June 17, 2020

Update from the Executive Director

Hello!

A few updates and requests….

I am still waiting on the timetable for mass testing of residents and employees.  As soon as I know more, I will send that update.  My understanding is that all employees and residents will be initially tested followed by weekly testing of employees and testing of residents only if they leave and come back into the community.

The CO Department of Health has left it up to AL communities to determine isolation protocol upon resident return to the community following medical appointments and other outings.  We feel confident that we can require a 3-day quarantine as opposed to the 14-day that has been in place thus far.  We know that medical offices have strict protocols in place to prevent contraction or spread of the virus.

Regarding other outings, we still ask that residents follow the safer at home guidelines and wait to return to hair salons, shopping, and other outings that may increase risk.  We want to be notified if residents are going out and will determine the isolation protocol on a case by case basis.  A risk assessment of new residents will also determine isolation protocols upon move in.

If an employee goes out of state by air or ground transportation, they will be required to submit a negative Covid test before return to work.  If that employee tests positive, they will need two consecutive negative tests before return to work.  We will perform the test if we have the supplies, otherwise that employee will need to go to a designated testing site.

For memory care families, we ask that you plan and schedule your window visit outside of mealtimes.  Now that we have two seatings for each meal to ensure social distancing, the best times for visitation is between 9:30 am and 11:00 am, 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm and after 6:00 pm.  We also ask that you call and speak with a lead to ensure availability of the apartment designated for window visits.

Please reach out to me with questions or concerns.

Thank you,

Mary

June 10, 2020

Update from the Executive Director

Greetings all,

To date we remain Covid free in our community.  I am grateful to be able to continue to share that good news.  With your help in wearing masks, keeping your distance, quarantining after appointments, we are keeping the virus out of RCN.

I have had conversations regarding testing and current restrictions with state and local officials.

As far as testing, as a community with over 100 residents, we are on the list to receive test materials as soon as they become available.  We asked for personnel to train our nurses to test, upon which they would administer the tests going forward.

It sounds like when the testing begins, it will take place every week for several weeks.  All residents and employees will be tested.  I have been told that everyone will need to consent, so when we receive the materials, you will be notified.

Regarding lifted restrictions, the State Health Department and Governor’s office are working on allowing a “48-hour pass” for visitation after a negative Covid-19 test.

Resumption of communal dining with distancing and salon services are both addressed in the same guidance and protocol document that was sent over to the Governor’s office yesterday.  I have been told we should hear something soon.

We know this isolation is affecting the mental health of our residents.  Please know that in addition to the medication and ADL assistance administered by our care staff, we as RCN employees are taking extra time to visit residents and make sure their social needs are met the best way possible during the restrictions.

Michelle is making Skype and Facetime calls almost daily.  Please reach out to her if you have not already.

Thank you for wearing masks, keeping your distance during porch and window visits, and adhering to other CDC guidance.

We sure hope to get back to some sense of normalcy soon and I will update you with information as soon as I become aware.

In the meantime, do not hesitate to call or email with any questions or comments you may have.

Sincerely,

Mary, ED

May 22, 2020

Hello RCN residents and families,

Happy Memorial Day!

We remain COVID free and know that it is because of our employee practices here and while away that is ensuring the safety and health of our residents and staff.

One consistent theme in these updates is always to ask you to continue to be mindful of our restrictions and protocols for social distancing (at least 6 feet or more) and face coverings worn by everyone. In addition, it is a nice treat to bring carryout meals to residents, but they must go through the front entrance and be delivered by our staff.

You may have heard that states (including Colorado) are ramping up efforts to test all residents and employees in long term care settings. I recently registered Ralston Creek Neighborhood as a community test site through the State Lab. When I receive information on testing, I will share that with you. We continue to have an adequate supply of PPE.

We continue to update our meal delivery processes and hope that sometime soon we will be able to open our dining room to enjoy the socialization that our residents so desire.

PS Salon has issued a PS Salon & Spa ACCORD – Salon Reopening Plan. “ACCORD represents the steps we will follow: Assess, Clean, Communicate, Organize, Reopen and Deliver. In the coming days / weeks we will engage with each of our Community Partners to sync up future timelines and expectations for each salon’s reopening. We are all enormously excited to reunite with our clients and get back to work (safely) again!”

We enjoyed another fun Spirit Week with a variety of attire, including pajama day, please view our Facebook page for pictures.

As always, thank you for your cooperation and support during this time of uncertainty.

Sincerely,

Mary Besson, ED

May 8, 2020

Dear Residents, Families, and Employees of Ralston Creek Neighborhood:

We are grateful that we continue to evade this virus.  Our mitigation efforts, as hard as they are, are paying off in staying Covid19 free.

The CDPHE conducted an infection control survey earlier this week.  The department is going into every licensed facility to ensure compliance with infection control and isolation plans.  The results of the survey confirmed that our infection prevention practices are sound.

In memory care, we made some changes to support more social distancing.  We have made changes to our meal service and enhanced our presence of activity personnel to meet the needs of our residents.

Employees are wearing masks at all times and we are asking all residents to wear a mask if they are out of their apartments for any reason.  We have a strong supply of PPE, so we are handing out masks to residents if they do not have one.  It is especially important for residents to wear a mask when outdoors visiting with family members on the porch.  Family or friends, PLEASE wear a mask and maintain that six-foot distance.  I have seen noncompliance from this requirement, and it is concerning with Mother’s Day approaching.  Please do your part to keep all residents safe.

Michelle continues to hold facetime or skype/zoom calls.  Please reach out to her if you are interested in getting on her calendar – mlucero@ralstoncreekneighborhood.com.

This week has been full of fun diversions including “Cheer Up Week” in which employees and residents dressed in fun attire each day (please view pictures on our website or Facebook page) a Cinco De Mayo celebration (the margaritas were a hit!) and our honoring of Mothers with our Mother’s Day Tea Special Edition.  See attached menu.  It is sure to be special for all!

Each day I hear from residents or family members expressing gratitude for our efforts during this increasingly difficult time.  I pass on those sentiments to our employees and could not be prouder of our employees.  Our leadership team and especially our “front line workers” truly are going above and beyond each day.

I am happy to answer any questions or concerns.

Thank you.

Mary, ED

April 29, 2020

Dear RCN Residents and Families:

I am pleased to report that we still do not have any confirmed cases of COVID19 at RCN.  Thanks to proper infection control, cleaning measures and social distancing of residents and employees, we are optimistic.

Some notes:

There was indication from Governor Polis today that widespread testing will take place in all care communities in Colorado.  I do not know who will be tested or when it will happen, but I will keep you informed.

We still strongly discourage family visits of any type with residents (except for end of life) but if you do come visit with residents on the porch, please wear a mask and stay six feet or more away from each other.  In addition, all deliveries of items need to be brought into the entry, please do not hand anything directly to residents.  We will sanitize the items and deliver to apartments.

In the spirit of fun, our Activity Department created a theme week (see attached flyer).  We hope it brings joy to the residents during this uncertain time.  All employees and residents are encouraged to participate.

We will be offering Cinco De Mayo margaritas and pina coladas, chips, salsa and guacamole delivery with festive music next Tuesday, May 5.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner.  Ash and Michelle are planning something special to celebrate all Mothers on Saturday, May 9.

As always, I welcome any questions or concerns.

Thank you,

Mary

April 17, 2020

Message from Mary Besson, Executive Director

Dear RCN Residents, Families and Friends,

As of today, we are pleased that we continue without positive cases of COVID19 in our residents and employees.  We are sympathetic to our colleagues in care communities throughout Colorado and the surrounding area who are faced with outbreaks and what that entails in caring for those individuals and keeping everyone else safe and healthy.

If we receive information from the Colorado Department of Health in conjunction with the Governor’s office regarding lifting any restrictions, we will make you aware.

Thanks again for your efforts to stay socially distant.  We have set up a table in the entryway to hold delivered and dropped off packages.  Please remember that all items delivered need to come to the front door to be sanitized and delivered by our staff.  The residents have adhered to our strong recommendation of not going to stores, etc.  Our activity department is more than happy to order groceries online.

In addition, there has been numerous Skype/Zoom/Facetime calls with families over the last month, many residents virtually visiting with several family members.  Please reach out to mlucero@ralstoncreekneighborhood.com to schedule a virtual visit.

All employees (and many residents) are wearing surgical or home-made masks when working.  We continue to screen each employee before shift and essential guests before they enter.

There has been some confusion as to whether residents can leave their apartments and the answer is yes, with social distancing.  We have encouraged residents to take walks, get some fresh air, even visit with others, maintaining proper distance of course.

Please check out our Facebook page.  We will be posting pictures of happenings at RCN and photos of touching moments between residents and employees a few times a week.

Thank you for so many kind emails, meals delivered for employees, calls of support and your continued trust in our care.

I welcome any questions or concerns you may have.

Sincerely,

Mary

April 7, 2020

Message from CEO: DeAnn Eaton

Well, it’s certainly been a tough couple of weeks.

THANK YOU to those valued employees who are coming to work and dedicated to serving our Residents. I realize many of you are working extra shifts and doing work not normally within your regular job duties. It is valued! You have my most heartfelt thanks and appreciation.

THANK YOU to our Residents who are doing their part to stay healthy and safe. I realize every day you get information about what is changing. That’s not easy for you, it’s difficult to know what to plan and what to expect. THANK YOU for being patient and understanding as we work through how to maintain service to  you and how that’s being accomplished. We know it’s hard and not easy. I know your families are also concerned because they are concerned about your wellbeing and they can’t visit you. This won’t last forever, and together let’s try and be kind and patient with each other.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. DeAnn

April 6, 2020

Covid19 communication update:

Dear Residents, Families, and Employees of RCN,

Thanks to everyone who is abiding by requirements of social distancing, following screening protocol, wearing masks for protection, and continuing to be positive through this challenging time.

Currently, we do not have any positive cases of Coronavirus among residents or staff.

Each employee is screened (temperature taken, indication of symptoms) before each shift. Agency workers are also screened, and companies will not send workers into RCN if an agency worker has been exposed in another setting.

Residents are being asked to refrain from going to the stores. We have picked up supplies or ordered for some and ask you as a family member to reach out to see if supplies are needed and drop off at the door. We will sanitize items before delivery to apartments. So please do not bring anything to any other area of the building, just the front door.

Residents who do go out for Dr. appointments, hospitalizations, and rehab stays will be asked to quarantine for 14 days upon return.

Michelle has conducted numerous face time calls and is now on Skype and Zoom.

Only essential personnel are allowed and screened into the building. This includes hospice employees and some therapists.

Mail is dropped at the door and the receptionist and many helpful employees are sorting and delivering. The receptionists have been asked to do so much extra and they have risen to the challenge.

As you know, the AL dining room is closed, but we continue to deliver three meals a day to residents. Hopefully we have ironed out the kinks but are listening to residents for better service. We currently offer a similar menu for breakfast, and two choices for the mid-day meal and supper. It has been a challenge to deliver hot meals to each resident, but I commend the staff for their efforts and appreciate their ability to multitask.

Memory care residents are dining with distance and planned activities continue.

We are providers of housing for seniors in need, so we continue to accept new residents, but our screening and acceptance process has intensified. We are asking the families of new residents to bring only essentials to start and we will help with the set-up of the apartment. As stated before, there is a 14- day quarantine period upon move in.

I would be happy to answer any further questions.

Thank you,

Mary

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