July 2, 2020
Dear Sunrise Residents, Families & Friends,
Today Sunrise was notified that one staff member has received positive COVID test results. The individual works in both the nursing and assisted living areas of our campus but is not a direct care provider. The individual will remain in self-isolation at home until the completion of the recommended isolation time period. In reviewing the cumulative record today, I found that I have a miscounting somewhere and the count has been short by one. Cumulatively, since April 20, we have reported 16 individuals with COVID-19 positive test results. Eleven of the 16 reported staff members who have reported positive test results have completed their isolation periods and 5 remain in quarantine.  No residents have had positive test results at this time.
We will remain in Phase 1 for visitation purposes for at least 14 days from now. Visiting for residents in the health center and assisted living can begin on Monday per the guidelines posted on our website yesterday evening.
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 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