March 24, 2020

A Message from E. DeAnn Eaton, CEO, regarding Coronavirus:

Haverland Carter LifeStyle Group (HCLG) and our affiliates are committed to providing the highest quality senior housing and care. We respect the needs of our older adults who are at greatest risk.

Our company, indeed our country, has never faced a situation such as this. Each of our communities have been adhering to the daily updates and requirements issued by their local government, Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, LeadingAge, and the health care associations of their state. To see the latest updates at any of our communities please go to their website or Facebook page.  A link to each of our communities can be found at the “AFFILIATIONS” tab on HCLG website: www.haverlandcarter.com.

We are aware of the stress this has put on our employees who are superheroes. They are struggling to balance work, family and other stressful issues, yet are still there to provide care and services to our residents. HCLG has an experienced HR department that is keeping up with what we need to know and do to be a support to our employees.

All of our communities, as directed by the local, state and federal guidelines, have severely restricted visitors. We recognize how difficult this will be for residents and their loved ones. However, limiting residents to potential exposure is an essential element of containment. This is a dramatic change in the operation of our communities but we are dedicated to making the adjustments needed to prioritize and protect the needs of our residents and the staff who care for them.

Stay calm and WASH YOUR HANDS!

March 24, 2020

A Message from Mary Besson, Executive Director, regarding Coronavirus:

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

March 13, 2020

Notice: All entrances to the community are locked.

By virtue of Governor Jared Polis’ public health order, all nonessential visitors are prohibited from entering the building.

Emergency responders, medical professionals, and other essential visitors will be permitted to enter the building.  Screening will take place at the concierge desk for anyone entering the community.

All deliveries (including meds) may be left at the door and a staff member will promptly pick up the delivery.  If you need a signature, please call the phone number below and staff will come to the door to sign.

If you have any questions, need access to the building, or need further guidance, please call:

(303) 284-7813

 

Thank you for your cooperation!

March 5, 2020

Dear RCN residents, families and employees,

Recently we have had employees, residents and guests inquire about our response to the Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) epidemic.

To date there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colorado. You can monitor this on the CDC or the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s websites.

In the event RCN is affected by a virus spread, we would follow the health department’s lead on any quarantines, closures, or other health measures needed. Our focus is on how to ensure the safety of residents and staff, and how our services can continue.

RCN staff are acting cautiously. We will monitor for symptoms in our residents, employees, volunteers and guests. We are continuing our Personal Protective Equipment protocol and will quarantine any areas of potential virus risk.

We are using approved products to clean all areas of the building including an electrostatic sprayer with a germicidal disinfectant cleaner. There is hand sanitizer located at the concierge desk and throughout the building and additional PPE has been ordered.

As with any virus, RCN encourages its employees and visitors to stay home if they are feeling ill. We strongly encourage anyone with flu like symptoms to refrain from entering our community.

The CDC and CDPHE have been working closely with health care providers to share information and steps to take to minimize any potential spread of the virus.

We hope this information is helpful. Please contact me for any questions or additional information.

Thank you,

Mary Besson, ED

For more information on the public health order, download NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER 20-20