Lutheran Manor in Bethlehem, PA has been a haven in the Lehigh Valley for our elderly and disabled persons since 1978. Recently, the facility and its staff were recognized by the National Center for Housing Management for their incredible handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, from the months of March through late December, the staff and residents managed to endure the pandemic without a single positive test. Their fight against this virus continues to be a combined effort of diligent planning by the staff and astounding cooperation from the residents. The guidelines and restrictions have been taxing on both sides but were taken with the upmost seriousness to ensure the safety of all.
Courtney Doheny, the Executive Director of Lutheran Manor, explains that since the onset of the pandemic, all daily responsibilities of the staff have changed significantly. The entire staff from Doheny’s role to the service coordinator and maintenance staff became part of a coordinated cleaning crew. Their crisis plan was put into place and endless time was dedicated to disinfecting and cleaning all touch points in the facility. One game-changer was the purchasing of two electrostatic sprayers which allowed them to clean the facility quickly. A second game changer was having their own television channel which is broadcasted to all residents. Not only are they able to stream entertainment and news alerts but the station allowed the staff to communicate information regarding the pandemic.
During the majority of 2020, the residents were asked to maintain strict social distancing and visitors were restricted. Doheny shared that during the last year mental health of the residents was a major concern. “They (the residents) sheltered-in-place as recommended. We were on top of the potential health risk from the beginning. Our service coordinator and chaplain regularly had phone conversations with residents to check on their mental health. We also wanted to make sure we were offering items to stimulate their cognitive functions such as brain teasers, puzzles, and challenges, plus we offered a great deal of programs live streamed,” says Doheny. The facility utilized their live streaming channel capabilities every day. They offered resident favorites like, I Love Lucy, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and The Tonight Show. It may seem like a small thing, but the entertainment schedule was very much appreciated by the residents. What would most of us have done the last year without the ability to binge watch our favorite shows?
As Spring approaches, 91% of the resident population has been COVID-19 vaccinated. This is allowing Lutheran Manor to slowly begin reintroducing socialization activities while still maintaining the 6 feet recommended distance. Doheny explains that the residents value their health and safety but that some level of normalcy is needed. She has seen nothing but gratitude and cooperation from the residents for the staffs careful and gradual efforts to provide more and more social activities.
Originally conceived by the Lutheran Churches of Bethlehem, the mission of Lutheran Manor is to provide decent, safe, and sanitary affordable housing and services that enhance the quality of life for families and their residents in a community environment. The community consists of 196 apartments which are currently home to 206 residents both individuals and couples.
Enriching the lives of their residents is a primary concern to the leadership and staff of Lutheran Manor. The apartments are conveniently located within a walking distance of shopping, banks, restaurants, and medical offices. Recreational, educational, religious, entertainment and wellness opportunities are made available both within the apartment facility and through group outings thanks to the 26-passenger van the facility owns. Lutheran Manor also houses a two-story Wellness Center with a full-service salon, community room, game room, laundry room and fitness center. The full-time Fitness Specialist is available to assess each resident’s ability level and skills and help them with setting goals.
The staff looks forward to getting back to offering all their residents the full scope of services as the world moves towards some sort of normalcy. It is these services and amenities that allow the residents to enjoy their retirement years while maximizing their quality of life and independence.
To read the full National Center for Housing Management article detailing Lutheran Manor’s heroic response to the COVID-19 pandemic click here.
