January 13, 2021

Dear Family & Friends of St Joseph Residence,

Happy New Year! We made it through 2020. Actually, we had a nice Christmas. The Residents were showered with gifts, treats and affection.

Then on Christmas night, a 97 year-old Resident showed worrisome symptoms and tested positive for COVID. She had just returned from the hospital and was already in quarantine. The RCF staff did a wonderful job of containing it. The Resident is improved now. The Little Sister who cared for her also had the virus and is recovering.

Of course, there was a price to pay with Unit quarantine and other precautions. The Residents (and you) seemed to understand the need. Thank you.

Yesterday, the Residents were liberated. They can leave the confines of their Unit. Many hurried to the Chapel. We know that we have been fortunate through this pandemic and are truly grateful to God and all who share our mission.

Yesterday was also Vaccine day. Most of the Residents and staff chose to receive the vaccination from Pfizer, given by CVS staff.

We are very aware that there are numerous Covid cases in our area. All staff and the SNF Residents are regularly tested. There have been a few staff members forced to quarantine because of exposures and a few who tested positive. All staff have worked very hard to protect the Residents and each other.

We understand your unhappiness at not visiting. The Department of Health has promised new guidelines now that vaccinations have been started. Your Little Sister will be in touch when that occurs.

Our Holy Father has designated 2021 as the Year of St Joseph. We ask St. Joseph to bless and protect you in a special way during “his” Year.

Always grateful,
Sr. Genevieve Regina & the Little Sisters

CLICK HERE for our list of current needs

Previous Updates:
December 31, 2020
November 20, 2020
November 8, 2020
October 31, 2020
October 18, 2020
October 10, 2020
September 30, 2020
September 19, 2020
August 30, 2020
August 23, 2020
July 29, 2020
June 25, 2020
June 5, 2020
May 31, 2020
May 15, 2020

Click here to read a letter from Mother Genevieve
Click here for prayers for healing the Coronavirus
Click here for a statement from the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health
Click here for information from the Department of Aging and Disability Services
Click here for strategies and suggestions from Garfunkel Wild, PC

Additional Resources:
Message from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
State of New Jersey Department of Health: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml
New York State Department of Health: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/