Dear Bloom Residents, Families & Friends:
Our
Bloom Senior Living
Team has been working incredibly hard to keep our residents and associates safe and flourishing since our last comprehensive update. While we've been keeping families updated on a more regular basis (in some cases daily) in certain jurisdictions due to facts impacting specific communities, we wanted to provide another global update.
Testing
One thing we have learned (and frankly anticipated) is the importance of testing for our Bloom communities. We've been fortunate, and were intentionally early, in partnering with Assurance Scientific Laboratory since the COVID-19 pandemic surfaced. This proved invaluable in keeping our residents and associate as safe as possible during this challenging period. We've now administered over 510 resident and associate tests.
In the State of Indiana, two of our three communities (
Bloom at German Church
and
Bloom at Eagle Creek
) have had no knowable exposure of COVID-19; while
Bloom at Kokomo
has had exposure. As reported, an associate working in Memory Care who developed symptoms (that were recently added by the CDC (and we provided in-service education about)) notified Bloom leadership accordingly and Bloom quickly tested and self-quarantined the associate. The team
, including our local leadership, Area Director of Operations, Corporate Directors and Owners,
immediately went into action to mitigate and eradicate the possibility of the virus; starting by testing associates and Memory Care residents. After identifying associates and Memory Care residents with COVID-19, we quickly, among other items, isolated (
i.e.
separated by floor) positive and negative Memory Care residents. Associates were self-quarantined at home. Sadly, we had a few dear Memory Care residents pass from the virus, while others recovered or remained asymptomatic. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those we lost. The virus was contained to Memory Care and didn't impact Assisted Living. As of today, after multiple rounds of testing, we have only one positive resident. Once
we receive two negative test results for that resident, all Bloom at Kokomo residents and the community will be COVID-free. At that time, we'll implement our Memory Making Station program for Kokomo (like German Church and Eagle Creek). We have only two associates who remain positive (who are self-isolated at home) -- we received a negative first test result for one of them. During the last update, we projected that Bloom at Kokomo would return to normal by month end and still hope to meet that self-imposed timeline. We've been updating our Indiana families daily regarding progress.
In the States of Louisiana and Ohio, we have no known cases of COVID-19 at
Bloom at Bossier
(despite the market being a hot spot) and
Bloom at Lakewood
respectively.
In the State of South Carolina, we're also COVID-free. We
completed testing of all residents and associates at two of our three communities,
Bloom at Bluffton
and
Bloom at Belfair
. This testing was precautionary and prompted by a resident that transferred between care levels. The resident, who was asymptomatic, was identified as positive. We immediately quarantined the resident and tested all residents and associates. One associate tested positive, but was asymptomatic. Upon retesting two days later, both individuals tested negative for COVID-19. With Bloom at Bluffton, Bloom at Belfair and
Bloom at Hilton Head
being COVID-19 free, we're able to have all three South Carolina communities participate in Phase 1 of our reopening plan. That said, the State has become more restrictive - with the rise of State wide cases - and asked us not to use our Memory Making Stations at this time. While window visits are still permitted, there's to be no other resident contact beyond essential healthcare workers and end of life situations.
In the State of Florida
, per the State of Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration's recent orders, we were asked to test all associates of
Bloom at St. Petersburg
given the rising number of cases throughout the area and local communities/facilities. Since March, we've -- as reported -- been tracking all residents and associates in the community (just like all Bloom communities). While no-one experienced symptoms, nor did we have specific reason to believe anyone had been infected by the virus, we knew it was conceivable, given the high asymptomatic rate around the Country (and in the local community), that we could have some positive cases. After testing all associates, we received over 50 negative tests and all associates tested negative on June 2, 2020.
Subsequently, we had an associate with a temperature at her shift's end who was immediately self-quarantined at home. She tested positive for COVID-19, along with 6 other associates. All remain self-quarantined at home (not in the community) and are asymptomatic. One associate already had her first negative test result come back.
We then tested all residents and have only one asymptomatic positive resident that is at the hospital (not in the community) pending the results of a second test. We pro-actively isolated the hallway (where the first associate and positive resident were located). We're in the process of retesting all residents. We'll also be testing all associates every two weeks consistent with State mandates.
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Bloom "Back On Track Plan"
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Phase I
The following Bloom communities moved into and remain in Phase I of the Bloom Back on Track Plan, which includes safe and socially distant group activities.
- Bloom at Belfair (South Carolina)
- Bloom at Bluffton (South Carolina)
- Bloom at Bossier (Louisiana)
- Bloom at Hilton Head (South Carolina)
Once cleared by the States of Florida and Indiana, which we hope is soon, Bloom at St. Petersburg, Bloom at German Church, Bloom at Eagle Creek and Bloom at Kokomo will move into Phase I in short order.
Importantly, we want our families to know that while we believe this quarantine has lasted too long (and we
must
do something about it), there are limits based on regulatory mandates. We, like many of you, want to keep our residents safe but also appreciate that people, especially our senior population (who have lived long great lives and survived many adversities), belong together and not in isolation. While we're keeping our residents' spirits high and paying particular attention to their emotional well being, we'll advocate and do everything in our power to get back to as close to a new normal as possible as quickly as possible.
We'll move into Phase II of the Bloom Back on Track Plan as soon as practicable.
Memory Making Stations
Our Memory Making Stations are live and operational at the following communities:
- Bloom at Bossier (Louisiana)
- Bloom at Eagle Creek (Indiana)
- Bloom at German Church (Indiana)
We hope to have them operational at Bloom at Kokomo, and operational again at Bloom at St. Petersburg, Bloom at Belfair, Bloom at Bluffton and Bloom at Hilton Head, soon. We're ready in South Carolina as soon as the State lifts its restrictions. We're ready in Florida and at Kokomo once the communities are COVID-free.
Please continue to schedule your Skype or Memory Making Station visits by using our
Bloom Electronic Scheduling System
. The residents love it, and we know the interaction is important for you and them.
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Conclusion
Bloom’s response to COVID‑19 is still ongoing, and the path forward remains non-linear. While all this may seem a little scary (and we've also seen / heard isolated horror stories of companies / facilities with new or underserved management), please rest assured that Bloom communities will not be overwhelmed and we're prepared -- physically, emotionally and financially -- to handle this novel situation and keep our community safe. That's why you've chosen to be a Bloomer! Indeed, Bloom has been effective in keeping the virus out, mitigating the spread if it gets into a community and ensuring urgency in following our protocols, policies and processes that have been working: we locked down and restricted access early; screened vigilantly; sanitized repeatedly and extensively; our education helped identify someone with new symptoms; our pro-active testing identified an asymptomatic resident; and our routine temping of residents and associates helped identify a COVID-19 positive associate. In other words, our clinical and operational systems remain strong, we're continuing to train and share best practices with each community, and the company continues to have ample supply of personal protective equipment. The virus may be invisible, but we're doing everything to see the invisible.
While even one infected Bloom associate or resident is too much under our high standards, our infection rates are significantly below what's been reported throughout the Country and at other communities. That said, our barometer and baseline to measure against is being COVID-free in perpetuity.
In that vein, we updated the table below to reflect the number of active associate and resident cases by community, and intend to keep this updated on a consistent and regular basis. As you can see, out of our nine Bloom communities, in five states, serving over 750 residents with
almost 400 heroic
associates, we only have two residents and nine associates with knowable active exposure or
less than 0.9% of our community.
While all this is going on, we remain Bloom Warriors and Bloom Strong! Our team is stepping up to the plate and looking after your loved ones like they're our own family -- making sure they feel safe, loved and happy. We can take on tough weeks and come back stronger and more resilient than ever as we continue this fight for our residents and the Bloom community. We invite you to listen to our inspirational song this week. Go ahead, blast it!
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As we've done with our prior communications, we're consolidating all prior updates, videos and news/announcements put out by Bloom since the emergence of COVID-19 below for your convenience and efficiency.
Please continue to look for further communications from us by e-mail and simultaneous posts to our
Facebook
page and
website
. Our daily updates in Indiana to our Indiana families will continue. Our updates in Florida to our Florida families will also continue.
There is a light at the end of this tunnel. We see it! Stay strong, stay health and stay positive.
Sincerely,
Scott and Tony Kantor, and Bradley Dubin
Bloom Owners
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BLOOM COMMUNITY COVID-19 DATA - "ACTIVE" CASES
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Total
Resident
COVID-19 Cases:
0
Total
Associate
COVID-19 Cases:
0
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Total
Resident
COVID-19 Cases:
0
Total
Associate
COVID-19 Cases:
0
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Total
Resident
COVID-19 Cases:
0
Total
Associate
COVID-19 Cases:
0
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Total
Resident
COVID-19 Cases:
0
Total
Associate
COVID-19 Cases:
0
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Total
Resident
COVID-19 Cases:
1
Total
Associate
COVID-19 Cases:
7
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Total
Resident
COVID-19 Cases:
0
Total
Associate
COVID-19 Cases:
0
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Total
Resident
COVID-19 Cases:
0
Total
Associate
COVID-19 Cases:
0
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Total
Resident
COVID-19 Cases:
0
Total
Associate
COVID-19 Cases:
0
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Total
Resident
COVID-19 Cases:
1
Total
Associate
COVID-19 Cases:
2
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QUESTIONS:
Please feel free to reach out by e-mail or telephone. We love hearing from you and we continue to greatly appreciate the overwhelming support from our families, friends and colleagues.
Bloom Director of Education & Development
Melissa Campbell
education@bloomseniorliving.com
440.668.3951
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PREVIOUS BLOOM NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS DURING COVID-19:
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Bloom at Bluffton launches 'memory-making stations' for...
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Senior Housing Business: Bloom Launches 'Memory Stations'...
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Bloom Senior Living Announces Memory Making Stations...
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F.D.A. Clears Another Coronavirus Testing Kit for Use at ...
Bloom Senior Living's partner, Assurance Scientific Laboratory, approved by FDA for additional in-home test...
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Bloom Senior Living's Handling Of COVID-19 In The...
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Senior Living Today and Every Day Video
Watch this video - put together by the American Seniors Housing Association - to see how senior living communities (including Bloom residents in the video) all over the country are adapting and helping residents thrive as they shelter in place...
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vimeo.com
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Senior Living Today And Everyday Video
Watch this video - put together by the American Seniors Housing Association - to see how senior living communities (including Bloom residents in the video) all over the country are adapting and helping residents thrive as they shelter in place...
Read more
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Senior communities needed more than ever in COVID-19 era
Physical challenges, isolation and the overwhelm of living alone at home are significant reasons why people choose senior living communities. We also know that a sense of belonging often proves to be a powerful remedy to feeling alone...
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Testing residents for coronavirus -- Bluffton Today
Bloom at Bluffton conducts its own testing and is not part of the statewide testing being done at nursing homes, said Melissa Campbell, director of education and development. This is a benefit for Bloom, its residents and associates since...
Read more
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As Louisiana reopens, assisted living...
When KTAL NBC-6 asked to feature Bloom at Bossier for remaining COVID-19 free, the Director details how the community was aggressive in restricting access and implementing protocols to keep residents safe and connected to family...
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Senior living operators are protecting vulnerable...
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Bloom Senior Living's Plan To Help New Families!
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Bloom Senior Living Skype Program Has Been A Huge Hit -- ...
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Bloom Senior Living Launches YouTube Channel!
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Educational Webinar Opportunity: Dementia Caregiving...
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Educational Webinar Opportunity: Learn From Home How...
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Bloom In Louisiana Offers Live Video Tours
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PREVIOUS BLOOM COMMUNICATIONS:
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Join Us On Facebook For News and Events!
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We encourage all our residents, families, associates, colleagues and friends to follow Bloom on Facebook and get updates on all things Bloom Senior Living! We'll keep you informed about our latest happenings, upcoming events, company initiatives, showcase the fun our residents and associates are having every day and provide educational materials to help you navigate the aging process.
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Check Out Our New Bloom YouTube Channel!
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Bloom Senior Living has launched a new YouTube Channel for our residents, families and friends to check out our latest videos!
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Did someone forward you this email?
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Bloom Senior Living is a family-owned and operated company.
For nearly 50 years, our goal has been simple yet aspirational: to help our residents flourish. Entering a Bloom community does not mean checking your lifestyle or personality at the door. Residents continue to live life to its fullest potential, enjoying their favorite activities while discovering new ones, and blooming into their best selves through growth and discovery. Our family-owned and operated communities provide a continuum of senior living services, concentrating on independent living, assisted living and memory care. For more information, please see our website:
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Bloom Senior Living | Independent Living, Assisted...
Bloom Senior Living is a family-owned and operated company. For nearly 50 years, our goal has been simple yet aspirational: to help our residents flourish. Entering a Bloom community does not mean checking your lifestyle or personality at the door.
Read more
www.bloomseniorliving.com
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