, the Facility is reporting as follows:

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?

January 13, 2022:

Please be advised that the New York State Department of Health has issued new guidelines on January 12, 2022 for visitation in Skilled Nursing facilities.

During the duration of the Omicron outbreak in New York, visitors must present a negative SARS-CoV-2 test result taken within 1 day of visitation for antigen tests and 2 days prior to visitation for PCR tests.

It is preferred and recommended by the Department of Health that visitors are tested prior to visiting and come to the facility with a negative test result. In the event a visitor does not have a test result prior to arrival, the facility will provide a COVID-19 test kit from the limited supply provided by New York State Department of Health.

In addition, visitors must wear a well-fitting surgical mask, or mask of higher quality such as a KN95 or N95, at all times during any visitation at the facility, and continue to adhere to social distancing and core principles of infection control. A cloth mask may be placed over paper masks.

We thank you for your continued patience and support during this unprecedented time.

Full visitation is now allowed.

Please note that appointments are no longer needed and we are happy to announce the following hours are available for visitation.  

We invite you to visit your loved on between the hours of:

10am-12pm, 2pm-5pm and 6:30pm-8pm.  

Just a reminder that no more than two visitors are allowed per resident at any time.  Please remember at each visit you must stop at the front desk to complete the sign-in and COVID screening process. As always, televisits remain available by scheduling with the activities department.

Be reminded that we offer Compassionate Care Visitation.  For more information on Compassionate Care visits, please call 212-337-5656.

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.}

The CDC recently issued a new statement regarding the use of masks indoors for fully vaccinated people. Like everyone, we are excited and hopeful about this significant step on the path toward recovery.

As the CDC provides guidance for state and local health officials, we anticipate that updated guidelines from those agencies will be issued soon. However, in the meantime, our facility is complying with the current local health guidelines. These guidelines continue to require masks while indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

Therefore, we respectfully remind everyone that until further notice, masks must be worn at all times while in the facility. We will continue to provide updates as these policies evolve.

 
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:

•   COVID-19 vaccination required for all staff (Effective 10/1/2021)

•   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 rooftop garden and a healing bamboo garden is integrated into the entire facility’s footprint so that they may be seen from all levels, offering quiet social interaction and relaxation.

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 support better staff functioning and patient care.