Keeping our residents safe, healthy, and happy is always our number one goal. That’s why we would like to take a moment to discuss COVID-19 (coronavirus) and what we’re doing to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Bonaventure Senior Living, and its communities in Oregon, Washington, and Colorado, have been committed to ensuring that our residents and team members are well-informed and well-protected from the recent outbreak of COVID-19. We do this with some preventative measures that begin with the simple goal of stopping the virus before it gets through our community doors.
What is COVID-19?
The current strain of coronavirus that’s affected the globe is known as COVID-19, or novel coronavirus. Novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
Specifically, COVID-19 was first discovered in Wuhan, China and has rapidly spread across the globe. It has been shown to be easy to transmit and catch, via respiratory droplets, i.e. cough, sneeze, etc. It affects all ages, but can be deadly for seniors and those with compromised immune systems and preexisting medical conditions.
What We’re Doing To Prevent The Spread
Once it was recognized that COVID-19 was transmitting with such speed and affecting the senior population, Bonaventure Senior Living jumped into action to prevent our communities from ever having COVID-19 enter through our doors.
All our communities are temporarily quarantined from visitors entering the buildings. While seemingly drastic, it is necessary for the safety of both our residents and our team members.
Furthermore, we have increased our level of cleaning and sanitation of common areas. Using recommended disinfection techniques, we can continue to keep our buildings clean of any viruses that may be present.
While our residents are still receiving the high-quality meals that we’re known for, we have taken action on any self-serve foods. This includes our salad bar, buffet-style meals, food during activities, and any other food that would be handled by others than our trained and professional dining services department. In regard to activities, we’re also limiting the number of people that can attend activities. By keeping the group numbers smaller, it decreases the chance of residents catching something that may be present. Even with our extreme cleaning measures, we want to limit the possibilities of anything making it to a resident during this time. All outings, shopping trips, and medical appointments handled through our transportation services have also been temporarily cancelled as well.
With that said, however, our communities are still providing residents with fantastic activities and things to do. Residents in our communities will enjoy several activities, with numerous time-slots, so that everyone gets a chance to have fun during this time. Our residents’ retirement is important to us, as is their health and safety. That is why we’re not only taking action to ensure this virus doesn’t get into our community and spread, but we’re also making sure that everyone is still happy, comfortable, and having a good time.
Along with all these things, we want the public, our residents, and our team members to be aware of some things that can limit the spread of COVID-19. The number one thing is to simply wash your hands frequently and correctly.
Follow these steps:
- Wet your hands with warm water.
- Apply soap
- Lather the soap in your hands by rubbing them together. Make sure to include in between fingers, under fingernails, and the backs of your hands.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands really well.
- Use a clean towel, dry your hands thoroughly.
When washing your hands is not possible, we recommend using hand sanitizer. Also, avoid touching your face, particularly your mouth, nose, and eyes, as this is a way the virus can make its way into your body. The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected.
It’s also recommended that if you’re going to cough or sneeze, that you do so in either a tissue or in your inner elbow. One of the most important things to remember is that if you’re sick, have a cold, or showing any signs (coughing, sore throat, fever, chills, aches, etc.) then stay home. Do not spread the disease and put others at risk. It’s not worth it.
When in doubt, stay out!
The President of the United States of America said to avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people and to limit discretionary travel. In many states, restaurants, bars, and other social places are being restricted as to how they serve. For example, Oregon announced that all restaurants and bars are restricted to carry-out only. Anyone who doesn’t comply will be subject to Class C misdemeanor. The Governor of Oregon also recommended statewide cancellations of events with 25+ people. Other states are following suit to halt the virus in its tracks.
We hope that you’ll join with us and limit the spread of this virus to those that are most susceptible. Our residents and their safety is our number one priority. If you have any questions, please contact the community directly, or visit our COVID-19 informational page: HERE.
Be well.
