Our Story
At Life Care Athens, we know the privilege – and pain – of holding the hands of dying residents – patients whose families wanted their loved ones to remain at "home" with us for their final days, instead of transferring to a local hospital.
Although there is no guarantee of what tomorrow holds with one of the most contagious virus Americans have ever seen, the lessons we have already learned during this pandemic have made us better. And the devastating moments of the unprecedented crisis we face have been replaced with optimism for the future. Our commitment is stronger than ever.
From our first known case of COVID-19 on April 12, the Athens community came together to support and encourage our associates as we met the virus head on, defeated it and moved forward with a stable, safe facility. We continue to be grateful for that ongoing community support.
There is no debating that emotional scars remain, and our hearts break when we think of those we lost and the families they left behind. The residents we lost will never be forgotten.
"What is important to know now is that we have learned from experience how to maintain and assure safety in our facility for patients and associates," said Jennifer Solomon, the divisional vice president responsible for Athens.
"What is important is being vigilant in all we do, and I know that will be the case in Athens as we look to the future."
That vigilance includes:
- Providing every patient with a routine clinical assessment.
- Using "Point of Care" testing equipment from the federal government.
- An ongoing surveillance testing program that continues for staff, per state requirement.
- Ongoing communication with family members.
- Strict adherence to CDC, CMS and state health department infection control protocols will be maintained.
- Training for associates will be continuously updated based on regulations and first-hand experience in controlling the virus.
Our leadership and associates have walked through some dark days and have come out stronger on the other side. We look to the future and are more committed than ever to the Athens community and to delivering high-quality care and peace of mind to our patients and their families in the safest possible environment.
