June 25, 2020
Dear Sunrise Residents, Families & Friends,
This message is a weekly update about COVID at Sunrise. Today Sunrise was notified that one staff member has received COVID test results of “INCONCLUSIVE” and so will treat this as a Suspected case. The individual works in the nursing facility and has not been in the facility since June 18. This staff member will remain in self-isolation at home until the completion of the recommended isolation time period. Cumulatively, since April 20, we have reported 12 individuals with COVID-19 positive test results. Eleven of the 12 reported staff members who have reported positive test results have completed their isolation periods. No residents have had positive test results at this time.
Our phased relaxation plans are currently in Phase 1, and we are back to day 1 of this period.
Sunrise, assisted living and nursing facility, continues to implement the following:
- Implementing all CMS and CDC guidelines for limiting guests or outside entities in the facility, cancelled all resident activities and residents continue to stay in their rooms/apartments as much as possible including at meals when possible.
- Residents are assessed every shift and they are closely monitored for any changes in their condition.
- Staff are monitored at the beginning and end of each of their shifts and are encouraged to be careful of where they are going in public and stay home if they do not feel well. Staff are also encouraged to stay home if they live with someone who is experiencing symptoms, even if they are not.
- Staff continue to wear appropriate personal protection equipment at all times in the facility and residents are encouraged to wear masks or cover their noses/mouths during personal care with nursing staff.
Please continue to use our website as a resource for more information from Sunrise as well as the following agencies: Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Center for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS), Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), Department of Inspections & Appeals (DIA) and Siouxland District Health.
We will follow the reporting guidelines and be sure our residents, resident representatives & families have current information as required. We desire to be transparent in our communications, while protecting the privacy of those who become sick.
Please sign up for our e-newsletter and/or following our Facebook page so that you have quick access to up-to-date information on the status of the health of our residents and staff. All of our notices are also posted on our website – www.sunriseretirement.com. You can sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of the homepage.
We are still working on our formal relaxation plans and visitor guidance and we ask for your patience in this, as there are many factors to be considered, along with several issues that need to be clarified with the State about their directions. Many facilities in the state find themselves in the same position as Sunrise, sincerely desiring to allow some level of visiting for our residents and families, but feeling unable to meet the demands placed by the regulatory agencies. We are working with the State and the long term care associations to work through these concerns. In the meantime, we ask that you abide by our current visitation policy, which is no visiting in person. Virtual visits are available and window visits are also encouraged.
We appreciate the support and cooperation of all the residents and families as we work to ensure a safe environment for our residents. Please keep Sunrise residents and staff in your prayers.
Sincerely,
Hallie Salmen, CEO & Chris Schenkelberg, Administrator