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.