Nursing homes work to keep residents safe Ritz
The COVID-19 pandemic affected much of the day-to-day routines of many, especially those at the long-term care facilities in Malvern and Hot Spring County.
But the light may be shining at the end of the tunnel as the Arkansas Health Care Association announced that long-term care facilities and nursing homes have seen a decline in COVID-19 cases across the state since the beginning of the new year and with the completion of the second round of vaccine clinics.
“We are hopeful that as we continue to see a decline in cases at our facilities that we can begin to look at easing restrictions on visitations,” said Rachel Bunch, executive director of the Arkansas Health Care Association. “Our staff has worked tirelessly in their efforts to aid in vaccine clinics and help get their residents vaccinated. We are proud of their hardwork and dedication to the care of their residents. This has been a long road but we will continue to battle COVID-19 in our facilities and protect our states’ most vulnerable.”
On March 1, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 70 new resident and 61 new by their students. Rook mentioned that staff hope to develop programming at the theatre for children during the sum
health care worker COVID-19 cases, a drastic drop to what the state was seeing in January.
“We still have a long road ahead, but these numbers are incredibly encouraging and a major morale booster for frontline caregivers who have been working tirelessly every day for a year to protect our residents,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “This new data showcases just how important it is for nursing homes residents and staff, as well as the general public, to get the vaccine because it is clearly working.” mer.
“We want to restore it to the theatre it was in 1948,” Rook said.
Throughout the process, Rook said that the college has received lots of community support for the project.
The college received letters of support from city,
With the number of cases declining in these facilities and with Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s ease of COVID-19 directives, long-term care facilities in the community are starting to get back to normal.
In a Facebook post, the Crossing at Malvern announced “The visitation directive has been lifted for assisted living facilities! We are excited to say that you are welcome to come inside the facility to visit your family members!”
Jennifer Smith, Administrator with the Crossing at Malvern said in a statement, “We are back county and business leaders along with the school district.
Rook also commended the individuals at Southern Bancorp for allowing them to use the parking lot that is beside the theatre for construction equipment.
“They’ve been really good partners. We appreto normal business except we need everyone to wear a surgical mask and be screened upon entry. We are so excited about this news!”
Besides wearing a mask and being screened, the Crossing announced that patrons would no longer have to drop off items at the front door; instead, items can be delivered directly to the family member.
Even before the latest announcement Encore Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Malvern had been open for visitation while following all guidelines set by the Arkansas Department of Health for facility visitation.
Hope Burchfield, Administrator at Encore Healthcare and Rehabilitation, said that the staff at Encore have been hyper focused on infection control. ciate their cooperation,” Rook said.
In the future, there will also be sponsorship opportunities for businesses in families.
As the project continues, individuals can follow the progress on the “Restoration of the Ritz Theatre” Facebook page.
Monica Yarbrough State Farm Insurance is located at 1609 Martin Luther King in Malvern. At the business, customers can receive assistance with insurance and financial services.
The business was established in 2018 and currently has four employees.
Employees include Agent Monica Yarbrough; Crystal Sanabria, office manager; Jarrett Austin, acquisition and Breyanna Beard, retention specialist.
Employees said their integrity, coffee and hard work are the reason for the business’ success.
“Our future is bright. My senior team is welcoming new sales agents this year,” Yarbrough said adding that she is “thrilled to be growing.”
Staff can be notified at 501- 337- 5256.