On April 24, Richfield Living was informed by the Virginia Department of Health (VDPH) that an employee was exposed by a family member to COVID-19. The individual is self-isolating at home and will not return to work until the required time has passed.

As the Senior Director of Marketing and Public Information Officer for Richfield Living, Lisa Clause is responsible for all things communications related. When news of the employee testing positive became public, she says the community offered kind words, gave generously and let Richfield Living know how they support their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The care of Richfield Living residents is foremost a responsibility to let the internal community know first of any health issues and then share with the general public,” Clause said. “Our conscientious team is working to follow the Virginia Department of Health and other government guidelines to maintain a safe environment for residents and team members.”
She added, “We can say that we consider anyone who discloses and comes forward with information that secures the environment to be a hero.  The details shared allowed Richfield Living to quarantine the area and test residents and team members possibly affected.  This action potentially protected others from getting the coronavirus.”

The VDPH requires all skilled nursing facilities to report any confirmed COVID-19 cases or deaths involving residents and staff daily. Due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Richfield Living is unable to provide specific information about the employee who tested positive.

Employees at the senior living and rehabilitation center are currently required to wear face coverings. “The impact of COVID-19 on Richfield Living has been strong with changes in protocol, additional needs for PPE and other materials.  The donations and kind words of encouragement have truly touched us,” Clause said.

Cherie Grisso, Richfield Living Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We wish to extend our thoughts and prayers to all impacted by the COVID-19 virus, especially our residents and team members. Our team is vigilantly fighting to minimize the spread of the virus within our community and the greater Roanoke Valley. We are committed to the safety and well-being of our residents, team members and will remain transparent with our COVID status.”