COVID-19 Response
What you need to know
Vista Prairie Communities is committed to being transparent and will first inform residents, their loved ones and our staff should a positive test for coronavirus be identified in a resident or staff member at one of our locations.
We are currently managing positive COVID-19 tests in three Vista Prairie communities including staff members at Copperleaf in Willmar, MN; Fieldcrest in Sheldon, Iowa; and Windmill Ponds in Alexandria, MN. In addition Windmill Ponds is caring for two residents with positive tests, who are isolating in their apartments in compliance with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines. The staff members are at home recovering and will return to service only in compliance with health department rules. We have provided direct communications to residents, their designated representatives, and our staff at these locations.
No other Vista Prairie Community had a current confirmed case of COVID-19 as of their most recent testing. We will continue our commitment to transparency should a test be confirmed. We also will stay dedicated to the safety of our staff and those they are called to serve.
Visitation Policy:
- We are following updated health department guidelines to determine the conditions for expanded visitation inside Vista Prairie Communities. The guidelines require the use of individual community COVID-19 and county positivity rates to determine whether indoor visits can be expanded. Please check this website often to learn if and when visit appointments are available at a specific community.
- Essential visits include urgent resident health needs and those designated as Essential Caregivers in specific communities. Essential Caregiver applications are being accepted by our Directors of Health Services. See the section at the left for more information.
- All visitors who enter our buildings will be screened per CDC guidelines.
- Even if indoor visits are not possible because of adverse conditions, many communities welcome visits with residents in outdoor settings, by appointment, and under these guidelines from the department of health. Get information at left about which communities are now taking appointments.
- We also encourage loved ones to have window visits in accordance with these guidelines.
- Please remain in contact by phone, video chat or regular mail, if possible. Visit our community websites or Facebook pages for updates and further information.
- Please direct questions to the Executive Director of the appropriate community. Click on the map at left for contact numbers.
Thank you for your understanding!
A message from our President and CEO:
Be in Touch and Say Thanks:
While COVID has brought much of what we know to a halt, caregivers in each Vista Prairie community are working harder than ever to serve and protect your loved ones. Here are three ways to say thanks:
- Send a note of thanks – Leave a message here and it will join with others on our website.
- Donate to our COVID Courage Fund – Help us launch our fund to directly assist team members with expenses related to the pandemic or other eligible personal loss.
Donate online and specify "COVID Courage Fund" under Gift Designation
Donate Online! - Support #ThankACaregiver -- For our Minnesota communities, please "like" and share this Facebook page, and send an email to covidideas@leadingagemn.org with a specific story of what a Vista Prairie caregiver has done for someone you love. In Iowa, send your support via email to fieldcrest@vistaprairie.org.
Is there anything the public can do?
Send more caregivers. We are always looking for courageous and loving caregivers to join our team. Tell friends and family and get more information at https://vistaprairie.org/about/job-opportunities/
Advocate for us. We also encourage stakeholders and other community members to contact their local and national representatives and ask them not to forget about those of us providing assisted living services when considering financial support. As a mission driven nonprofit, we are prioritizing prevention and safety ahead of financial impact. Our services are essential, and we ask for community advocacy on our behalf.
Where should we go for more information?
You can pose questions to - info@vistaprairie.org
Minnesota Department of Health - https://www.health.state.mn.us/
Iowa Department of Public Health - https://www.idph.iowa.gov/
