Magnolia Place at The Spires is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing & rehabilitation residents, their families and our team members. We understand that the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has added a new level of concern for those considering life in a Continuing Care Retirement Community like ours. As we navigate this new normal, we will continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control’s recommendations and guidance from our local public health officials to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Still, we know that questions may be racing through your mind when thinking about this important decision. That’s why we asked our team of experts to answer some of the most pressing questions about how The Spires is handling COVID-19, and how those efforts will continue when Magnolia Place opens this fall. We hope the answers below provide clarity. If you have any other questions after reading this, contact us to learn more.
What are the safety measures that will be taken once Magnolia Place opens to ensure residents are safe?
Significant safety measures have already been taken to protect both our residents and our team members, as well as any guests on campus at The Spires, and will be implemented immediately once Magnolia Place opens. These include:
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- Mandatory social distancing in public areas
- Mandatory facial coverings required in public areas
- Mandatory regular COVID-19 testing for all team members, and testing for residents
- Required temperature and oxygen level checks for all residents, team members and outside guests
- Proper hand washing and sanitation encouraged throughout the day for all residents, team members and outside guests
- Frequent sanitizing of common areas throughout the day
- Virtual tours encouraged in lieu of in-person visits
How successful have these new safety measures been thus far?
Here at The Spires, everyone has embraced the new guidelines and adapted well to the necessary changes in safety measures. Of course, some questions and concerns are to be expected as residents, their families and our team members continue to adjust their daily routines and modify the way they socialize and interact with others. However, we have made it a priority to listen to every individual’s fears and concerns, and have been able to adequately address all expressed feedback with compassion and understanding. And the operations of Magnolia Place will be managed by Greenbrier Senior Living, a national leader in the industry. This provides a unique synthesis of experience and insight as we are in regular communication with leadership teams at many well respected senior living and care communities across the country. Weekly calls among all affiliated communities allow us to share ideas and challenges in real-time, and offers a unique perspective on which safety methods are proving most successful.
What is your plan if someone at Magnolia Place tests positive for COVID-19?
Because many of our residents within our Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing neighborhoods will be at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19, we have specific plans in place that are congruent with CDC guidelines and recommendations, should a positive COVID-19 case be reported in our community. These plans include measures to isolate any resident that tests positive and utilize Infection Prevention and Control practices to prevent a spread of the virus. We will also utilize successful mechanisms to regularly communicate with personnel, residents, and any family members specified by the resident, if a case of COVID-19 is identified.
How will you ensure that the staff are following all precautions?
While Magnolia Place will be a new addition to The Spires at Berry College, the current management team at Magnolia Place boasts over 150 years of experience. They have a fundamental understanding of community living during this time and have the expert knowledge to ensure the highest levels of quality and safety.
Before any team member reports to work, a negative COVID-19 test will be required. We will conduct random audits to monitor the proper application and removal of all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Virtual and physical walk-throughs of the community will also be conducted to ensure that signage is posted appropriately, masks are being worn and physical distancing guidelines are being followed.
We also employ Berry College students in our community. Educating this younger age group on proper behavior during this time is paramount to the health and safety of our residents. These team members follow the same protocols and health procedures as the rest of our staff to ensure that we maintain the reputation for excellence that so many associate with Berry College.
Will I or my loved one really be safe in a community setting?
It is our highest priority to continue our focused efforts on maintaining the health, wellness, and safety of our residents. Initial feelings of uncertainty regarding you or your loved one living in a community environment are understandable. However, it is important to note that the controlled nature and intentional functioning of our community has proven to foster the health and happiness of our residents– especially in these uncertain times. Our trust in this community is deep, and for several team members, very personal—currently, two of our team members’ parents live at The Spires.
Unlike at home, where outside factors offer unknown risks of infection, residents and their families can rest easy knowing there is a team dedicated to taking every precaution to keep them safe and well. Contact will be minimized and there will be few reasons to leave the community. Daily tasks like doctor’s visits can be conducted on site, so there’s no risk of infection while sitting in a waiting room. Groceries and medications can be delivered straight to the residences, rather than making trips to a grocery store or pharmacy. When friends and family are able to visit, they’ll be able to do so in beautiful outdoor spaces, allowing for privacy and comfort while still maintaining social distance from other residents and team members.
How do you plan to address feelings of loneliness and isolation among residents during this time?
Residents and their loved ones must know that they are not alone. Our residents will grow and thrive in our community, because while they may be physically distanced, they will never be socially isolated.Days at Magnolia Place at The Spires will be full of endless opportunities to partake in secure activities and discover new interests. Certain amenities like the salon, theater and outdoor areas with walking trails will be open for resident use, with proper safety precautions in place. Rest assured that we will go above and beyond to offer seniors the lifestyle they deserve while staying safe and healthy. Our goal is to get everyone in the community back to the best possible level of normalcy while still following all CDC guidelines.
What communication channels will be available for residents to stay in touch with family and loved ones?
Tech devices like iPads or other tablets will be readily available so residents can stay in touch with friends and family no matter where they are. Our residents and family members will also be able to access and use The Touchtown Community App. This app encourages our residents to maintain autonomy and age successfully while remaining engaged within the community. Residents use the app to access the calendar of activities and events, announcements, and dining details, while our residents’ families can use Touchtown’s suite of technology to become more connected and involved in the daily lives of their loved ones. Here, we will be physically distanced but not socially isolated.
We appreciate everyone working together to get through this uncertain time. We can assure you the residents who are currently living at The Spires have been delighted with their new homes and we are certain future residents at Magnolia Place will feel the same. If you have any other questions, please contact Magnolia Place at The Spires by calling 706-368-9955, or schedule an appointment to visit our main campus in Rome, GA.
