August 6, 2020
Dear Sunrise Residents, Families & Friends,
This is a weekly COVID update from Sunrise Retirement Community.
Cumulatively since April 20, Sunrise has reported 18 individuals with COVID-19 positive test results and all of them have completed their isolation periods at this time. No residents have had positive test results at this time.
We moved into Phase 2 of our operational plan as of August 3. There are several factors for us to consider as we review the operational phase we are currently in. Positivity rates in the local community, virus activity in the Sunrise residents/staff, the level of PPE available and our local hospitals ICU availability are all important factors in this decision making process and since we have evaluated each of these factors in a favorable way, we are advancing.
The details of the Phased plan are available on the Sunrise Retirement Community website. Please keep in mind that these are guidelines and depending on our ability to provide services safely and in accordance with regulations, we may choose to keep certain aspects of the re-opening plans more restrictive as we get used to operations in that phase. We are doing our best to adapt to changing situations, but we always want to be sure that our staff team is prepared and ready for any changes before implementing.
Please understand that even in Phase 2, visitation is required to be scheduled and held outdoors for both the health center and assisted living. We do require guests to wear a mask when they come into the reception area and throughout the visit. If you do not have a mask please wait in the vestibule until the receptionist can provide you with a mask. Visiting hours are from 8am to 3pm and appointments can be made with Erin Anderson by calling 276-3821 x 3130. ALL visitors must answer screening questions & receive a name tag, regardless of how they are visiting – meaning that even window visits must go through the screening. The visiting guidelines are posted on our website and have been mailed out to each resident/tenant’s responsible party.
Sunrise, assisted living and nursing facility, continues to implement the following:
- Following all CMS,CDC and Department of Inspection & Appeals guidelines for operations and infection prevention.
- Assess residents and tenants every shift and closely monitor for any changes in condition.
- Staff are monitored at the beginning and end of each of their shifts, 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 or have tested positive, even if they are not.
- Staff are required to wear appropriate personal protection equipment when in the facility and residents are encouraged to wear masks or cover their noses/mouths during personal care with nursing staff.
Check out the COVID-19 page on the Sunrise website. It is a resource for regular updates from Sunrise and also contains links to 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 are following reporting guidelines to ensure 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.
Our communications will reach the resident’s primary contact automatically, so if other contacts wish to receive notices, please sign up for our e-newsletter and/or follow 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. You can also notify the business office for assistance in being added to the automated communication system.
Thank you for your support and cooperation 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