We are Meeting the COVID-19 Challenge

ELDER CARE

When COVID-19 struck, new restrictions were thrust upon senior living communities. It has been hard for residents and family members, and we have all worked tirelessly to help them cope and even thrive amid the isolation.

As fear from COVID-19 grew, that fear was felt by our employees. They knew they were as susceptible to contracting the virus as anyone else. They also knew they had to stay healthy to defend our vulnerable populations from this unseen force.

We thought COVID-19 would be the hardest thing our industry would ever face. And then came the spark from the horrifying killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. That spark ignited fires in our hearts and cities. As the evenings turned violent, our teams once again, put their own fears aside to protect and serve our residents.

This is courage. These are heroes.

We are awe-struck by the sheer bravery and sacrifice we have witnessed by those who work in senior living. We witness the genuine love that our team members show to residents who feel alone. In the midst of pain, we see so much good.

But the stories being reported are more often of the pain than the good. Thousands of senior living residents have fought and won the battle against the coronavirus. Minnesota continues to have fewer cases and deaths among senior living residents than most other states. Our caregivers are winning battles against COVID-19, and they need to hear it.

This journey is not over, and our dedicated staff will continue to carry burdens and make sacrifices. We hope that members of the media, our legislators, families and neighbors will see the love of our teams and join us in saying “thank you” for their perseverance, dedication and love.

This letter was submitted by presidents and CEOs of Minnesota senior living communities: Bob Dahl, Cassia; Jon Lundberg; Ebenezer; Jim Bettendorf, Vista Prairie Communities; Dan Lindh, Presbyterian Homes, and Scott Riddle, Walker Methodist.

Letter reprinted from 7-6-20 Star Tribune post.