Lamont McClure and Administrator Jennifer Stewart-King report that vaccinations for staff and residents are continuing at Gracedale Nursing Home with a goal of vaccinating everyone at the facility by mid-October. Currently, 93-95% of residents and 58-61% of the staff are vaccinated against COVID-19.

“The health and well-being of our residents is our highest priority,” says Jennifer Stewart-King. “We hold a vaccination clinic once a week at Gracedale in an effort to make sure everyone who can get vaccinated, is vaccinated.”

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced an intention to release an interim rule in October requiring facilities, including long-term care facilities like Gracedale, to vaccinate their staff as a condition for participating in Medicare and Medicaid.

“We are deeply grateful to the residents and employees at Gracedale who’ve agreed to be vaccinated,” says Lamont McClure. “We remain convinced vaccinations will save lives and allow our residents more opportunities to visit with their family and friends.”

Currently, all family and compassionate visitations at Gracedale must be scheduled through the Therapeutic Recreation Department and all visitors must follow the facility’s infection prevention protocols while on site.

Information provided to TVL by:
Becky Bartlett
Deputy Director of Administration
Northampton County Government Center
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
https://www.northamptoncounty.org/

 

---