Jewish HomeLife Mandates Vaccine for Staff by October 4
One of the only senior care organizations in Georgia authorized to administer the vaccine
[Atlanta, GA] – In an Aug.15 letter, Jewish HomeLife President & CEO Harley Tabak and Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey A. Gopen informed staff, residents and families that the organization would mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for all staff at its nine senior care communities and in-home care service businesses as of Oct. 4.
“We are both pleased and relieved to tell you that Jewish HomeLife has achieved a 91% vaccination rate for all staff,” Tabak stated in the letter. “This is due in large part to the tireless efforts of our Executive Directors and our Quality Assurance Team to help educate and reassure those who were hesitant. With that in mind, Jewish HomeLife will not delay any longer. All full-time and part-time employees must show proof of vaccination by Oct. 4, or provide documentation of medical or religious exemption.”
In January 2021, the nonprofit senior care organization set a vaccine mandate for all employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine by June 1. In May, the organization postponed that deadline when the uncertainty of the vaccine was causing a lag in acceptance by the majority of its staff. Jewish HomeLife has more than 650 employees working at their 9 different senior living communities and in-home care services in Buckhead, Dunwoody and Johns Creek.
Jewish HomeLife’s vaccine mandate includes any new hires, who must show proof of vaccination or agree to have their first shot within 30 days of employment. It also includes all private caregivers, contract staff, students, and volunteers working in its skilled nursing home and its two assisted living communities. If a resident utilizes the services of a private caregiver, they will need to show management proof of vaccination.
Unlike many other senior care organizations, Jewish HomeLife is authorized to administer the vaccine. In January, the organization purchased the required storage units for both the PfizerBioNTech and Moderna vaccines in anticipation of vaccine approval, which they received from Federal regulators in March. Facilitated by their Nurse Practitioners, they have been administering the vaccine to any new employees, new residents and their families on site and on demand since June. In July, the organization opened up availability to the public at twice weekly clinics on their Buckhead campus.
The organization plans to begin holding clinics at their residential communities for a third shot “booster” next week and plan to make it available to the public based on CDC guidelines for distribution.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, Jewish HomeLife has adhered to all state and federal guidelines and followed the science, seeking input and guidance from our Medical Directors and infectious disease experts who are active in our organization,” said Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey A. Gopen. “We were early adopters of a mandate because we believe vaccination is a critical step in protecting those we serve and ensuring a safe work environment for our employees.”
About Jewish HomeLife
Jewish Home Life Communities (DBA Jewish HomeLife), supports every stage of the aging journey through our network of 9 at-home care services and residential communities. Open to all, Jewish HomeLife includes The William Breman Jewish Home, Aviv Rehabilitation Center, Berman Commons, The Cohen Home, The Zaban Tower, The Jewish Tower, The One Group, JHL Medical Services and Weinstein Hospice. For more information visit www.JewishHomeLife.org.