KN COVID-19 Update
September 25, 2020
An Update on Our Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19):
We are committed to being vigilant, transparent, and steadfast in our efforts to preserve the health and safety of those we serve. Implementing precautions to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is ongoing and based on recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health and other health agencies. We continue to review and assess our preparedness and take additional steps in all areas where we believe we can be more effective overall. While we have been aggressively implementing precautions, we are unable to completely control an infectious virus – the cause of this pandemic.
An update on our various locations as of today:
• Crystal Brook: No active cases. Level II visitation.
• KN Care Center: One active resident case. One active staff case. Level I visitation.
• Grand Arbor: One active vendor case. Level I visitation.
• Nelson Gables: No active cases. Level I visitation.
The health and safety of those we serve as well as our staff are our highest priority.
There are several qualifications and data we will need to monitor closely as it will guide us to be defined in operating as either Level I or Level II. Levels are defined as:
• Level I: Visitation activities include essential care and medically necessary personnel, compassionate care visits, virtual visits, window visits, outdoor visits, and Essential Caregiver designation.
• Level II: Includes all visits in Level 1 and adds in-person visits for family members and friends, beyond Essential Caregivers, based on recommendations and guidance from MDH, CDC, and CMS. These visitors can include other service providers previously determined to be non-essential such as dentists, massage therapist, etc. Level 2 is appropriate only if facility has not experienced facility-onset COVID-19 in a resident or staff within the past 28 days.
The Minnesota Department of Health’s visitation criteria require us to meet all criteria, including
• Case status in the long-term care facility for 28 days.
• Case activity level in community (county) based on the 14-day case rate.
• Adequate staffing.
• Access to adequate testing.
• Universal source control.
• Access to adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff.
• Local hospital capacity.
• Staff and visitor screening.
The Centers for Disease Control reminds us all to implement preventive actions that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water.
The Minnesota Department of Health, has set up a free hotline for anyone who has questions about Coronavirus (COVID-19). Call the MDH hotline at: 1-651-201-3920. We will continue to provide updates to you to keep you informed of our ongoing work. Please note: This is a fluid situation and updates are in continuous development. Help us keep family and loved ones informed by visiting our website: https://www.knutenelson.org/covid-19-coronavirus-updates
*Health agencies providing recommendations to us include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, local medical advisors and public health advisors among others.
Just another day at the paw-ffice for Molly! 🐾
The Dog Days of Summer may be over, but we are in full swing at Grand Arbor with all sorts of dog themed activities to get residents thinking about their favorite four legged friends and the bond that humans share with dogs.
If she keeps up being a good girl, and “sticks” to it, Molly could soon become Grand Arbor “branch” manager… 😉
September is Healthy Aging Month! 💚💛
As we age, health becomes more important to develop healthy habits as we get older.
6 Tips To Make The Most Of Healthy Aging Month:
1) Stay social! (with safe social distancing of course 😉)
2) Be proactive: Get regular check-ups and yearly physicals.
3) Be positive in conversations and your actions every day.
4) Show them pearly whites! Research shows people who smile more often are happier.
5) Get moving! Go for walks, walk the dog.
6) Maintain A Healthy Diet
Thank you to all who stopped out for our Drive-Thru Picnic at Crystal Brook in Park Rapids!
It was a beautiful day, serving more than 100 meals to the local community! 💚
#OneCommunity
TAKE ACTION: Message your senators and representatives on social media today urging them to #Act4OlderAdults by supportIng LeadingAge’s 5 essential actions: leadingage.org/act
Its officially fall!
And with that our Grand Arbor resident who makes dioramas of events around Alexandria has updated her scene to "Grand Arbor Fall Harvest." 🍁🍂🧅
Did you hear the BUZZ?
There's a STING going on at the Wellness Center so BEE careful! Hive a great day!
It is a Monster Mash at Grand Arbor this week!
Join us for Sunday Service!
Leading: Pastor Michael Peterson, Chaplain
Hymns: Standing On the Promises and A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Lessons: Psalm 46:1-5, 10-11 and Matthew 22:34-40
"It got to the point where I needed to look into more care... so I got connected with probably the nicest people I've ever met in my life." – J.P. Whalen
J.P., a retired psychologist and Knute Nelson Hospice patient, lives with ALS. As the disease progressed through the years he became dependent on others for his activities, eventually leading him to Knute Nelson.
“After we interviewed, we were looking forward to it! It’s a great fit. We interviewed another agency, but it just didn’t feel right.”
Learn more about Knute Nelson Hospice: https://bit.ly/30YKDhC
Hey! We know that guy 😉
Congrats, Mark!
United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties
October 20 at 9:49 AM ·
New Masked Board Member! Any idea on who it is? Share with your friends and let us know your guesses in the comments!
Did you know your gut microbiome can predict your age within years?
For those who don’t like to reveal their age, don’t panic just yet!
The gut may be an excellent biological clock, but the real takeaway is your microbiome changes as you age – affecting your digestion and immune health.
KNUTENELSON.ORG
Effects of Aging on Gut Health | Knute Nelson
Stay safe & stay well!
Be cautious and aware, especially if you plan to gather with aging adults.
Horizon Public Health
Yesterday at 9:00 AM ·
Know your risk level.
As cases surge across our state, we encourage you to limit interactions with people outside of your household. If you are considering attending or hosting gatherings, the risk assessment tool provides risk perspective and calculations based on location.
https://covid19risk.biosci.gatech.edu/
Stay safe & stay well!
This month we celebrate families for National Family Caregiver Month!
Families are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities and National Family Caregivers Month is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. It offers an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for caregivers.
For more information, visit: https://acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers
Join us for Sunday Service!
Leading: Pastor Michael Peterson, Chaplain
Hymns: Come, Ye Thankful People Come, Let All Things Now Living
Lessons: Psalm 100, Matthew 25:35-46
Every 66 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease, and more than 5 million Americans currently live with this progressive condition.
Memory care experts, such as Knute Nelson, offer programs designed to empower memory care patients and improve their quality of life.
Find out about the 5 benefits of memory care and Knute Nelson’s program offers.
KNUTENELSON.ORG
Benefits of Memory Care for Seniors | Knute Nelson
💚💛
Thank you for your kindness to our residents! 🤗 Very thoughtful!
Nattiel DammerHelping Hands Of Alexandria, MN
November 19 at 2:20 PM ·
Kassia Lueck and I met with representatives of Knute Nelson and Bethany on the Lake today to present them with “hope players” for their residents. They are small electronic devices about the size of a cell phone, which are pre-loaded with inspirational gospel music and songs from artists such as Jeremy Camp. They can be solar charged as well! Many people in nursing homes have been touched by the songs and messages on these players.
Kassia’s cousin from Las Vegas provided these for us to present, as this is part of her ministry. Thank you Lori McNamara! To learn more about these players, I have included the Facebook page and web site of The Hope Player below...
https://www.facebook.com/320hopeplayer/
https://320ministries.org/hope-player-story/
At Knute Nelson, besides a rewarding career you’ll also receive generous benefits!
One of many is our new Health+ Employee Clinic designed specifically for Knute Nelson employees and their dependents!
“(After falling ill) my daughter wasn’t feeling well either and had many of the same symptoms I did. I decided to make an appointment at health+ for her. We were treated so nice. The front desk scheduler, nurse and doctor were all very caring and were willing to help with any questions we had. It was easy. I called and we got in right away. I will definitely be using this clinic again in the future for my family.” – Sara Severson
To find out about our job openings, visit: https://bit.ly/3lQyrI4
After a surgery, injury or illness, your first thoughts are probably on how you can quickly recover and regain your strength. You want to get back to living independently in the fastest, most efficient way possible.
This is what Knute Nelson can help you do through our home care services. But what is home care really like and what can you expect?
KNUTENELSON.ORG
What Home Care is Like | Knute Nelson
Join us for Sunday Service!
Leading: Pastor Michael Peterson, Chaplain
Lessons: Psalm 147:1-11, 29 and Mark 1:35-39
Hymns: For the Beauty of the Earth, This Is My Father’s World
It's NEVER too early to spread the love! 💛💚
Crafted sweethearts from one of our sweethearts. 🥰
A return to BINGO!
Grand Arbor residents got back to a normal (slightly competitive) past time this week! 🥳
#B3
You heard it here first from our very own Knutesetawny Knute and Pastor Michael!
Michael Peterson
February 2 at 12:41 PM ·
Knutesetawny Knute did not see his shadow today, here at Knute Nelson in Alexandria, MN!
Independent living apartments may be the perfect match for you!
Is now a smart time to move? We’re all concerned about our health and safety. We take health risks seriously. That’s why we follow the Minnesota Department of Health’s recommendations and guidance. Keeping residents safe is our number one priority.
Check out Independent Living options to fit your wants and needs in your new home: https://www.knutenelson.org/independent-living
