Presbyterian Manor and House of Hope COVID-19 Response Update

A Letter from Kris Awtrey, CEO

(Most recent updates are listed first)

October 1, 2020

  • Visitation begins for essential caregivers on both campuses according to the guidelines issued by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission
  • Due to the COVID-19 positivity rate being over 5% in Wichita Falls, all staff and residents are tested on a weekly basis on both campuses. Rates are continually monitored so that testing can be adjusted accordingly.

June 22, 2020

  • The Perkins-Prothro Health Care Center opens a Hospitality Room, allowing residents to see and visit with their loved ones via a plexiglass window.

June 16, 2020

  • The House of Hope opens a Hospitality Room, allowing residents to see and visit with their loved ones via a plexiglass window.

June 1, 2020

  • Cottage resident lockdown restrictions are lifted. The main building continues under the shelter-in-place directive.

May 31, 2020

  • Both campuses undergo COVID-19 testing of residents and employees; all results received are negative.

May 26, 2020

  • Independent Living residents and their families are asked to participate in a survey on Presbyterian Manor’s response to the virus. 100% of respondents say they feel employees have done all they can to keep residents safe.

April 27, 2020

  • Texas Governor Abbott announces Phase One to re-open Texas
  • Dining Room re-opens for Independent Living residents in the Main building.
  • Meal deliveries continue for those eating in their apartments or cottages.

April 6, 2020

  • Independent Living area employees are required to wear facemasks

April 3, 2020

  • All health care employees are required to wear facemasks

March 31, 2020

  • Perkins-Prothro Health Care Center Dining Room is closed to communal dining; Staff are closely monitoring and assisting those who need help eating in their room
  • Presbyterian Manor independent living Dining Room is closed to communal dining and meal delivery implemented
  • Non-essential personnel are sent home
  • All group activities suspended
  • Personal shopping service is made available to residents without local family members
  • Health care staff members continue assisting family members in connecting with their loved ones by phone and video

March 27, 2020

  • Wichita Falls city councilors approve the shelter-in-place order.

March 27, 2020

  • The House of Hope reserves and prepares one full suite as an isolated quarantine area if needed in the future
  • The House of Hope staff are trained for the special nursing and caregiving needs of those with COVID-19 virus

March 21, 2020

  • A complete organization-wide (both campuses) lock down is implemented
  • Presbyterian Manor residents are asked not to leave the campus

March 20, 2020

  • All entry points are closed on campus except the front door to facilitate restrictions and screening process of everyone entering

March 17, 2020

  • A Presbyterian Manor Resident Departure Form is required, and mandatory screening is implemented, when residents return to campus which includes self-quarantine procedures, if necessary
  • Only essential outside visitors are allowed on campus, such as healthcare workers
  • Mandatory screening is implemented for essential visitors

March 16, 2020

  • Mandatory screening is implemented for all employees with temperature readings and health assessment prior to beginning a shift

March 13, 2020

  • The Perkins-Prothro Health Care Center and The House of Hope are locked down to outside guests
  • Health care group activities are restricted
  • Administrative employees are required to restrict their movements outside office areas
  • Staff and residents are instructed to observe social distancing

March 10, 2020

  • Visitors are assessed upon entering the building

March 9, 2020

  • The CEO is in close contact with the local Health Department followed by regular meetings with the Medical Director on preparation for future action
  • Official sources are continually monitored
  • Organization-wide encouragement and education on good hygiene including strict handwashing standards, use of sanitation stations and covering mouth with an elbow when coughing or sneezing
  • Employees are instructed to stay home if not feeling well
  • Increased vigilance in housekeeping departments to include expanded sanitizing of handrails, doorknobs and common areas.