I would like to provide an update regarding our actions due to the coronavirus and perhaps answer many questions that have been asked over the last few days.

• All non-essential visitors are not allowed in the building. Thank you for adhering to this mandate.

 

• Essential visitors are being screened each time they enter our building, including temperatures taken and recorded. Fortunately, nobody has been turned away due to related symptoms.  Please know that essential personnel include emergency responders, hospice workers, physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists.

 

• We are allowing new residents to move in but are requiring a 14-day quarantine in their apartment. We understand how difficult a move can be on anybody and we are ensuring those residents are welcomed as part of our community.

 

• The mail arrived today after a week of no delivery. The carrier will bring the mail to the door for sorting and distribution during the restrictions.

 

• We made the decision to close the dining room in assisted living. We are delivering meals (including requested beverages) to apartments.  As previously indicated, there was to be just the entrée served, but Ash has put in place choices for each meal.  He wants to ensure the aboveboard meal service, including alternates, is maintained to the best of his departments’ ability.   Memory care residents continue to dine in common areas, but we are practicing social distancing as best we can and increased sanitation.

 

• Residents MAY leave their apartments for exercise, to seek assistance from staff, to pick up mail, take their dogs out, etc.

 

• If you or someone has provided personal care before the visitation restriction, please email Lyndsey llegier@ralstoncreekneighborhood.com so she can assign those cares to a caregiver.

 

• We are only providing transportation to essential Dr. appointments. We are recommending that residents do not go out for non-essential reasons and are prepared to provide items when a resident runs out if families are unable to bring.  We will do our best to accommodate.

 

• Group activities in assisted living have been cancelled. Memory care activities continue to take place with distancing.  Michelle and her staff are going to AL resident apartments, especially those who attend group activities, to ensure interaction and communication continues to take place.  She will be happy to facilitate a phone call, facetime or skype visit.  Her email is mlucero@ralstoncreekneighborhood.com.  Please reach out to her to schedule those visits.  She is also happy to accept any crafts, puzzle books, or other activity-based items at the door to distribute to residents.  Even though group activities are cancelled, she continues to provide snacks to apartments, i.e. root beer floats on the menu today!

 

• Because Michelle and staff will help with phone calls, facetime or skype, we ask that visits between family and residents even on the porch be restricted. We are more than happy to give any message to residents if you call the main line to get that message delivered.

 

• The beauty salon was open yesterday and today. I am pleased that everyone with an appointment was able to receive service.  After today, our salon will close until further notice.

 

• We are happy to deliver and accept laundry at the door, but if you wish for us to do personal laundry during this time, please let us know.

 

• As of today, we do not have any residents or staff with symptoms of COVID-19. We continue to implement infection control practices and proper handwashing.

 

• If you have any concerns about the physical or mental health of a resident, please reach out to me and I will try to answer your questions or direct you to the proper person, be it clinical, dietary, activities, etc.

 

As we go through this unprecedented time, thank you for your understanding.  I also know you are as grateful as I am for our employees who continue to care for our residents under difficult circumstances.

Sincerely,

Mary Besson

Ralston Creek Executive Director