News and Events

I hope this letter finds everyone well. We at the Greek American Rehabilitation and Care Centre (GARCC) are taking an active, common sense approach to preventing the spread of COVID-19 by following prudent infection prevention strategies as well as all recommended actions set forth by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). GARCC has worked closely with the IDPH and has followed its current recommended guidelines to assist with the prevention of the spread of this virus where possible. As noted, we are also following guidelines of the CDC, CMS and other local public health authorities for additional guidance. To date, we have no suspected cases of COVID-19, and we are taking steps to protect our residents and valued staff members, which remains our top priority.

During these unprecedented times, the Administration, Staff and Board of Directors want to express their gratitude for your cooperation and understanding. Your adherence to our ‘No Visitor’ policy helps us maintain a safe environment for your family members residing at our care Centre. We do want you to stay in touch with your loved one and encourage you to use Facetime, What’s App or Skype. If you don’t know how to use these media applications, ask your children or grandchildren--they will show you. To set up a time, please contact the following team members:

• Third floor; Vasiliki Stratikopoulou, Life Enrichment Director, ext. 1044, vasilikis@garcc.org.
• Second floor; Elena Tamvakis, Social Services Director, ext. 1067, etamvakis@garcc.org
• Fourth floor; Annie Carlson, Memory Care Director, ext. 1030, acarlson@garcc.org, or
Mayra Quintana, Recreation Coordinator, ext. 1020, mquintana@garcc.org

Furthermore, we have been working closely with our physicians and have set up Telehealth services. This allows the physician to treat your loved one remotely without having to see them in person.

Finally, 75% of the PPE (personal protective equipment) that is sold in this country comes from the Wuhan province in China. While the factories there have reopened, they are not operating at 100% capacity. While we currently have enough inventory, we accept any donations of masks, gowns, goggles and N95 respirators.

I am extremely proud of the GARCC staff and the physicians we partner with. The CDC considers this virus to be a serious public health concern. Unfortunately, it is going to get much worse before it gets better. We need to remain vigilant and proceed cautiously to prevent the spread of this virus amongst us. Please remain well!

Sincerely,
Dino Varnavas, LNHA

March 14, 2020

Dear Family Members,

As you may have heard in the news, President Trump has declared a national emergency as a result of COVID-19. This development triggers heightened infection control practices and protocols as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Please know that maintaining the health, wellness and safety of your loved one is our number one priority.

Effective immediately, the Greek American Rehabilitation and Care Centre will restrict visitation on our campus as required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Based on federal guidance, no visitor will be permitted into our community except for certain compassionate care situations such as an end-of-life situation.

Please know that the news about the spread of this new disease is concerning for us all. We understand that communication with your loved ones is incredibly important and encourage you to communicate with them in other ways such as the telephone, video chat, e-mail, or social media.

In addition to restricting visitation to prevent the illness on our campus, we are also focused on infection control best practices with our staff and residents. Staff have been trained on the symptoms of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), CDC recommended infection prevention techniques, and have clear protocols for staff to stay home and not come to work if they are ill or symptomatic.

We continue to monitor information and guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health and the CDC and are working with state and local public health and emergency preparedness officials to prevent the illness and strengthen our preparation for and in response to this outbreak. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause, but believe it is in the best interest of all our residents. We will continue to keep you informed. Please visit our Facebook page or this website for regular updates and do not hesitate to contact me at 847-459-8700 with any questions or concerns you may have.

Sincerely,
Dino Varnavas, LNHA

Dear Friends,

Due to the unparalleled times we are living in today, we must make some necessary decisions to keep us and our residents all safe. Therefore, our Dinner Fashion Show scheduled for Thursday, May 7th at The Chateau Ritz and our Women’s Auxiliary’s Mother’s Day Luncheon and Bake Sale scheduled for Saturday, May 9th at the Greek American Rehabilitation and Care Centre have both been postponed.

We are very appreciative to our Fashion Show Committee and all the Ladies of the Women’s Auxiliary for all their efforts and dedication that they have put forth in preparing for these events. However, we are all in agreement, difficult as it may be, that this is the correct action that must be taken to assure everyone’s safety.

These two dynamic committees will regroup at a future date to continue where they left off or generate some new ideas for their respective fundraisers that assist our nursing home with our many needs.

We are very thankful to all you, our friends and donors, for your understanding. We look forward to the end of this crisis with hope of gathering together soon to support our wonderful events.

For now, we want you all to focus on taking this time to care for yourself and your families. With prayer and faith we will emerge from this crisis stronger and united.

The Board of Directors, Staff, Residents and Volunteers send their best wishes to all of you and look forward to seeing you in the near future. Stay safe!

Respectfully,
Eleni Bousis
Chairman of the Board of Directors

The Greek American Rehabilitation and Care Centre is expanding their services to the community by opening its doors to a children's day care for ages 6 weeks to 6 years old.

OPENING:
SUMMER 2020

For further information,
Call Today:
224-434-0507