Messages
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | May 19, 2023
One CNA Has Tested Positive for COVID-19
On Wednesday evening, one CNA began experiencing symptoms associated with the virus and returned to Mercy Circle to take a test, which confirmed a positive outcome for COVID-19. Earlier that day, this staff member had cared for assisted living and skilled nursing care residents.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | May 16, 2023
Three Rehab and Two Long-Term Care Residents, One Nursing Assistant Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
One resident in our skilled nursing care community experienced symptoms and tested positive for COVID-19 this weekend. Our staff then tested all residents in this area. As of today, a total of three short-term-stay rehab and two long-term care residents tested positive for the virus. All residents are under the care of their physician and are recovering while staying in their suites. Our staff follows all protocols, including wearing PPE and properly disposing of it, when caring for them.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | April 3, 2023
One Full-Time Housekeeper Working in Skilled Nursing Care Tested Positive for COVID-19
When participating in our current all-staff testing program on Thursday, March 30, a full-time housekeeper had a negative result for COVID-19. At home on Friday, however, this employee began to experience symptoms associated with the virus and asked a healthcare provider to complete another test which yielded a positive outcome for COVID-19.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | March 30, 2023
One Full-Time Server in Assisted Living Dining Room Tested Positive for COVID-19
On Wednesday, a full-time server, who was working in our dining room for assisted living residents, began to experience symptoms upon returning home from work. Our staff member took a COVID-19 test and it was a positive result. Last night Mercy Circle confirmed that outcome.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | March 28, 2023
One Resident in Skilled Nursing Care Tested Positive for COVID-19
Today when we tested all residents on the third floor, a resident in our skilled nursing care community, who is asymptomatic, received a positive outcome for COVID-19. This resident is isolated in the person’s suite and our staff members wear appropriate PPE and take other precautions when providing care.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | February 6, 2023
One Staff Member Tested Positive for COVID-19
A CNA, who works in the skilled nursing care and rehab community, tested positive for COVID-19 at the start of a shift on Friday. Our staff member immediately went home to recuperate and only will return to work in accordance with CDC guidelines. Please respect this person’s privacy.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | February 2, 2023
Two Staff Members Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
During our scheduled testing protocol this week, two staff members received positive test results for COVID-19. Both are recovering at home and only will return to work in accordance with CDC guidelines. Please respect their privacy.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | January 26, 2023
Four Residents and One Staff Member in Short-Term Stay Rehab and Skilled Nursing Care Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
Because they were experiencing symptoms for COVID-19, we tested one resident in long-term care and two in short-term rehab. All three had positive outcomes. On Tuesday, we were notified that a short-term rehab patient, who was recently admitted here but had returned to the hospital for another matter, had a positive test result.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | January 9, 2023
One Staff Member Has Tested Positive for COVID-19
During our current testing protocol for staff members on Friday, a therapist, who works with residents in our assisted living, rehab and skilled nursing care communities, received a positive outcome. This therapist had no symptoms and immediately went home to recuperate. This staff member only will return to Mercy Circle in accordance with CDC guidelines. Please respect this person’s privacy.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 29, 2022
One Staff Member Has Tested Positive for COVID-19
Today, a server, who had no symptoms and was working in our dining room for assisted living residents, received a positive outcome for COVID-19 when tested as part of our current protocol.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 23, 2022
Two Staff Members Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
On Thursday, a healthcare staff member, who participated in our regularly scheduled testing process, had a positive outcome for COVID-19. Also on Thursday, an EVS employee, who began to experience symptoms, asked to be tested when arriving for work; this staff member also had a positive test result.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 15, 2022
One EVS Staff Member Has Tested Positive for COVID-19
On Wednesday, a member of our environmental services team began to experience symptoms associated with COVID-19. Our employee requested a test, which confirmed the virus. This person, who had no direct contact with residents, immediately left for home to recuperate and only will return to work in accordance with CDC guidelines. Please respect this staff member’s privacy.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 8, 2022
One Independent Living Resident Has Tested Positive for COVID-19
When an independent living resident began to experience mild symptoms late on Wednesday, this person asked the receptionist to schedule a test for COVID-19. With a positive test result, our resident immediately began to isolate in the person’s apartment.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 7, 2022
Two Skilled Nursing Care Residents Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
During our scheduled testing for all skilled nursing care and rehab residents today, two long-term skilled nursing care residents had positive results for COVID-19. Both are isolated in their rooms. Please honor the privacy of these and other residents and staff members currently experiencing healthcare challenges.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 6, 2022
One Assisted Living Resident, One Dining Staff Member Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
Today, a dining services team member, who is asymptomatic, received a positive outcome during Mercy Circle’s current rapid testing protocol for all staff members. This employee, who has no direct contact with residents, immediately left our campus to recuperate at home, and only will return to work in compliance with CDC guidelines.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 5, 2022
One Dining Staff Member Tested Positive for COVID-19
On Saturday, a dining services team member, who suspected experiencing symptoms associated with the virus, asked to be tested when reporting for work in the rehab and skilled nursing care communities. We tested our employee, who had a positive result for COVID-19 and immediately went home to recover. This server only returns to Mercy Circle in accordance with CDC guidelines. Please respect this person’s privacy.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | November 23, 2022
One Dining Staff Member Tested Positive for COVID-19
On Tuesday, when a member of our dining services team reported to work, this person asked to be tested due to experiencing mild symptoms. Our staff member, who tested positive for COVID-19 and immediately went home to recover, had no contact with residents. Our employee only will return to Mercy Circle in compliance with guidelines published by the CDC. Please respect this staff member’s privacy.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | November 17, 2022
One Nurse in Skilled Nursing Care Has Tested Positive for COVID-19
On Wednesday, November 16, a nurse manager, who does not have direct contact with residents when working in our skilled nursing care community, tested positive for COVID-19. Our employee was home ill and got tested. The staff person will return to Mercy Circle in compliance with CDC guidelines. Please respect this staff member’s privacy.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | September 27, 2022
Three Independent Living Residents, One Assisted Living Resident Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
Since this past Saturday, three independent living residents received positive results for COVID-19 tests administered here. One resident on Saturday and one on Monday began to experience symptoms associated with the virus and asked to be tested. Both results indicated they had contracted the virus.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | September 18, 2022
Two Staff Members Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
During this past week, an administrative team member and a pastoral care staff member tested positive for COVID-19. Both are recovering at home and will return to Mercy Circle in compliance with CDC regulations. Please respect their privacy. We have conducted contact tracing and will continue to follow our testing protocol.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | August 22, 2022
One Resident Has Tested Positive for COVID-19
On Sunday, an independent living resident, who had just returned from a trip outside Illinois, began to experience mild symptoms associated with COVID-19. The resident, who requested a test and received a positive result for COVID-19, is isolating in the person’s apartment for the next five days.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | August 17, 2022
One Resident, One Staff Member Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
On Tuesday, an independent living resident, who began to experience mild symptoms, tested positive for COVID-19 and is isolating in the resident’s apartment for the next five days.
Also on Tuesday, a server, who was asymptomatic and working in the independent living and assisted living dining rooms, received a positive outcome for a test administered during our twice-weekly protocol.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | August 9, 2022
One Staff Member Has Tested Positive for COVID-19
During our scheduled testing for staff members today, one person in our facilities department, who has little contact with residents, received a positive outcome for COVID-19. Our employee immediately went home to recover, and only will return to work in accordance with CDC guidelines. Please respect this person’s privacy and that of anyone who is coping with a healthcare challenge.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | August 9, 2022
Two Staff Members Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
Two members of our nursing team have positive test results for COVID-19. During our routine testing on Friday afternoon, one CNA working in our assisted living community, had a positive outcome and immediately went home to recover.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | July 27, 2022
One Resident, Two Staff Members Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
During our current testing protocol, a staff member, whose office is in skilled nursing care but who does not provide direct care to residents there, received a positive outcome for COVID-19 on Sunday, July 24. In addition, a therapist, who also works in skilled nursing care, called to inform us about a positive result with an at-home test to confirm the person’s symptoms are related to the virus. Both are at home and only will return to work in compliance with CDC standards.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | June 27, 2022
One Independent Living Resident Tested Positive for COVID-19
During our scheduled testing session on Friday, June 24, one independent living resident, with mild symptoms, received a positive outcome for COVID-19. Please honor the privacy of this resident, who will isolate in the person’s apartment for the required length of time.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | June 20, 2022
Two Independent Living Residents Tested Positive for COVID-19
As part of our current protocol, we administered today tests to all independent living residents. Two independent living residents, who had begun to experience mild, cold-like symptoms, tested positive for COVID-19. Both immediately began isolating in their apartments until they recover. Please follow HIPAA guidelines to respect their privacy.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | June 13, 2022
One Independent Living Resident and One Staff Member in Skilled Nursing Care Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
One independent living resident, who was asymptomatic, participated today in our current testing protocol and received a positive outcome for COVID-19. Also on Monday, one asymptomatic CNA, who was working today during the day shift in our skilled nursing care community, discovered having COVID-19 when tested as part of our twice-weekly protocol.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | June 10, 2022
One Staff Member Has Tested Positive for COVID-19
A staff member, who works in both the independent and assisted living dining rooms, received a positive outcome for COVID-19 during a routine test at the beginning of the person’s shift on Thursday, June 9.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | June 8, 2022
Four Residents Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
Today, all residents were tested for COVID-19. Three independent living residents and one assisted living resident received positive outcomes for the virus. Two independent living residents are asymptomatic and two other residents have mild symptoms associated with COVID-19.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | June 7, 2022
Two Staff Members Have Tested Positive for COVID-1MC 2022.06.07 12-Hour Notice APPRVD9
Two members of our administrative team have tested positive for COVID-19. One staff member completed a rapid test at home; a second came to our campus today and asked to be tested. Because both employees worked at Saturday evening’s Mystery Dinner Benefit, we have conducted contact tracing by notifying all who attended by text and by voicemail.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | June 3, 2022
One Staff Member Has Tested Positive for COVID-19
Earlier today, an administrative team member, who has no direct contact with residents, took a rapid test due to the onset of minor symptoms associated with COVID-19. This manager, who tested positive, immediately went home and will return as CDC standards indicate. Please respect the privacy of this individual by following HIPAA guidelines.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | May 25, 2022
Three Residents Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
Due to the increasing prevalence of COVID-19 in Chicago and across Illinois, Mercy Circle faithfully follows the guidelines of the Illinois, Cook County and Chicago Departments of Public Health. One of the essential practices is conducting twice weekly tests to identify as soon as possible residents and staff members, who may be asymptomatic, but have contracted COVID-19.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | May 24, 2022
One Resident, One Staff Member Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
As part of our current protocol for testing residents and staff members, we identified two more individuals who have positive outcomes for COVID-19.
- A new skilled nursing resident had a positive result for a rapid test yesterday. This individual began to experience mild symptoms associated with the virus.
For the next 10 days, this resident will be isolated in the person’s suite. Staff members, who are providing care, wear appropriate PPE and properly dispose of all items worn and used. - A CNA, who worked in the skilled nursing care wing during the overnight shift starting on Monday, May 23, had a positive result which was discovered during our scheduled testing initiative. This staff member is at home recovering.
Our employees and third-party providers only return to work in compliance with CDC guidelines.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | May 22, 2022
Two Staff Members Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
This past weekend, two more staff members tested positive for COVID-19.
- A CNA, who reported symptoms upon arriving at work on Saturday, asked for a rapid test, which had a positive result for the virus. This staff member, who did not go to the skilled nursing care area on Saturday, last worked there on Thursday, May 19.
- An LPN, who last worked in our skilled nursing care wing on Friday, May 20, began to experience symptoms over the weekend and got tested elsewhere. This employee called to report a positive test result for the virus.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | May 20, 2022
One Resident, One Staff Member Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
On Wednesday, an assisted living resident reported experiencing symptoms. We immediately administered a test, which confirmed a positive result for COVID-19. This resident is recovering in their apartment and receiving care by staff members who wear appropriate PPE.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | May 18, 2022
Two Residents, One Staff Member Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
This week, three members of our community have tested positive for COVID-19. These are the first cases of the virus here since March 3, 2022. As you know, the new variant BA 2.12.1 of COVID-19 is significantly increasing the possibility of easy transmission, so please continue to follow the best practices we have instituted for your safety.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | April 14, 2022
During this Easter week, we are blessed to celebrate together. There are so many reasons to be grateful for our community’s resilience. And, of course, all of us are inspired by the grace and wisdom residents share with us every single day.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | March 3, 2022
Three Residents, Two Staff Members Tested Positive for COVID-19
A CNA, who recognized the onset of symptoms associated with the virus, visited her own healthcare provider on Sunday, February 27. Our staff member, who last cared for skilled nursing care residents on Tuesday, February 22, received a positive outcome for COVID-19. After consultation with Chicago Department of Public Health and in compliance with current guidelines, Mercy Circle tested all residents in skilled nursing care, rehab, memory care and assisted living, as well as all employees.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | February 14, 2022
One Nurse Has Tested Positive for COVID-19
On Saturday afternoon, a nurse for assisted living residents reported to work and asked to be tested for COVID-19 due to symptoms she had begun to experience. A rapid test confirmed a positive result for the virus. The nurse last worked here on Thursday, February 10.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | February 10, 2022
Progress can be messy and confusing. We’re seeing that now regarding changes about if, when and where wearing a mask is required.
Controversy created by some unfortunately overshadows our good news: The number of new cases of COVID-19 has plummeted in Illinois and most of the country. Hospitalizations caused by the virus are beginning to wane.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | January 28, 2022
I am very pleased to share good news about our progress: Mercy Circle has had no new cases of COVID-19 since January 18. With this accomplishment, we now will administer a rapid test only when someone here experiences symptoms associated with the virus or learns about a recent exposure to a person who has COVID-19. We hope that the last eight weeks of twice weekly testing for everyone here now is in our rearview mirror.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | January 21, 2022
More Good News and Sage Advice to Share
We are heartened and grateful to report that Mercy Circle concludes another week with no new cases of COVID-19 among assisted living, memory care, rehab and skilled nursing care residents as well as staff members who received rapid tests today.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | January 18, 2022
Two Staff Members Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
This afternoon, two CNAs, who were assisting residents in our skilled nursing care community, participated in our regular rapid testing program scheduled on Tuesdays and Fridays. When both asymptomatic employees received positive results for COVID-19, they immediately went home to recuperate. As is our practice, we also administered PCR tests sent to our lab to confirm the outcomes of those rapid tests.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | January 14, 2022
Very Good News Update
We are concluding this second week in January with good—dare I say great?!—
news to report.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | January 11, 2022
One Staff Member Has Tested Positive for COVID-19
I am starting my advisory today with 100 percent good news about the results for rapid tests administered today by Saint Xavier University nursing students. So far
- All assisted living, memory care, rehab and skilled nursing care residents have negative results
- All but one staff member, who was tested elsewhere, received negative outcomes
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | January 10, 2022
One Staff Member Has Tested Positive for COVID-19
Today, we tested one server working in the assisted living dining room because our employee, who also worked this past weekend, began to feel ill while working during today’s shift. A rapid test confirmed a positive outcome for COVID-19.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | January 7, 2022
Two Staff Members have Tested Positive for COVID-19
When we conducted communitywide rapid testing today, two staff members received positive outcomes for COVID-19.
- One maintenance worker asked to be tested before starting work with the onset of some symptoms
- One culinary team worker also asked for a test after starting work when experiencing mild symptoms
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | January 5, 2022
Six Staff Members Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
We completed today the regularly scheduled rapid tests for staff members and third-party providers.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | January 4, 2022
One Resident, One Staff Member Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
We today administered rapid tests to all residents living in all areas in our community. All but one had negative results for COVID-19.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | January 3, 2022
One Resident, Three Staff Members Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
This resident’s experience shows us how quickly circumstances can change and reminds us it is important to pay attention to a change in how you feel.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | January 1, 2022
Our report today about two more people who live or work here having positive outcomes for COVID-19 is a testament to our community members’ commitment to being cautious and collaborative about following Mercy Circle’s safety protocols.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 31, 2021
When we conducted our Friday protocol for rapid testing today, two members of our community received positive outcomes.
Both, who had just begun to notice mild symptoms, and now are isolating in their homes to recuperate are
- One assisted living resident
- One CNA, who was working in the assisted living area
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 30, 2021
Late yesterday, two healthcare professionals tested positive for COVID-19.
- One nurse, who had a negative outcome for a test on Tuesday, began to experience symptoms at home and came to campus for a rapid test
- One asymptomatic physician, who most recently was at Mercy Circle on Thursday, December 23, took a rapid test before planning to see patients here and received a positive outcome
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 28, 2021
Throughout today, we used rapid tests for our community-wide testing protocol to identify individuals who have COVID-19. We also administer PCR tests to anyone who has a positive outcome for a rapid test to eliminate false positives.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 27, 2021
As you likely know, we anticipate the need for frequent communication as more members of our Mercy Circle community are infected with the Omicron variant. So, I have decided to limit information for these 12-hour notices to report on new cases and rely on my confidence in you to follow all our precautions, which have become part of our daily life, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 25, 2021
Since Christmas Eve, four more members of our community have tested positive for COVID-19 including
- Two residents, who began to experience symptoms, asked for rapid tests
- One kitchen staff member, who last worked on December 21, called and asked for a rapid test, which we conducted outside here, after learning about an exposure to a family member who has COVID-19
- One server, who most recently worked on December 22 in dining rooms for independent and assisted living residents, began to experience symptoms and was tested elsewhere
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 24, 2021
As you know from news reports, Illinois, including Chicago, is experiencing a record-breaking surge in the number of new cases of COVID-19 due to the velocity of transmissions attributed to the Omicron variant. On Thursday, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 18,942 new cases, surpassing the number of the most new cases in a single day that was established more than a year ago in November 2020. This spike is not due to the fact that more people are being tested.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 22, 2021
When a part-time CNA, who is fully vaccinated and asymptomatic, participated in our weekly rapid testing program on Wednesday, our staff member received a positive result for COVID-19. This employee, who wears all appropriate PPE, last cared for our skilled nursing care residents on Wednesday.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 21, 2021
A full-time server, who most recently worked in our assisted living dining room on Sunday, called yesterday to report a positive result for a COVID-19 test taken elsewhere.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 19, 2021
On Saturday, a full-time CNA, who is asymptomatic and fully vaccinated, had a positive result for COVID-19 after taking a rapid test as part of our current program to identify as quickly as possible any new cases within our community.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 8, 2021
Today, we administered a rapid test for a skilled nursing care resident, who was admitted here last week, that indicated a positive outcome for COVID-19.
Until today, this person had two recent negative test results for the virus: late last week when discharged from the hospital and admitted here, and on Tuesday, December 7, when tested as part of our testing protocol for all residents in healthcare settings here.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | November 30, 2021
This afternoon, a short-term stay resident, who was admitted to Mercy Circle earlier this month for our rehab program, tested positive for COVID-19. Our temporary resident, who is asymptomatic and fully vaccinated, is quarantined in the person’s suite. Our staff members wear appropriate PPE when caring for this resident and carefully dispose it.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | November 24, 2021
As we count our blessings this Thanksgiving Day, please join me in expressing gratitude for how our community collaborates to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, which remains a threat to the health and well-being of so many people we cherish.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | November 19, 2021
Today, two staff members, who are fully vaccinated and had their booster shot, tested positive for COVID-19. Both had contact with residents and employees in our healthcare settings. So this afternoon, we administered rapid tests to all assisted living, memory care, rehab and skilled nursing care residents plus all employees working in all settings including independent living. Everyone else had a negative test result.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | November 17, 2021
On Tuesday, November 16, a fully vaccinated employee in our maintenance department tested positive for COVID-19. With the onset of a sore throat, a possible symptom of the virus, this staff member requested a rapid test that was administered here. Our staff member immediately went home to recuperate and only will return to our campus in accordance with CDC protocols. Please honor this individual’s privacy by following HIPAA guidelines.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | October 6, 2021
I am grateful to report that our community remains free of COVID-19. The fact that 100 percent of our residents and 90 percent of our employees are vaccinated demonstrates how we value living and working in a community. To comply with CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines, staff members, who are unvaccinated for medical or religious reasons, are tested every week.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | August 27, 2021
We approach the end of August with good news: Our community still remains free of the virus since June 22, 2021. Also, we continue to move closer to achieving 100 percent compliance for employees being vaccinated no later than September 21.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | August 3, 2021
Since my most recent letter on June 22, our community has been blessed to have no new cases of COVID-19. That remains the case today.
Plan for 100 percent compliance
Because 85 percent of our staff members already wholeheartedly agreed to be vaccinated, our Leadership Team thinks their compliance gives us an advantage in mitigating the spread of the virus. With 100 percent of residents fully vaccinated we truly are a community where we know how to protect ourselves and each other.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | June 22, 2021
I am delighted to share good news about Trinity Health Senior Communities’ approval of more reopening policies. They comply with CDC guidelines that the Illinois and Chicago Departments of Public Health apply to our community. Please review Visitor Guidelines posted on our website to view our complete list.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | May 28, 2021
As we anticipate a lovely three-day weekend, I wanted to share our progress report on the great strides our community continues to make.
We are so proud that 100 percent of our permanent residents and 99 percent of our short-term stay rehab residents are fully vaccinated. And with 85 percent of our staff members fully vaccinated, Mercy Circle significantly exceeds the nationwide average of only 50 percent of vaccinated employees in senior living communities.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | May 10, 2021
This morning, we were contacted by a full-time member of our dining services team, who arranged to be tested at a place other than Mercy Circle and received a positive outcome for COVID-19. This individual decided to be tested over the weekend due to recent contact with someone who subsequently tested positive for the virus. Our staff member, who remains asymptomatic and has no direct contact with residents, is recovering at home and will return to work in compliance with CDC regulations. Please honor this person’s privacy by following all HIPAA rules.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | April 30, 2021
This week, the CDC eased or lifted several restrictions for businesses, schools, restaurants, entertainment venues and attractions so they can reopen or increase occupancy. Naming Restore Illinois Phase 4 “revitalization” conveys the perfect message.
Like all senior living communities, however, Mercy Circle must wait for specific guidelines from our State’s public health agency before changing our safety precautions related to COVID-19. We expect IDPH to inform us about doing so within the next two weeks.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | April 23, 2021
I am very pleased to report that both the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Illinois Department of Public Health issued new guidance about indoor visitations. Now residents can welcome visitors into their apartment or suite. These private visits replace those previously hosted in the Wisconsin Room.
While we work toward completely reopening Mercy Circle, this decision falls into the “new normal” category with some restrictions to mitigate the threat of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | April 16, 2021
First and foremost, my staff and I thank our residents and families for being so gracious about recent unanticipated changes that interrupted our quest to reopen more places and programs for everyone in our community.
Even though restrictions temporarily disrupted some of our most treasured ways to spend time together, they are intended to ensure safety for everyone in our Mercy Circle family. The Chicago and Illinois Departments of Public Health are responding to myriad factors in a very dynamic situation.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | April 9, 2021
We conclude our week filled with dismay with much better news than I shared on Monday. Since then, our Director of Nursing Anita Ajayi, RN and I have dedicated ourselves to advocating with the Illinois Department of Public Health. We value your concerns. We presented them along with our own professional perspectives to IDPH decision-makers. In all our discussions, we kept the spotlight on our shared message about the critical importance of balancing the negative impact of being quarantined with sustaining the well-being of residents who are fully vaccinated.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | April 7, 2021
This letter provides new information regarding requirements recently mandated by the Illinois Department of Public Health because we identified two cases of COVID-19 in our community on Monday morning.
While I am sure most of us agree that caution and compliance has protected so many of us during the last 12-plus months, we are wearied by what seems like ever-changing regulations even as we reopen more places and programs for residents here.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | April 5, 2021
As part of our regularly scheduled testing protocol for employees which began today, we discovered that two CNAs, who do not have symptoms and were working during the third shift in the assisted living wing, tested positive for COVID-19.
Both immediately left our campus to go home to self-quarantine and recover. Please honor all HIPAA regulations to protect their privacy. They only will return to work in accordance with CDC standards.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | April 2, 2021
As we anticipate the promise of Easter Sunday, we fortified our community spirit when residents from throughout our entire community gathered—for the first time since March 2020—on Holy Thursday in Mercy Chapel. We were energized as residents reflected on the Last Supper when Jesus converted believers into disciples and blessed bread and wine to nourish them, establishing the Eucharist for us.
These reunions and liturgical expressions of hope carry us forward during our intrepid journey during an unprecedented global pandemic…even though there are no active cases of COVID-19 in our Mercy Circle community and so many are fully vaccinated.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | March 26, 2021
Mercy Circle’s motto, life with spirit, takes on new meaning for each of us as we anticipate the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We are grateful to our extraordinary staff members, who so faithfully have supported residents during the last 12 months, and to our residents, who graciously adapted to so many changing restrictions in order to protect everyone who lives and works at Mercy Circle.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | March 12, 2021
On Monday, March 15, Mercy Circle advances to CMS Phase 2, which allows residents to welcome guests for indoor visits. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during the last two weeks as we followed IDPH guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone who lives and works at Mercy Circle.
Indoor visits start week of March 15
One-hour, in-person visits are scheduled from 1pm until 4pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in the Wisconsin Room for as many as 12 residents. If a family member cannot visit then, please ask about making plans for another time.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | March 5, 2021
Mercy Circle remains in CMS Phase 1. We share your disappointment about shuttering so quickly—even temporarily—some of the engaging programs we had just reopened last week due to an occurrence of a new case of COVID-19 in our community.
While we are limiting a few in-person gatherings, we encourage residents to take advantage of ways to stay connected with each other during meals and select small group activities, as well as with family and friends during outdoor visits, vestibule, window and virtual visits. Our hope is to reopen in-person visits on Monday, March 15. For now, please schedule visits by sending an email to LifeEnrichment@MercyCircle.org.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | March 2, 2021
On Monday afternoon, one server, who last worked in our dining rooms for independent and assisted living residents on Sunday, February 28, tested positive for COVID-19. This employee began to experience symptoms and came to our campus for a rapid test which was administered at a location here outside our building.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | February 26, 2021
In addition to reopening more places and programs at Mercy Circle, we have planned some special events for all residents and staff members to celebrate milestones for our community.
- On Tuesday, March 2, starting at 2pm in the Illinois and Iowa Rooms, a 1950s Happy Days theme-party with mini-burgers, hot dogs, fries and root beer floats is a perfect way to thank everyone for their wholehearted participation in our vaccination program
- On Friday, March 5, starting at 1pm, the fun continues when we honor all our employees whose talents, professionalism and work ethic placed Mercy Circle in the Chicago Tribune’s annual survey of the 100 Top Workplaces
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | February 19, 2021
Please join me in thanking our remarkable employees who found ways to shovel out of their homes and to trudge through 18 inches of snow to get to work on Tuesday.
And we truly need all-hands-on-deck for so many good reasons! All residents now enjoy dining together, participating in fitness classes, games and other activities, watching movies together, finding comfort in receiving Communion and joining in prayer services. Of course, both residents and staff members comply with all precautions that include wearing a mask and observing social distancing.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | February 12, 2021
Alleluia! Today, I have so much good news to report!
- This week, all 58 residents in our healthcare settings and all 100 staff members, now only required to be tested weekly, received negative results for COVID-19
- Governor JB Pritzker last week lifted Tier mitigation across Illinois and moved all 11 Regions to Phase 4 of Restore Illinois
- With our last new case of COVID-19 on February 1, Mercy Circle meets the requirements of the Illinois and Chicago Departments of Public Health so we can resume more ways to enjoy our community and social life starting on Monday, February 15, with
- Communal dining for all residents
- In-person activities for groups with as many as 10 residents
- Indoor visitations for all residents starting on Wednesday, February 17
- A beauty shop schedule for all residents starting on or close to February 19
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | February 5, 2021
We continue to move forward with plans to reopen more areas where residents can savor the joys of belonging to a community. With our second clinic last Saturday, 98 percent of our residents and 74 percent of our staff members are fully inoculated with the Moderna vaccine, and these numbers will increase with our final clinic on Saturday, February 27, 2021.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | February 2, 2021
On Monday, one server who was working in our dining room for independent living residents, tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member, who is asymptomatic, immediately went home to self-quarantine and recover, and only will return to work in accordance with CDC standards. Please honor all HIPAA regulations to protect this person’s privacy as well as that of anyone who is coping with a healthcare challenge.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | January 29, 2021
We were delighted to see so many independent living residents savoring every minute as they enjoyed their first meal together in the dining room last night since we closed the dining room in mid-November. And meeting Chefs Mark Ricketts and Aldo Rios, who very recently arrived here, precipitated a big thumbs up from all the diners. Both chefs bring their extensive experience working across the country and around the world in resorts, hotel fine dining rooms and restaurants.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | January 22, 2021
I am very pleased to report that all 56 assisted living and skilled nursing care residents received negative outcomes for the COVID-19 Point of Care rapid tests they took this week.
In addition, all 110 staff members had negative results for the first of two regularly scheduled weekly tests conducted this past Monday and Tuesday. Currently, we are completing the second series for employees and, as of this afternoon, no 0ne has a positive result.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | January 15, 2021
We continue to follow our regularly scheduled testing protocols as well as conduct rapid tests for anyone who begins to experience what may be symptoms of COVID-19 or has been exposed to someone with the virus. These practices are designed to help us monitor the well-being of everyone in Mercy Circle’s community with early detection so we can take appropriate actions.
One positive result for staff member, updates for others’ recovery
On this Thursday to fulfill Mercy Circle’s requirement for bi-weekly testing, a full-time administrative staff member, who has been on a planned medical leave since Monday, January 4, received a positive result for COVID-19. This employee remains at home to recuperate from the virus.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | January 12, 2021
Yesterday and today, we already have tested 90 staff members and the rest of our employees will complete this process before late this afternoon. We continue to use our rapid testing system to expedite results as a way to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
One CNA, who was asymptomatic when working on the first shift caring for skilled nursing care residents on Monday, January 11, received a positive result for a COVID-19 test taken here. Upon being informed of this outcome, our employee immediately left Mercy Circle to recover from the virus at home, and only will return to work in accordance with CDC standards. Please honor all HIPAA regulations to protect this person’s privacy as well as that of anyone who is coping with a healthcare challenge.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | January 8, 2021
Please join me in praising and thanking our leadership team—and everyone who assisted them—for their excellent preparation for our first clinic day when CVS administered the Moderna vaccine to 100 residents and 76 staff members.
I was proud to hear CVS’ pharmacists and technicians, who were at Mercy Circle, say how our staff’s professionalism contributed to a successful clinic. They also commented on feeling inspired by our residents’ and employees’ exceptionally high level of participation and their enthusiasm for being vaccinated.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | January 1, 2021
Our hope is that this new decade delivers many reasons to anticipate and ultimately realize our liberation from the power of COVID-19.
- Today, Mercy Circle has no active cases of the virus in our community, and no one is in quarantine or recuperating at home.
- As a senior living community, we are grateful that our residents and staff members qualified to be among the first to receive a vaccine. Ninety-nine percent of our residents and 80 percent of our employees have registered.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 24, 2020
Our fondest wish for each of you is that the joys of Christmas fortify your spirit of faith and hope as we again celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the faith of Mary.
During 2020, COVID-19 has challenged so many ways we live our daily life and you have responded with wholehearted willingness to do your part. Each time we ask you to adjust your daily routine, we appreciate how you tap your resilience and foster a sense of “we’re in this together.” We cannot ask for a greater gift!
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 21, 2020
Again today, we used our new Point of Care or rapid testing system to test 69 staff members for COVID-19. Sixty-five employees had negative outcomes for the virus.
Four, who are asymptomatic and were working here today, received positive results. They include
- Three members of our nursing team in the skilled nursing care unit
- One server who worked in the independent and assisted living dining rooms
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 18, 2020
With Christmas Day just one week from today, let us share with each other the assurance of hope inspired by the birth of the Christ Child. This time of year always is filled with anticipation. And, typically for most of us, packed with a kind of busyness that can overshadow the true meaning of Christmas.
So while this Christmas will be quieter than most and truly unlike any other we have experienced, we might consider it a blessing to have time to remember and embrace a life patterned after the simplicity of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 17, 2020
This week, Mercy Circle began a new protocol that uses a rapid testing system for detecting COVID-19 called BD Veritor Plus. Our goal is to identify more quickly positive outcomes for both residents and staff members. In accordance with guidelines from the Illinois and Chicago Departments of Public Health, we will continue to use our lab for PCR tests to confirm any positive outcomes reported by BD Veritor Plus.
Using rapid tests yesterday, we confirmed 20 skilled nursing care residents and 38 assisted living residents had negative outcomes. We also learned
- One assisted living resident, who is asymptomatic, tested positive for the virus and is now isolated in the person’s apartment and being regularly monitored. Our staff wears all appropriate PPE when providing any care for this person. Please respect this person’s privacy by observing all HIPAA guidelines.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 15, 2020
Late on Monday, Mercy Circle learned one housekeeper, who worked yesterday in our assisted living area, received a positive result for a test taken here on Friday, December 11. This staff member, who is asymptomatic, immediately went home to recuperate from the virus, and only will return to work in accordance with CDC guidelines. Please respect this person’s privacy by observing all HIPAA guidelines.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 11, 2020
On behalf of everyone who works at Mercy Circle, I thank our residents and their families for their generosity to the Christmas Fund for Staff Members. You clearly spread joy with your gifts, and our employees are grateful for your appreciation for their care and service to you.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 8, 2020
On Monday evening, our lab notified Mercy Circle that a CNA, who last cared for skilled nursing care residents on Sunday, December 6, received a positive result for an individual test taken here on Wednesday, December 2. This staff member is isolated at home while recovering from the virus, and will return to work in accordance with CDC guidelines. Please respect this person’s privacy by observing all HIPAA guidelines.
For extra protection for residents in our skilled nursing care unit, we have applied droplet and contact isolation precautions that will continue through Friday, December 11.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 4, 2020
Due to the increasing number of people being tested for COVID-19, our lab and others are taking longer to process and send results. For some, we realize a longer waiting period to learn the outcome of your most recent test can cause anxiety. So, we truly appreciate your patience, and hope you agree that accuracy is paramount.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | December 1 , 2020
On Monday, we conducted COVID-19 tests for 69 staff members and 56 residents in our assisted living, memory care, rehab and skilled nursing care settings. Because we are testing employees twice a week, we used rapid tests for some due to the extended turnaround time that our lab and others are taking to provide results for PCR tests. Both tests are reliable.
Mercy Circle now has the equipment to conduct rapid tests, which provide results in approximately 15 minutes but take longer to administer. Because all residents in our healthcare settings tested negative for the virus last week, we continued to use the standard PCR test for them.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | November 28 , 2020
We were pleased residents decided to celebrate Thanksgiving Day here at Mercy Circle. And I am delighted to hear so many residents and staff members truly were touched by the greetings from their family and friends that were packed into a video album brimming with Thanksgiving wishes. This 40-minute video will air throughout this weekend on Channel 8. Please join me in thanking our Life Enrichment team for their post-production talent and time to compile all the videos people sent.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | November 22 , 2020
Late on Saturday and on Sunday morning, we received positive results for two employees who took COVID-19 tests here on Thursday, November 19.
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- One CNA last helped our Baggott Street residents needing memory support on Saturday, November 21, and immediately went home when notified
- One server delivered meals, using our contactless system, to the apartment doors of independent and assisted living residents on Friday, November 20
Both, who are asymptomatic, are isolated at home while they recover from the virus. Please comply with all HIPAA regulations designed to protect their privacy.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | November 21 , 2020
This morning, we learned a CNA, who last cared for skilled nursing care residents on Thursday, November 19, received a positive result for a test taken here at the beginning of the week of November 16. This person is asymptomatic and now recuperating at home. Please comply with all HIPAA regulations designed to protect the privacy of the individual and everyone living and working at Mercy Circle.
All other 105 employees received negative results for tests they took at the beginning of the week of November 16.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | November 20 , 2020
Today, we have no new cases of COVID-19 among residents and staff members to report. All 57 assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care residents who were tested on Monday, November 16, received negative outcomes.
We still await some results for 106 staff members who were tested on Monday and Tuesday, but we have received 73 results which are negative. As you may know, all employees now are tested twice a week, with the second round of tests administered on Thursday and Friday. We also hope to receive soon results for 41 independent living residents who volunteered to be tested on November 19.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | November 14 , 2020
This morning, we learned two independent living residents, who were tested here on Wednesday, November 11, received positive results for COVID-19. Both are asymptomatic and recovering as they quarantine in their apartments. Also, our lab confirmed that all other 41 independent living residents, also tested on Wednesday, have negative outcomes. Please comply with all HIPAA regulations designed to protect their privacy.
As an added precaution, we will test all independent living residents again today and administer a second test for them on Tuesday, November 17.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | November 13 , 2020
Today, we learned two Dining Services staff members, who are asymptomatic and were tested on Tuesday, November 10, received positive results for the virus. One person worked here on Thursday, November 12, and the other most recently on November 1. Both are at home recovering.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | November 6 , 2020
Our Region 11 and the entire State of Illinois continues to experience day-over-day increases in the number of new COVID-19 cases. This afternoon, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported for the first time ever more than 10,000 new cases of the virus, citing a total of 10,376 as our State’s daily case count.
Yesterday, the Chicago Department of Health reported a positivity rate of 13.5 percent for our zip code for the week ending October 31—a very big leap from 7.9 percent seven days earlier—and 9.3 percent for 60643—an increase from 7.4 percent reported on October 24.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | November 5 , 2020
Last evening, we learned two assisted living residents, who are asymptomatic and were tested on Monday, November 2, have received positive results for COVID-19. Both are in isolation and recovering in their apartments. Fifty-three other residents, also tested on Monday, have received negative outcomes; results for four residents still are pending.
Today, we received a positive test result for a member of our administrative team, who is asymptomatic and had reported to work this morning. We informed this staff member of the outcome of Monday’s test, and she now is at home recuperating. In addition to this one positive result, 57 of the 101 staff members tested this week have received negative results; 43 await their reports.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | October 30 , 2020
As you know from news reports, the City of Chicago, which is designated as Region 11 in Governor JB Pritzker’s Restore Illinois program, is experiencing record-breaking numbers of COVID-19 cases escalating day-over-day for the last seven days.
Today, the City of Chicago’s positivity rate leapt to 8.1 percent, almost double its status at the beginning of October, and Illinois’ positivity rate spiked to 8.5 percent, up from 8.2 percent on Thursday. Only one of the 11 Regions in Illinois has not been put on Tier 1 status.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | October 22 , 2020
Now that Mercy Circle is welcoming families and friends for indoor visits with residents, please be exceptionally attentive to following the basic precautions—wear a mask, observe six-foot social distancing and practice hand-hygiene often.
Why? Today’s positivity rate of 21.5 percent in our immediate area, zip code 60655, exceeds by more than three-fold today’s positivity rate of 6.4 percent for the City of Chicago.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | October 16 , 2020
All 102 independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care residents, who were tested for COVID-19 on Monday, October 12, received negative results. As of this morning, 96 of the 105 employees tested earlier this week also received negative outcomes and results for nine are pending.
With these outcomes and the assumption that there are no new cases among residents during the next few days, Mercy Circle will advance to CMS Phase Three, the highest ranking. On Wednesday, October 14, skilled nursing care residents resumed their communal dining, small group activities and a weekly prayer service with Communion.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | October 12 , 2020
Two residents, who participated in our campus-wide courtesy testing conducted by the Chicago Department of Public Health on Friday, October 9, received positive results for COVID-19 on Sunday. We still await some reports for last Friday’s tests.
Both residents—one person in independent living and one in assisted living—are asymptomatic and quarantined in their apartments. On Sunday, we immediately began the contact-tracing process for each resident. Please join us in observing all HIPAA regulations designed to protect the privacy of everyone at Mercy Circle.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | October 4, 2020
On Saturday afternoon, October 3, we received the test results for the seven employees whose results were pending. Six received negative outcomes.
One staff member, who works in the dining rooms for independent and assisted living residents, tested positive. This employee, whose last day on our campus was Friday, October 2, is now recovering at home. Please observe HIPAA regulations that protect the privacy of this individual and everyone at Mercy Circle.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | October 1, 2020
We have received positive results for COVID-19 for one full-time CNA, who works in our assisted living wing but has not been on campus since this past Monday, and one full-time Dining Staff member, who last worked in our assisted living community on this Wednesday. Both are recuperating at home. Please join us in observing all HIPAA regulations designed to protect the privacy of everyone at Mercy Circle.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | September 25, 2020
We are grateful to report that our two skilled nursing care residents, who last week received positive test results for COVID-19, are recovering in our isolation unit. Our staff wears appropriate PPE when caring for them. Two staff members, who tested positive, remain at home recovering. Also, all test results reported last Friday as pending were negative.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | September 18, 2020
Today, two of our skilled nursing care residents received positive test results for COVID-19. One resident began presenting symptoms for the virus on Thursday so we conducted a test. The second positive test result was for a short-term stay resident, who was asymptomatic and already quarantined because that person was recently admitted here from the hospital.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | September 11, 2020
As Mercy Circle continues to enjoy its status as a CMS Phase Three community, we will reopen more common areas on our campus. Please look for a listing of current practices Mercy Circle follows to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 posted at the top of the page on our website that shares information related to the virus.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | September 4, 2020
The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed Mercy Circle is now a CMS Phase Three community and Trinity Health has approved our plans to reopen more amenities and services for residents to enjoy.
This highest ranking is based on that fact that there are no new cases of COVID-19 for all members of our community.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | August 28, 2020
Once again, we gratefully report no new cases of COVID-19 for all members of our community. Residents were tested on August 24 and employees on August 24 and 25.
With our most recent positive case on August 5 for a resident in skilled nursing care, Mercy Circle has achieved 22 consecutive days with no new incidences of the virus among our residents. Currently, Mercy Circle has moved to CMS Phase Two.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | August 21, 2020
We received negative results for COVID-19 for all residents and staff members who have been tested for the virus since August 3, 2020. Achieving 14 days without a new positive test outcome for a resident has put Mercy Circle in CMS Phase One, according to the new Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines that became effective last Friday, August 14.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | August 17, 2020
On Sunday, we received a positive result for one full-time CNA, who last worked on Sunday, August 9, in our skilled nursing care unit. This staff member is recovering while quarantined at home. Please join us in observing all HIPAA regulations designed to protect the privacy of everyone at Mercy Circle.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | August 14, 2020
Today, new guidelines published by the Illinois Department of Public Health take effect for Mercy Circle and for all senior living communities with skilled nursing care, memory care and assisted living residents across the State. These guidelines start with stating this plan strives to balance enforcing necessary precautions to protect residents from the virus while considering the importance of their quality of life.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | August 8, 2020
Late on Friday, we received a positive result for the virus for one skilled nursing care resident who was tested on Wednesday, August 5, as part of Mercy Circle’s weekly testing protocol. This resident moved to the skilled nursing care’s isolation area staffed and equipped to care for residents who are recovering from COVID-19.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | August 7, 2020
Earlier this week, we reported three residents received positive results for COVID-19 for tests administered here by the Illinois Department of Public Health. All are now recovering in the area we have isolated in the skilled nursing care wing. Our staff is following all CDC-designated precautions as they deliver care for them. Please respect everyone’s privacy by observing all HIPAA regulations.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | August 5, 2020
On Tuesday, we were informed that one assisted living resident has tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first resident in our AL community to have this outcome.
Even though this resident, who tested positive, is asymptomatic, we are moving this resident to the designated COVID-19 isolated area in our skilled nursing care wing for residents with the virus because we have a staff dedicated to caring for these residents there.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | August 4, 2020
When we received most of the results for the COVID-19 tests administered on Friday, July 31, we learned that two residents and one staff member tested positive for the virus. Previously, these individuals had negative test results.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | July 31, 2020
We are concluding the month of July with more encouraging news for our community. There are no new active cases of COVID-19 at Mercy Circle.
Since last Friday, the second resident, whose test outcome was pending, received a negative result and has no symptoms. All residents, who were tested following one other resident’s positive test result, have tested negative. The employee, whom we reported as having a positive result, has recovered and returned to work according to CDC guidelines.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | July 28, 2020
Starting tomorrow on Wednesday, July 29, Mercy Circle again will host outdoor visits with assisted living residents. We are grateful our community has achieved 14 consecutive days without a new case of COVID-19. This benchmark meets the current CMS requirement to reinstate outdoor visitations.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | July 26, 2020
In my weekly letter on Friday, I informed you we were waiting for two residents’ test results for COVID-19. We now have received a positive result for one resident who is being treated in the hospital. We have not yet received the other test result for the resident, who is symptomatic and isolated. Please join us in respecting their privacy by observing all HIPAA regulations.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | July 24, 2020
As of this morning, we have no new cases of a resident or staff member who tested positive for COVID-19. Currently, we are waiting for test results for two residents who have symptoms associated with the virus. We cannot be sure of their status, however, until we are notified of their test results.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | July 17, 2020
Residents and staff members have no new cases of COVID-19 since I informed you earlier this week about two skilled nursing care residents and one staff member, whose tests administered on July 10 indicated positive results. Our two residents now are recovering in an isolated area and our employee is recuperating at home.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | July 14, 2020
Since yesterday afternoon, we received all the results for COVID-19 tests which were administered on July 10 to residents in assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care and to all staff members. Two residents and one staff member tested positive for the virus. All three were quarantined immediately. All other residents and staff members who were tested have negative outcomes for the virus.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | July 10, 2020
Last Friday, I shared with you encouraging news about how our community would start moving forward because we achieved three consecutive weeks when all residents in assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care continued to receive negative test results. Today, I update that heartening report that Mercy Circle residents have achieved a fourth consecutive week with no positive test results.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | July 3, 2020
We hope to begin hosting outdoor visits with residents on Tuesday, July 7, because Mercy Circle has achieved 14 consecutive days without a new case of COVID-19 to meet the requirement of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | June 26, 2020
We share your extreme disappointment because Mercy Circle now must postpone scheduling outdoor visits with residents. In other parts of our country, we see how not respecting the power and threat of COVID-19 can cause a resurgence of the virus. So it remains our highest priority to adhere to numerous ways to protect members of our Mercy Circle family.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | June 25, 2020
Last Friday, I informed you of a new requirement by the Chicago and Illinois Departments of Public Health to test all residents and staff members who reside and work in Mercy Circle’s assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care units.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | June 19, 2020
Our residents and staff members continue to be free of COVID-19. This fact encourages us to fortify our commitment to your safety by heeding all guidelines published by the agencies that have provided direction during this global pandemic.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | June 12, 2020
I am very pleased to report the newest achievement of Mercy Circle’s sustained infection prevention and control practices designed to abate COVID-19 in our community. At this time, Mercy Circle has no new cases of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | June 5, 2020
During this past week, all 57 residents who live in assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care were tested for COVID-19 using the PCR swab test.
I am very grateful to report every single resident received a negative test result. With universally negative outcomes, we have concluded droplet and contact precautions in the skilled nursing care unit.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | June 2, 2020
As we make plans to open more areas of Mercy Circle, we balance those eagerly awaited opportunities with prudence and precaution. In consultation with Moira McQuillan, M.D., our medical director, and Mercy Circle’s clinical team, we have devised a new plan for COVID-19 testing for residents and staff members.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | June 1, 2020
This afternoon, we received notification of test results for one more staff member who has tested positive for COVID-19. This employee, who works in our assisted living wing, is recovering at home.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | May 29, 2020
We continue to count our blessings. We have had no positive cases of COVID-19 among our residents. Two staff members in the nursing department, who have tested positive, are at home recuperating from the virus.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | May 28, 2020
We received notification of test results for one additional staff member who received a positive test result. This employee had been working in our assisted living wing and is recovering at home.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | May 22, 2020
We continue to count our blessings. We have had no positive cases of COVID-19 among our residents. Twenty-five employees have tested negative. Three staff have recovered and returned to work in accordance with CDC guidelines.
Another three staff members, who had tested positive, are at home recuperating from the virus. This week, more staff members were tested; currently, 11 test results are pending.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | May 18, 2020
We received notification of test results for additional staff members late on Sunday and throughout today. These test results indicate one more staff member, who is on our dining services team, has tested positive for the virus and is recovering at home. Please respect the privacy of all staff and residents by observing HIPAA’s confidentiality rules.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | May 16, 2020
We received notification from two staff members late Friday evening that they just received positive test results for COVID-19. Neither provided direct care to residents. Both part-time employees—a housekeeper, who has not been on our campus since April 26, and a dining services worker—are recovering at home. Please respect the privacy of these individuals by observing HIPAA’s confidentiality regulations.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | May 15, 2020
We are blessed to be able to report there are no new cases of COVID-19 among our staff members and there has not been a single case of the virus among our residents.
Still, we remain vigilant about adhering to all the guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Services, as well as the Illinois and Chicago Departments of Public Health.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | May 8, 2020
On Thursday afternoon, we received notification that a third staff member tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member has not been in our facility since April 28 and now is isolated at home to recover.
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | May 3, 2020
On late Saturday evening, we received notification that a second staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. Both staff members, who have tested positive, do not provide direct…
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | May 1, 2020
On Thursday afternoon, we received notification that one of our staff members tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member does not provide direct care to residents and now is isolated…
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | March 26, 2020
As you know, Mercy Circle continues to monitor information regarding COVID-19 cases and updated reports and guidelines for Chicago, especially the southwest sector…
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | March 23, 2020
On Saturday, March 21, following the advice of leading public health officials, Governor Pritzker put into effect a statewide Stay-at-Home order. His goal is to…
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | March 17, 2020
Over the past couple of days, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Services (CMS) have imposed more severe restrictions on visitations. Effective immediately…
COVID-19 Message from the Executive Director
by Frances Lachowicz | March 11, 2020
As you know, COVID-19 poses a health threat to our entire population, especially to the elderly and those with underlying conditions such as heart disease, lung disease and…