COVID-19 RESPONSE

During this uncertain time as we are faced with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries (ALSM) is working diligently to provide a safe and healthy environment for those we serve as well as our for our dedicated staff team members. We would like to express thanks to our residents, program participants, and families for your support, trust and patience. To our staff team members your attitude and commitment to those we serve is humbling. We are truly grateful.

ALSM continues to remain informed on this changing situation. We have assembled an inter-disciplinary group of team members who are working together to monitor, plan and implement measures for the protection of our communities, program participants and team members. Please remember that our strategies change as we respond to the recommendations/ mandates of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other regulating bodies.

As changes occur and more information becomes available, we will update this page with new information.

Reopening Plans

The Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg

Implementation Plan for Reopening

The Lutheran Home at Johnstown

Implementation Plan for Reopening

The Oaks at Pleasant Gap

Implementation Plan for Reopening

Useful Information & Frequently Asked Questions:

Visitation

At this time, visitation is restricted at The Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg, The Lutheran Home at Johnstown and The Oaks at Pleasant Gap.

All visitors are restricted from visiting except for certain circumstances such as:

End of life situations
When a visitor is determined to be essential for the residents emotional well-being as determined by the interdisciplinary team
Other disciplines as required by the plan of care to include but not limited to hospice and contract providers

Those who meet the above criteria, will be screened according to CDC and Department of Health (DOH) recommendations based on self-reporting of signs and symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath or sore throat. Those who respond positively to any of these symptoms are not allowed to enter the building.

Those approved will be asked to wash their hands before entering.

Note: visitors under the age of 18 are restricted from visiting; approved visitors may not exceed more than one visitor per day.

Community Events

At this time spring events that were scheduled at our communities have been postponed. At this time, they include:

The Lutheran Home at Johnstown – spring breakfast

The Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg – Easter egg hunt cancelled

The Oaks at Pleasant Gap – Easter egg hunt cancelled

The Centre County Auxiliary – Fashion show postponed to September 12

The Cambria County Auxiliary – Spring meeting & tissue shower -new date TBD

Volunteer Appreciation Events – All locations postponed. New dates TBD

Campus tours for new admissions are not being conducted.

How do I stay in contact with a loved one?

Laptops and iPads are available for Skype video calls with family members. Families are asked to contact the Life Enrichment office with your email address and user name. Enrichment team members are happy to assist in coordinating times for residents and families to connect. Please note, you will need to download the Skype app.

You may also contact the Life Enrichment team members to coordinate phone calls.

The Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg – 814.696.4527
The Lutheran Home at Johnstown – 814.255.6844
The Oaks at Pleasant Gap – 814.359.2782

How are meals provided for residents?

All dining rooms are closed. In most cases, residents in personal care and health care receive meals in their rooms with assistance as needed, and residential living residents have the option to order meals for take-out.

The Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg – Take-Out meals are available Sunday through Friday at 5 p.m. Meals may also be ordered one day in advance by calling 814.696.4527.

The Lutheran Home at Johnstown – Independent living residents interested in meals are to contact 814.255.6844.

The Oaks at Pleasant Gap –Meals are offered in take-out containers, the dining room is closed. Court residents pick up meals from the kitchen. Cottage residents interested in placing a take-out order, please call 814.359.1104, to reserve your meal. Meals will be delivered to you at the Manor entrance.

How are activities and socialization being provided?

Each community is continuing to provide one-on-one activities or those activities that can be conducted while adhering to the recommendations of the CDC.

General COVID-19 Information for your well-being:

Residents living independently in our communities are urged to follow the recommendations of the CDC to protect yourself and others.

Social/physical distancing – keep a minimum of 6 feet away from others and do not put yourself in a situation where there are more than a few (10 or less) people in an area
Practice frequent handwashing.
Limit your trips in/out of your home to limit your exposure.
Consider getting food and necessary items delivered
Have a plan if you experience any symptoms related to COVID-19

Any resident traveling outside the continental United States or to areas in the US in states/counties deemed to be at risk, we request that you follow the CDC and DOH guidelines of self-quarantine for 14 days upon your return.

Residents who are unable or unwilling to comply with these visitation and travel restrictions are to consider other temporary living arrangements. If you are still working, we suggest traveling directly between your work and your home.

Administrative Office –

998 Logan Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602

Accounting and Billing: 814.696.4504 or 814.696.4510

ALSM @ Home: 814.696.4569

Executive Administration: 814.696.4556

Human Resources: 814.696.4511 or 814.696.4571

Information Systems: 814.696.4507

Marketing/Communications/Advancement: 814.696.4516

The Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg

916 Hickory Street, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648

814.696.4527

The Lutheran Home at Johnstown