SRG’s Preventative Response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

In partnership with CVS and Omnicare, Maravilla at The Domain is excited to announce that the community has successfully begun administering the COVID-19 vaccine. The first vaccine clinic was held on December 28th, where residents and team members received their first of two vaccinations. A second clinic is scheduled for January 18th with an additional clinic slated within the following weeks.

The vaccines are part of a federal initiative, and therefore are available at no cost to residents or staff, a benefit to being part of the Maravilla community. The community has strongly encouraged every resident and staff member to take advantage of this opportunity for their own protection, as well as for the protection of others with whom they come into contact.

Residents have been eagerly awaiting to receive the vaccine as they long to reunite with friends and neighbors and enjoy all that the Maravilla community has to offer. In the meantime, the community has developed creative, entertaining ways to ensure residents have been able to stay connected with their families, the staff, and each other in order to keep spirits and morale high during the months of isolation and periods of surging cases of the virus.

Today is World Kindness Day! Right about now (ahem 2020) we could all benefit from little acts of kindness to lift our spirits.  

Collective acts of kindness lift up both individuals and communities, which is why sprinkling a little extra sweetness out into the world can start by clicking here for today’s Friday Feels!!!

Join us in celebrating the extraordinary Centenarians living at our communities—inspiring us daily but most of all helping us all stay young at heart.  Read about their fascinating lives and gather some useful advice on how to live life to its fullest. These folks represent a living history full of stories not found in history books. Reading through their personal histories creates something illustrious for the SRG Family who is lucky enough to share in them. Click here to learn more.  

With many concert halls and theatres closed, Maravilla, a Senior Resource Group community in Santa Barbara, has discovered a creative way for residents to enjoy the music of the Santa Barbara Symphony while practicing precautionary measures and social distancing. The Symphony was invited to play outside on the community's beautifully landscaped grounds while residents were able to soak in the sunshine and the sweet sounds of the strings - all while sitting socially distanced. 

A lovely array of classical pieces were enjoyed by all, and for many of the Symphony performers it was the first time they were together since the beginning of the pandemic in March. The community is pleased to have the Symphony back in September for another performance that will also be broadcasted virtually on Zoom on September 13th. 

As we reflect on what we are going through together – as well as what lies ahead, we are exploring a powerful force within our organization. We always knew it was there, but maybe never really put into words or practice as fully as we might have. It’s something we’ve come to call, “The Power of WE”.  Four simple words. It’s the power that comes from the connections and synergy that our residents, their families and our dedicated staff create every day. It may just be the best description of what we do that I’ve seen. The collective “WE” that SRG represents: a family of amazing staff, and most importantly residents and their families, draws profound power from togetherness. There truly is strength in numbers.

Because together, we thrive.

It’s scientifically proven. We’ve known this for a long time, and in our communities we’ve seen it in action for more than 30 years. Our Zest and wellness programs are based on this concept. And, yet I’d have to say, it’s even more powerful and purposeful when facing a challenge together – especially one as unprecedented as this.  COVID-19 has been a powerful chapter, not just with obvious things like adapting and adjusting to the increased safety and prevention, but also an opportunity to reflect on the power of connection. How it works, what it can do, and what we can do to amplify its positive effects.

We’ve always believed learning should be a lifelong process. It’s one of our company’s core values, a recognition of the complexity of senior living and the charge for ongoing innovation. It may be a cliché to suggest that difficulties create the best opportunities for learning and growth – but it’s true. I am in awe of what has occurred. Amazing attitudes, incredible commitment and skill, and caring all around. And so much knowledge and insight acquired in the process.

For our residents, The Power of WE means living life with connections, involvement, engaged and supported. An extended family working together. Chefs, waiters, housekeepers, wellness and Zest teams – all creating opportunities that raise spirits and create bonds. A life thriving through connection. That’s why – in spite of it all - during the last few months, I’ve seen smiles, humor and even laughter connecting both residents and staff.

The Power of WE is also about what I’ve seen happening within our own organization. Our staff has risen to the occasion, supporting our residents in newfound ways. “SRG Strong”, the grassroots movement that has sprung forth from our communities, has become an emotional groundswell and testament to our staff’s unwavering commitment. Story after uplifting story of connections being made and the phrase “we’re all in this together” taking on a much deeper meaning. Seeing our staff join together, putting in extraordinary efforts to support each other and our residents has been uplifting and deeply moving for me. It’s a perfect demonstration of how powerful “We” can be.  

We remain in the midst of this challenge committed to the rigorous precautions, contact tracing and the ongoing testing that are part of our community life today. And yet, mindful of striking a balance between needed precautions and engaging lifestyle opportunities that allow our residents to thrive. Celebrating The Power of WE is a chance to take a much-needed step forward, part of an evolving and measured plan to return to a new and more normal life together. A chance to rally around each other and be a catalyst for connection. That’s The Power of WE.

Michael Grust, CEO

Dear Friends and Extended Family,

“Shelter in Place” and “Self Isolation” are phrases we never thought would have a place in our communities—much less the world. It’s contrary to everything we believe in. But, here we are—focused on the current challenges and planning ahead for a more normal version of community life. Below is an update on where we’ve been and what we’ve done and how that is shaping our preparations for moving forward.

Where We Have Been

Over the last 8 weeks, we’ve added stringent precautionary measures, intensive cleaning and disinfecting protocols and a COVID-19 screening process that not only records vital health statistics but also tracks a person’s personal travel and recent contacts. Our reception teams have expanded their role beyond the hospitality we are known for to become a first line of defense, with careful screening of anyone who comes to our door.  We’ve restricted visitors, allowing only those most essential: medical, hospice and end of life visitors.  We’ve fought to not only mitigate the spread of this virus but also to lessen the impacts of these extraordinary precautions on families and loved ones. It’s a delicate balance we constantly strive to achieve.

Where We Are Now

In spite of the challenges related to testing experienced nationwide, we have implemented targeted testing and personal contact tracing throughout our communities.  This is something that’s crucial to regaining a sense of normalcy. We have also transitioned so much of what we do to virtual or distanced interactions, while still seeking any and every opportunity to remain connected in whatever way possible.

Our executive and management teams meet daily to remain as agile and vigilant as possible during this fluid time. These past few months have been challenging – no question about it. There’s been no real playbook for any of this. We have been nimble and adapted to the evolving preventative actions needed to fight this virus. Doing whatever it takes. And now we are planning for and anticipating the next interim steps as we envision the road forward, one that balances both the safety and wellness of our residents and staff and their ability to thrive in a vibrant community.

Where We Are Going

As states begin to ease some of the constraints currently in place, it unfortunately doesn’t mean our residents are any less vulnerable. We can all agree some of the changes in how we work, care for and interact with our residents and teammates will continue into the future. So, we are continuing to consult with leading health and wellness experts and have set up an internal task force to lay out a phased approach to plan for the future. We want to be sure the path we take is thoughtful, careful and focuses on creating a community environment that emphasizes safety for everyone. Everything from returning to restaurant dining experiences to easing visitation and trip restrictions is being meticulously planned for by our teams.

We are taking what we’ve learned and moving forward with new ways to connect within our communities. Beyond the state-of-the-art technology and extraordinary precautions our transitional “new normal” has brought, we have also come together to support each other in personal, heartfelt ways. The even more powerful feeling of connectedness that has come out of this will continue to expand and flourish.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the decades it’s that short term challenges lead to long term opportunities. The ingenuity, resourcefulness, support and camaraderie that we’ve seen—from our team members and our residents - through this trying time will have a long-lasting effect on our culture and inspire even deeper bonds that have always defined our communities.

The “SRG Strong” Effect

You hear it everywhere—“We’re in this together”. But at our communities, this has taken on a much deeper meaning. Everyone has gone above and beyond to create appropriate, safe and, in some cases, truly ingenious opportunities for both our residents and staff to engage and stay connected. Our staff has risen to the occasion, supporting our residents in newfound ways. “SRG Strong”, the grassroots movement that has sprung forth from our communities, has become an emotional groundswell and testament to our community’s unwavering commitment. Seeing our staff join together, putting in extraordinary efforts to support each other and our residents, has been uplifting and deeply moving for all of us. We couldn’t be more proud as the wellspring of smiles, celebrations, and kindness have brightened all our lives in the midst of these changing times.       

Going forward, we will still practice precautionary measures and social distancing and we know ongoing testing and contact tracing will be a part of our new reality. But the core of what we do—creating vibrant environments for those we serve to thrive—remains the same and a key to quality of life.  Our communities, practices and programs will continue to evolve and advance. That’s what we do. The one constant? The human spirit—and our passion to enhance lives and create rewarding experiences—remains remarkably the same. And now, “SRG Strong” lifts our spirit and supercharges our commitment to every one of our communities – and the residents we serve.

Be Well,

Michael Grust,

CEO

Dear SRG Senior Living Residents and Family,

As the coronavirus continues to affect each of us in a variety of ways, we are committed to staying connected and providing you updates on our coronavirus response.  We remain vigilant in the extraordinary efforts being taken at our communities to lessen the spread of this virus and ensure the health and well-being of our residents and staff.  And, as this landscape continues to change with new information on leading indicators and symptoms, we continue to evolve with it, making strategic and proactive decisions.

One such action we've taken is the decision to strongly pursue testing resources. It is generally accepted that widespread testing is a key component in our country’s recovery from this evolving threat.  Identifying who may have the virus—thus allowing us to isolate them and quickly trace contacts to lessen the chance of unknowingly exposing others is critically important. Testing and contact tracing is central to our ability to regain some normalcy and start to lessen the restrictive precautionary measures effecting us all.

With that goal front of mind, and in spite of the many scarcities and challenges related to testing and being experienced nationwide, we have worked aggressively to gain access to and acquire COVID-19 testing kits.  Utilizing, and in some cases exceeding the CDC guidelines and working closely with local health departments, we have proactively begun a strategic and targeted testing program combined with personal contact tracing.  And, while the CDC suggests that not everyone should be tested, focused testing is an important element of our ongoing and comprehensive response to help protect the health and well-being of our residents and employees. Although, tests are individual and directly communicated with the health department, we see these kits as additional tools in our arsenal to fight this disease. 

As we continue to follow the evolving guidelines of the CDC and state and federal governments, our rigorous precautionary measures and preventative actions remain in place.  These include:

• Visits are limited to essential visitors only.  (Adults over the age of 18 who are medical providers, hospice care providers, or visitors of residents who are at the end of life.)
• All essential visitors and employees must complete an extensive COVID-19 screening process, which includes specific travel, health and contact questions as well as have their temperature read.
• All essential visitors and employees must wear a mask and practice precautionary measures such as use of sanitizers, hand washing, social distancing, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). 
• All residents receiving care services are having their temperature checked daily and all staff are having their temperatures read at least once per shift.
• All resident outings are strongly discouraged. If a resident should decide to leave the community for a non-essential reason, we are asking self-isolate within their residence for 14 days upon their return to the community.  Please reach out if there is anything we can help facilitate.
• Designated community personnel are monitoring daily protocols and maintaining rigorous oversight of the enhanced disinfection frequency procedures, the extensive screening and monitoring processes, as well as the exacting safeguards put into action.

Even though our onsite restaurants and dining rooms are temporarily closed, we have reimagined our dining experiences to offer residents freshly made, delicious menu choices brought to their door with a smile.  Whether enjoying grilled salmon and lightly sautéed spring vegetables with an herb risotto or a flat iron steak, wedge salad and a baked-to-perfection, stuffed potato, our culinary team is working hard to create memorable meals.  And, those with a sweet tooth need not worry, a confectionary delight is always included.  Our wait staff is continuing to find new ways to engage residents as they deliver their dining choices to their residences while following all precautionary measures.

And, while we continue our preventive actions, we also understand that this is a delicate balance.  A balance between precautions designed to help prevent the spread of this virus and the resulting feelings of separation between families and loved ones. As such, we have designed a myriad of appropriate opportunities for residents to engage and connect while still following the safeguarding measures. Our gifted Zest teams are rising to the occasion by dreaming up new ways for residents to stay connected. Our SRG sentiments program has been wildly popular as we deliver personal messages in differing formats from loved ones to our residents.  Many of our residents have embraced new technology that just a couple of months ago they would not have thought of attempting. This has been a time to try something new.

Ultimately, we are most proud of the way both our employees and families have come together to support the efforts needed to help protect our residents.  We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.

As we continue to navigate the uncharted waters of COVID-19 together, we are all feeling the impact of the precautionary measures and restrictions enacted to try to slow the spread of this virus.

Across all of our communities, we have implemented stringent preventative actions under the guidance of state and local governments as well as the CDC and World Health Organization to help protect the health and well-being of our residents and employees.  And, by working together and supporting these efforts, we will all get through this.   

As we have done over the past several weeks, we will continue to encourage all residents to remain in their residences as much as possible, to practice frequent handwashing, social distancing and other precautionary measures and to immediately report any signs of fever or symptoms.  We’ve instituted an essential visitor only policy along with extensive screening protocols for both resident and employees. We’ve closed our restaurants and dining rooms and are offering residents a selection of dining choices and snacks delivered to their doors, often with a song or flower to brighten their day. All with the intent of protecting you, our residents and your loved ones.   

But, we understand that this is a delicate balance.  A balance between precautions designed to help prevent the spread of this virus and the feelings of isolation that could be an unfortunate result. We are working hard to offer limited and appropriate opportunities for residents to engage and connect.  Staying engaged is key to health and wellness and essential to the mind, body and soul.

Our creative Zest team is rising to the occasion by imagining new ways for residents to stay connected while still practicing precautionary measures, such as:

• Saying Hello with Technology – Our teams are setting-up, coordinating and helping  residents and family members alike learn how to use FaceTime, Skype and even Zoom to stay connected with friends and family.
• Touring the World – Museums, historical sites and preserves across the world have opened their doors virtually offering online tours, which our Zest teams are helping residents enjoy.
• The Sounds of Music – Residents and staff are joining each other in song with Courtyard Karaoke and Opera from the Balcony – many revealing their inner troubadour.
• Learn Something New – Zest teams are helping many pursue their passions with online learning classes.  Whether taking a language class or learning about an archeology site, there is something for everyone.
• Expand your Voice – Those residents embracing the next wave of technology are trying their hands at podcasting, even hosting an online radio show.  Online learning, virtual museums or national park tours even resident podcasts are all new ways to stay connected.  
• Take a break from the news For  residents that need a break from the constant onslaught of news and the support of their community family, we are allowing limited and appropriate opportunities for residents to engage and connect while practicing social distancing and precautionary measures within our large common spaces. 

All of these are in an effort to protect the well-being of our residents, which is always our top priority.   Now more than ever we feel the importance of staying connected.  Thank you for your support. 

The Department of Public Health issued updated order of health officer requirements for the City and County of San Francisco. Click here to read more.   

As the worldwide response to COVID-19 continues to evolve—every day, even hour brings new updates.  With guidance from the CDC, WHO and Federal, State and County government and public health organizations, we are working hard to anticipate and implement ongoing preventative measures.  And, as we all continue to better understand how to help slow the spread of COVID-19, we are focused on doing all we can to help protect our communities, our residents and staff.

At SRG, the health and wellness of our residents and staff is our top priority and because of this, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to limit resident visits to only essential visitors. We are asking all non-essential visits be postponed to a later date.  Essential visitors are defined as:

• Adults over the age of 18 who are medical providers, hospice care providers, or visitors of residents who are at the end of life
• All essential visitors must use the Accushield® digital registration process, answer detailed health and travel screening questions and have their temperature read.
• Those essential visitors that do not pass the screening process or have a fever greater than 100.4 will not be allowed to visit.
• Visits should occur in resident’s room, not in common areas and follow appropriate precautionary and social distancing measures. 

We have also temporarily suspended dining in our onsite restaurants and dining rooms. Instead, we will be providing residents a robust selection of menu choices through complimentary room service delivered directly to their residence as well as to-go services at no additional charge. 

We have increased the frequency of our extensive and rigorous cleaning procedures even beyond our previously described updated precautionary measures.  Our staff’s consistent and purposeful approach has helped reassure our residents and families that we are working around the clock to ensure their wellbeing.  

As we navigate these new guidelines together, staying connected is now more important than at any other time. Within our communities, we are helping our residents embrace technology, such as setting up FaceTime and Skype options with family and friends, helping to navigate online orders or even trying out virtual classes. For our families, please contact your community business manager if you would like to sign up for additional phone, text or email alerts. As a company, we will continue to post updates here on our website.

SRG is following the new requirements recently implemented by Governor Inslee for the state of Washington. Click Here to read the proclamation.