May 1, 2020- A message from Don Blose

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April 3, 2020- A message from Don Blose

Updated March 27, 2020 – Share Facts, Not Fear

Spanish Cove Retirement Village Response To COVID-19 Daily Update

Spanish Cove continues to report no confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases. The Oklahoma State Department of Health is now reporting eleven (11) COVID-19 cases in Canadian County. In compliance with Governor Stitt’s “Safer at Home” Executive Order (2020-06), we are strongly discouraging Independent Living Residents from leaving the Spanish Cove Campus, as well as limiting visitors on the campus and continuing the closure of The Pavilion, The Plaza, The Fiesta Room and Indoor Pool. Please note anyone entering the Spanish Cove Campus will be screened and Spanish Cove is strongly discouraging all visitors at this time in order to keep residents safe. 

ACTION STEPS

• • Mail Service: We have been notified by the Post Office that the mail carriers may refuse   to be screened at the gate entering Spanish Cove and if so, this will cause a disruption in you receiving your mail. Please call the Yukon Post Office at (405) 350 – 1474 and let them know that you are concerned and you need to receive your mail. The screening process that Spanish Cove is conducting is for the health and safety of all residents and employees.
• Spanish Cove Care Packages: Eric Peters and his team will be delivering Spanish Cove Care Packages on Saturday, March 28^th. Please make sure you bring your care package inside because some items will require refrigeration. If you do not want a care package, please contact Eric Peters at (405) 350 – 5110. Please note the next Spanish Cove Care Package will be delivered in 2 weeks from tomorrow on Saturday, April 11^th.
• Tornado Policy: When there is a Tornado Warning in Canadian County, the northeast door of The Pavilion will be accessible with the code 1901*.
  • Food and drinks are not provided in the basement.
  • Bathrooms are available in the basement.
  • Residents who have pets may bring their pets, but they will need to be on a leash and/or crated. Residents with pets will need to locate to the west end of the northeast basement.
• DONATIONS NEEDED AND APPRECIATED! If you have friends, family, your church or other organizations that would be interested in donating items to Spanish Cove, we would greatly welcome their donations. Many of you have friends and family who are asking how they can help Spanish Cove Residents. Like all healthcare environments, we are doing our best to keep all of our supplies available to protect residents and staff.
• YouTube Sunday Service with R.T.: On this Sunday, March 29^th, R.T. Bolerjack will be sharing a sermon with you through YouTube to help you stay connected to your faith. Just go to the Cove YouTube channel and click on the live event. If you miss it, no problem, click on the playlist and watch all the sermons under “R.T. Sunday Service.”
• Sunday Chapel Services: Sunday Chapel Services are canceled. At this time, Residents are invited to call R.T. Bolerjack, Spanish Cove Resident Pastor, at (405) 823 – 7700. R.T. is available by telephone for encouragement and prayer requests. Also, please visit our website www.spanishcove.com to view a special prayerful message from R.T. Bolerjack that Kathleen Garrett filmed for The Cove Touring Club. It’s amazing how these videos from The Cove Touring Club are helping us during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Book Requests: Please check your breezeway bulletin board for a list of new books that you can borrow to read from Debbie Miller. If you have a book that you would like to read from this list or from the Spanish Cove Library, please contact Debbie Miller at (405) 350 – 5000 or (405) 642 – 5250 or email her at [email protected] . If you have books you would like to donate or share, please let her know.
• Maintenance: Please STOP flushing items that shouldn’t go down the toilet because it’s causing backups in the sewer system. Please remember: “no wipes in the pipes, and when in doubt, throw it out!” Things like wipes, rags, paper towels, napkins, tissues, hygiene products need to go in the trash. All wipes, including flushable wipes, need to go in the trash.
• Handmade Masks Needed: Velta Johnston, Spanish Cove Housing Authority Chair and Resident, and Jean Scott, Spanish Cove Resident, will be organizing the making of handmade surgical masks. The websites for sewing the handmade surgical masks can be found at: [email protected] and www.buttoncounter.com . If you have any questions, please contact either Velta at (405) 234 – 6665 or email [email protected] or Jean at (405) 593 – 2089 or email [email protected]. We appreciate all of their help organizing this much needed project as it is becoming more difficult to purchase masks. Thank you!
  • It is getting more difficult to find elastic. If you have elastic of any size and any color, please put in the box marked “sewing goods” in the recycling area next to The Plaza
• No Recycling: At this time, the recycling area by The Plaza is temporarily closed. Please do not drop off any recycling items in the containers.
• Daily Updates: Daily updates about Spanish Cove Retirement Village’s Response to COVID-19 will be delivered every day as new information develops. There will be no updated letters delivered to you over the weekend, unless the current situation changes. If you have any questions that you would like answered or information that you would like included, please contact Jill Huff at (405) 354 – 5906 or email [email protected]. Please refer your family and friends to www.spanishcove.com for daily updates. The website also contains helpful YouTube videos.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

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Updated March 26, 2020 – Share Facts, Not Fear

Spanish Cove Retirement Village Response To COVID-19 Daily Update

Spanish Cove continues to report no confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases. The Oklahoma State Department of Health is now reporting seven (7) COVID-19 cases in Canadian County. As you are probably aware, Governor Stitt has declared an emergency caused by the impending threat of COVID-19 to the people in all 77 Oklahoma Counties of this State and the public’s peace, health, and safety. 

By Order of the Governor of Oklahoma:

Adults over the age of sixty-five (65) and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions, collectively referred to as “vulnerable individuals,” shall stay in their home or place of residence except for working in a critical infrastructure sector, as more particularly described herein, and the conduct of essential errands.  Essential errands shall mean those errands which are critical to everyday life and includes obtaining medication, groceries, gasoline, and visiting medical providers. The vulnerable population is encouraged to use delivery and/or curbside services whenever available.

We cannot emphasize to you enough the importance of discouraging visitors to the Independent Living Campus! We understand that these limitations may be challenging and inconvenient, but please know the health and safety of our residents and staff is our main priority. We do not know how long the closure of The Pavilion, The Plaza, The Fiesta Room and Indoor Pool will be in place, as well as the strong discouragement of visitors to the Independent Living Campus and multiple screening/temperature checkpoints will last or if further changes and limitations will be implemented.

Governor Stitt has declared today a “statewide day of prayer.” The event, “Let Hope Rise: Together In Prayer for Oklahoma,” can be viewed at 6:30 p.m. tonight on KWTV-News 9 and may also be streamed online at transformchurch.us

ACTION STEPS

• DONATIONS WELCOME AND APPRECIATED! Many of you have friends and family who are asking how they can help Spanish Cove Residents. Like all healthcare environments, we are doing our best to keep all of our supplies available to protect residents and staff.  We would welcome and greatly appreciate the following donated items:
  • Masks
  • Gowns
  • Homemade Masks
  • Cotton & Cotton flannel Fabric & ¼” elastic for making homemade masks

• • Disinfectants:
    • Hand Sanitizer
    • Lysol/Clorox Aerosols
    • Disinfectant Wipes
• Spanish Cove Care Packages: Eric Peters and his team will be delivering Spanish Cove Care Packages on Saturday, March 28^th. Please make sure you bring your care package inside because some items will require refrigeration. If you do not want a care package, please contact Eric Peters at (405) 350 – 5110. 
• Maintenance: Please STOP flushing items that shouldn’t go down the toilet because it’s causing backups in the sewer system. Please remember: “no wipes in the pipes, and when in doubt, throw it out!” Things like wipes, rags, paper towels, napkins, tissues, hygiene products need to go in the trash. All wipes, including flushable wipes, need to go in the trash.
• Handmade Masks Needed: Velta Johnston, Spanish Cove Housing Authority Chair and Resident, and Jean Scott, Spanish Cove Resident, will be organizing the making of handmade surgical masks. The websites for sewing the handmade surgical masks can be found at: [email protected] and www.buttoncounter.com . If you have any questions, please contact either Velta at (405) 234 – 6665 or email [email protected] or Jean at (405) 593 – 2089 or email [email protected]. We appreciate all of their help organizing this much needed project as it is becoming more difficult to purchase masks. Thank you!
  • The nursing staff LOVE your handmade masks! They said that these are so much better and way more comfortable (and cuter!) than the store-bought masks! We have delivered several of the masks that Spanish Cove Residents sewed and are still needing more, please!
  • It is getting more difficult to find elastic. If you have elastic of any size and any color, please contact Jill Huff at (405) 354 – 5906 or (405) 627 – 9222 or email at [email protected] and she will pick it up from you.
• No Recycling: At this time, the recycling area by The Plaza is temporarily closed. Please do not drop off any recycling items in the containers.
• Daily Updates: Daily updates about Spanish Cove Retirement Village’s Response to COVID-19 will be delivered every day as new information develops. There will be no updated letters delivered to you when information from the previous letters are still relevant. If you have any questions that you would like answered or information that you would like included, please contact Jill Huff at (405) 354 – 5906 or email [email protected]. Please refer your family and friends to www.spanishcove.com for daily updates. The website also contains helpful YouTube videos.

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Updated March 25, 2020 – Share Facts, Not Fear

Spanish Cove Retirement Village Response To COVID-19 Daily Update

Spanish Cove continues to report no confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases. The Oklahoma State Department of Health is now reporting five (5) COVID-19 cases in Canadian County. We cannot emphasize to you enough the importance of discouraging visitors to the Independent Living Campus! We understand that these limitations may be challenging and inconvenient, but please know the health and safety of our residents and staff is our main priority. We do not know how long the closure of The Pavilion, The Plaza, The Fiesta Room and Indoor Pool will be in place, as well as the strong discouragement of visitors to the Independent Living Campus and multiple screening/temperature checkpoints will last or if further changes and limitations will be implemented.

ACTION STEPS

• No Recycling: At this time, the recycling area by The Plaza is temporarily closed. Please do not drop off any recycling items in the containers.
• Walmart Orders: In order to keep everyone safe, healthy and out of the stores during isolation, The Cove will be doing Walmart.com pick-up orders for essential items. Please note that some items on your lists will be substituted for out-of-stock by Walmart. Orders must be limited to eight (8) essential items. In order to accommodate the numerous requests from the grocery store the following is the preferred method to place an order:
  • Please email your lists to [email protected] or [email protected] . If you cannot email, please give your lists to your Building/Cottage Rep. All orders need to be emailed or turned into your Building/Cottage Rep by Monday at 4 PM, but no later than noon on Tuesday. Items will be ordered on Tuesday and delivered on Wednesday.
  • If you miss the deadline to order items, we will try our best to help you. Please call Debbie Miller at 405) 350 – 5000 or (405) 642 – 5250 or Jordan Bowen at (405) 350 – 5116 or (405) 406 – 5462. Please note it is getting more and more difficult to locate some items that many are requesting so we may be receiving substitutes and we appreciate you understanding in advance. We are trying our best, but the grocery stores have many bare shelves.
• Handmade Masks Needed: Velta Johnston, Spanish Cove Housing Authority Chair and Resident, and Jean Scott, Spanish Cove Resident, will be organizing the making of handmade surgical masks. The websites for sewing the handmade surgical masks can be found at: [email protected] and www.buttoncounter.com . If you have any questions, please contact either Velta at (405) 234 – 6665 or email [email protected] or Jean at (405) 593 – 2089 or email [email protected]. We appreciate all of their help organizing this much needed project as it is becoming more difficult to purchase masks. Thank you!
  • The nursing staff LOVE your handmade masks! They said that these are so much better and way more comfortable (and cuter!) than the store-bought masks! We have delivered several of the masks that Spanish Cove Residents sewed and are still needing more, please!
  • It is getting more difficult to find elastic. If you have elastic of any size and any color, please contact Jill Huff at (405) 354 – 5906 or (405) 627 – 9222 or email at [email protected] and she will pick it up from you.
  • Please tune into Channel 9 KWTV tonight at 5 PM for a special segment featuring residents sewing handmade surgical masks at Spanish Cove and Don Blose discussing social distancing resulting in good deeds.
• Virtual Events: Do you know what a zoom meeting is? In an effort to maintain social distancing while still being connected and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, many activities will be conducted remotely. This means you will be able to participate in activities from the comfort of your apartment or cottage with the use of your telephone and/or your computer. If you do not have a computer, please do not worry! You can still participate in a zoom meeting. Please call Kathleen Garrett at (405) 274 – 5535 and she will help you figure this out. Now is a great time to take the leap and jump into the world of modern technology.
• Spanish Cove Library: If you have a book that you would like to read from the Spanish Cove Library, please contact Debbie Miller at (405) 350 – 5000 or (405) 642 – 5250 or email her at [email protected] . If you have books you would like to donate or share, please let her know. 
• Creative Quarantining: If you would like note cards, book marks and/or coloring pages and colored pencils to bring a bit of creativity to your day, please contact Debbie Miller at 405) 350 – 5000 or (405) 642 – 5250 or email her at [email protected] . These items can be delivered to your apartment or cottage.
• Daily Updates: Daily updates about Spanish Cove Retirement Village’s Response to COVID-19 will be delivered every day as new information develops. There will be no updated letters delivered to you when information from the previous letters are still relevant. If you have any questions that you would like answered or information that you would like included, please contact Jill Huff at (405) 354 – 5906 or email [email protected]. Please refer your family and friends to www.spanishcove.com for daily updates. The website also contains helpful YouTube videos.

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Updated March 24, 2020 – Share Facts, Not Fear

Spanish Cove Retirement Village Response To COVID-19 Daily Update

Spanish Cove continues to report no confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases. The Oklahoma State Department of Health is still only reporting two (2) COVID-19 cases in Canadian County: one (1) in Mustang and one (1) in El Reno. We are hopeful and prayerful that the extra precautions and limitations that we have in place in accordance with CDC and other governmental guidelines will help to keep residents and employees safe and healthy. We do not know how long the closure of The Pavilion, The Plaza, The Fiesta Room and Indoor Pool will be in place, as well as the strong discouragement of visitors to the Independent Living Campus and multiple screening/temperature checkpoints.

ACTION STEPS

• Virtual Events: Do you know what a zoom meeting is? In an effort to maintain social distancing while still being connected and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, many activities will be conducted remotely. This means you will be able to participate in activities from the comfort of your apartment or cottage with the use of your telephone and/or your computer. If you do not have a computer, please do not worry! You can still participate in a zoom meeting. Please call Kathleen Garrett at (405) 274 – 5535 and she will help you figure this out. Now is a great time to take the leap and jump into the world of modern technology.
• Newspapers: If you subscribe to the newspapers, please pick them up in the breezeway of 1302 Redbud. Special thanks to Carolyn Merritt for helping to organize this since the newspapers are no longer being delivered to the apartments. If you have any questions about the newspapers, please contact Jill Huff at (405) 354 – 5906 or email at [email protected] .
• Spanish Cove Library: If you have a book that you would like to read from the Spanish Cove Library, please contact Debbie Miller at (405) 350 – 5000 or (405) 642 – 5250 or email her at [email protected] . If you have books you would like to donate or share, please let her know. 
• Creative Quarantining: If you would like note cards, book marks and/or coloring pages and colored pencils to bring a bit of creativity to your day, please contact Debbie Miller at 405) 350 – 5000 or (405) 642 – 5250 or email her at [email protected] . These items can be delivered to your apartment or cottage.
• Pen Pal Program: The UCO Nursing Students are interested in starting a pen pal program with Spanish Cove Residents via email. If you are interested in corresponding with UCO Students, please contact Debbie Miller at 405) 350 – 5000 or (405) 642 – 5250 or email her at [email protected] .
• Buddy System: While socially distancing ourselves, we can still stay emotionally connected.  Apartment Building and Cottage Reps please check on your neighbors every day!  We need your help staying connected with everyone.  Please report to Debbie Miller at (405) 350 – 5000 or (405) 642 – 5250 residents of concern and/or requests for needed items from the store.
• Walmart Orders: In order to keep everyone safe, healthy and out of the stores during isolation, The Cove will be doing Walmart.com pick-up orders for essential items. Please note that some items on your lists will be substituted for out-of-stock by Walmart. Orders must be limited to eight (8) essential items and requests need to be turned into your Building/Cottage Rep by Monday at 4 PM, but no later than noon on Tuesday. Items will be ordered on Tuesday and delivered on Wednesday.
• Handmade Masks Needed: Velta Johnston, Spanish Cove Housing Authority Chair and Resident, and Jean Scott, Spanish Cove Resident, will be organizing the making of handmade surgical masks. The websites for sewing the handmade surgical masks can be found at: [email protected] and www.buttoncounter.com . If you have any questions, please contact either Velta at (405) 234 – 6665 or email [email protected] or Jean at (405) 593 – 2089 or email [email protected]. We appreciate all of their help organizing this much needed project as it is becoming more difficult to purchase masks.
• Daily Updates: Daily updates about Spanish Cove Retirement Village’s Response to COVID-19 will be delivered every day as new information develops. There will be no updated letters delivered to you when information from the previous letters are still relevant. If you have any questions that you would like answered or information that you would like included, please contact Jill Huff at (405) 354 – 5906 or email [email protected]. Please refer your family and friends to www.spanishcove.com for daily updates. The website also contains helpful YouTube videos.

LET US KNOW

• Please call (405) 354 – 5906 and let us know if you plan on staying with family or friends for an extended period of time.
• If you feel like you would benefit from living in assisted living, please contact Spanish Cove Home Health at (405) 350 – 5123. 

I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. – Psalm 18: 2

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Updated March 23, 2020 – Share Facts, Not Fear

Spanish Cove Retirement Village Response To COVID-19 Daily Update

Spanish Cove continues to report no confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases. The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports two (2) COVID-19 cases in Canadian County: one (1) in Mustang and one (1) in El Reno. We are hopeful and prayerful that the extra precautions and limitations that we have in place in accordance with CDC and other governmental guidelines will help to keep residents and employees safe and healthy. We do not know how long the closure of The Pavilion, The Plaza, The Fiesta Room and Indoor Pool will be in place, as well as the strong discouragement of visitors to the Independent Living Campus and multiple screening/temperature checkpoints.

ACTION STEPS

• Health Screenings: Please note all Spanish Cove Employees have been educated and trained on the proper precautions as recommended by the CDC, the Oklahoma State Department of Health, and the World Health Organization for slowing the spread of COVID-19. We are bolstering re-education on infection control protocol with all employees. We are enhancing sanitation efforts.  We are actively enforcing employee illness policies. In addition, Spanish Cove Retirement Village implemented its pre-shift health screenings for all employees who are scheduled to work. Employees must participate in a screening prior to every shift they work and will receive a different sticker every day to indicate to residents and employees of Spanish Cove Retirement Village that this step has been accomplished. Employees have been participating in pre-shift health screenings for a while. Employees may not leave campus while they are scheduled to work that day. 
• Handmade Masks Needed: Velta Johnston, Spanish Cove Housing Authority Chair and Resident, and Jean Scott, Spanish Cove Resident, will be organizing the making of handmade surgical masks. The websites for sewing the handmade surgical masks can be found at: [email protected] and www.buttoncounter.com . If you have any questions, please contact either Velta at (405) 234 – 6665 or email [email protected] or Jean at (405) 593 – 2089 or email [email protected]. We appreciate all of their help organizing this much needed project as it is becoming more difficult to purchase masks.
• Dietary Department: Eric Peters and his team will be delivering meals to the breezeway apartment shelves and tables outside the cottages. Please note the dining staff will not be able to enter your apartment or cottage. Due to an effort to practice social distancing, the employees will be placing your meal on your apartment shelf outside the apartment and on the table outside the cottage and ringing the doorbell as a notification when your meal is delivered. We suggest you open your doors to add a visual contact so that you can see when your meal has been delivered. Please call (405) 350 – 5150 to order your daily meal. Just a reminder, special diet requests can be accommodated by ordering only from the daily menu. No need to call, if you do not wish to have meals delivered from Spanish Cove. If you would NOT like a care package this Saturday, please contact Eric Peters at (405) 350 – 5110. 
• Transportation: Please try to reschedule non-urgent medical appointments. If you have a doctor’s appointment, please call your physician’s office to check about alternate types of arrangements, such as telemedicine. Please note you must confirm doctor’s appointments to make sure your physician’s offices are open and no transportation will be provided to elective appointments.
• Work Order Requests: Please minimize maintenance work orders to urgent only requests. The Maintenance Department is working 24/7 to keep the campus secure with only one entrance/exit on Cypress and Redbud.
• Accounting Office: Residents who need to pay their monthly service fee can put their checks in their in-house Cove Mailbox and Spanish Cove Employees will pick them up. If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Ritter at (405) 350- 5118 or [email protected].
• Buddy System: While socially distancing ourselves, we can still stay emotionally connected.  Apartment Building and Cottage Reps please check on your neighbors every day!  We need your help staying connected with everyone.  Please report to Debbie Miller at (405) 350 – 5000 or (405) 642 – 5250 residents of concern and/or requests for needed items from the store.  Kathleen Garrett has also created a “How to FaceTime with Family and Friends?” video which you can view at www.spanishcove.com
  • Walmart Orders: In order to keep everyone safe, healthy and out of the stores during isolation, The Cove will be doing Walmart.com pick-up orders for essential items. Please note that some items on your lists will be substituted for out-of-stock by Walmart. Orders must be limited to eight (8) essential items and requests need to be turned into your Building/Cottage Rep NO Later than Monday by 4 PM. Items will be ordered on Tuesday and delivered on Wednesday.
• Daily Updates: Daily updates about Spanish Cove Retirement Village’s Response to COVID-19 will be delivered every day as new information develops. There will be no updated letters delivered to you when information from the previous letters are still relevant. If you have any questions that you would like answered or information that you would like included, please contact Jill Huff at (405) 354 – 5906 or email [email protected].

LET US KNOW

• Please call (405) 354 – 5906 and let us know if you plan on staying with family or friends for an extended period of time.

____________________

Updated March 20, 2020 – Share Facts, Not Fear

Spanish Cove Retirement Village Response To COVID-19 Daily Update

Spanish Cove continues to report no confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases. We are hopeful and prayerful that the extra precautions and limitations that we have in place in accordance with CDC and other governmental guidelines will help to keep residents and employees safe and healthy. We do not know how long the closure of The Pavilion, The Plaza, The Fiesta Room and Indoor Pool will be in place, as well as the strong discouragement of visitors to the Independent Living Campus and multiple screening/temperature checkpoints. This is a “temporary, new – normal” and will be in place for the foreseeable future. We are grateful for the leadership of Don Blose, Spanish Cove CEO, with his added expertise as a former Oklahoma Public Health Official. We continue to meet daily to keep you up to date on the current state of the COVID-19. We appreciate your continued support as the situation evolves and other changes may occur as Don Blose stays on top of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ACTION STEPS

Since the last Spanish Cove COVID-19 update, which included announcements about the closure of visitors to the main independent living campus and to The Plaza Concourse, multiple screening checkpoints and the closure of The Pavilion Health Center, Assisted Living and the Independent Living Pavilion Dining to residents, visitors and non-medical persons; other developments are occurring in other areas of Spanish Cove Retirement Village for the safety and health of all our residents and employees.

• Spanish Cove Retirement Village implemented its pre-shift health screenings for all employees who are scheduled to work. Employees must participate in a screening prior to every shift they work and will receive a different sticker every day to indicate to residents and employees of Spanish Cove Retirement Village that this step has been accomplished. Employees have been participating in pre-shift health screenings for a while. Employees may not leave campus while they are scheduled to work.
• Eric Peters and his team will be delivering meals to the breezeway apartment shelves and tables outside the cottages. Please note the dining staff will not be able to enter your apartment or cottage. Due to an effort to practice social distancing, the employees will be placing your meal on your apartment shelf outside the apartment and on the table outside the cottage. We suggest you open your doors to add a visual contact so that you can see when your meal has been delivered. Please call (405) 350 – 5150 to order your daily meal. Just a reminder, special diet requests can be accommodated by ordering only off the daily menu provided by the Dietary Department.
• We are providing transportation to urgent medical appointments. Please note you must confirm these appointments to make sure your physician offices are open and no transportation will be provided to elective appointments. Residents please try to reschedule your doctor appointments or make telehealth arrangements. • Please minimize maintenance work orders to urgent only requests. The Maintenance Department is working 24/7 to keep the campus secure with only one entrance/exit on Cypress and Redbud.
• While shelves might be bare at grocery stores, residents can look forward to a supplemental Spanish Cove Care Package from Eric Peters and his team to be delivered Saturday, March 21. You will find basic grocery items in this care package thereby limiting the need to leave campus. This is to minimize exposure to COVID-19 at the stores and by visitors and eliminating the stress involved with trying to shop at barren supermarkets. If you need additional groceries or sundries from the store, please give your list to your Building/Cottage Rep. Building/Cottage Reps please contact Debbie Miller at (405) 350 – 5000 or Jordan Bowen at (405) 350 – 5116 with your lists of needed items.
• Many of you are wondering about your taxes. Meeting in person (on campus, outside or off campus) is highly discouraged. However, you might try taking care of this business over the phone or through FaceTime. The government has announced deferred income tax payments. Individual and non-corporate tax filers may defer payment until July 15th, 2020 up to $1 million with no penalties. Please check with your CPA/tax advisor for the most current information.
• Thank you for the many heartfelt thanks from residents, your family and friends. We love you! Your entire Spanish Cove Family of Employees have two concerns: Spanish Cove Residents and our own families. This is an “all-hands-on-deck” situation and while some services (dining, events, wellness classes, transportation, etc.) have been curtailed – all Spanish Cove employees are here for you and are working hard to keep you safe and well.
• Sunday Chapel Services are canceled. At this time, Residents are invited to call RT Bolerjack, Spanish Cove Resident Pastor, at (405) 823 – 7700. RT is available by telephone for encouragement and prayer requests. Also, please visit our website www.spanishcove.com to view a special prayerful message from RT Bolerjack that Kathleen Garrett filmed for The Cove Touring Club. It’s amazing how these videos from The Cove Touring Club are helping us during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Velta Johnston, Spanish Cove Housing Authority Chair and Resident, and Jean Scott, Spanish Cove Resident, will be organizing the making of handmade surgical masks. Please contact them for the “handmade surgical mask recipe”. Please contact either Velta at (405) 234 – 6665 or email [email protected] or Jean at (405) 593 – 2089 or email [email protected] We appreciate all of their help organizing this much needed project as it is becoming more difficult to purchase masks. If you can help, please contact them as we are needing at least 100 masks.
• Updates about Spanish Cove Retirement Village’s Response to COVID-19 will be provided to you with timely information as the situation changes. If you have any questions that you would like answered or information that you would like included, please contact Jill Huff at (405) 354 – 5906 or email [email protected].

____

Updated March 19, 2020 – Share Facts, Not Fear

Spanish Cove Retirement Village Response To COVID-19 Daily Update

Approximately three (3) weeks ago, Don Blose, Spanish Cove CEO, implemented an Incident Management Team consisting of your Executive Team, Managers and Supervisors.  Don holds a required meeting every morning to discuss and organize Spanish Cove’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  COVID-19 has not been identified here, but we appreciate your kindness, and understanding, as we continue taking steps to help limit exposure to our residents and employees.  We understand that these limitations may be challenging and inconvenient, but please understand that not adhering to these guidelines puts the lives of you and your neighbors at risk. 

ACTION STEPS

Since the last Spanish Cove COVID-19 update, which included announcements about the closure of visitors to the main independent living campus and to The Plaza Concourse, multiple screening checkpoints and the closure of The Pavilion Health Center, Assisted Living and the Independent Living Pavilion Dining to residents, visitors and non-medical persons; other developments are occurring in other areas of Spanish Cove Retirement Village for the safety and health of all our residents and employees.

• Please note all Spanish Cove Employees have been educated and trained on the proper precautions as recommended by the CDC, the Oklahoma State Department of Health, and the World Health Organization for slowing the spread of COVID-19.  We are bolstering re-education on infection control protocol with all employees.  We are enhancing sanitation efforts.  We are actively enforcing employee illness policies.  In addition, all employees are screened at multiple checkpoints with a thermometer and questionnaire that they must pass in order to work that day. 
  • Home Health and Housekeeping delivery services are available.  If you have a question and/or wish to request or cancel services, please contact:
    • Home Health: (405) 350 – 5123
    • Housekeeping Services: (405) 350 – 5148
• Residents who need to pay their monthly service fee can put their checks in their in-house Cove Mailbox and Spanish Cove Employees will pick them up.  If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Ritter at (405) 350- 5118 or [email protected].
• Eric Peters and his team will be delivering a supplemental Spanish Cove Care Package this Saturday to residents in their apartments and cottages.  If you would NOT like a care package, please contact Eric Peters at (405) 350 – 5110.  No need to call, if you do not wish to have meals delivered from Spanish Cove. 
• While socially distancing ourselves, we can still stay emotionally connected.  Apartment Building and Cottage Reps please check on your neighbors every day!  We need your help staying connected with everyone.  Please report to Debbie Miller at (405) 350 – 5000 or (405) 642 – 5250 residents of concern and/or requests for needed items from the store.  Kathleen Garrett has also created a “How to FaceTime with Family and Friends?” video which you can view at www.spanishcove.com
• If you have a book that you would like to read from the Spanish Cove Library, please contact Debbie Miller at (405) 350 – 5000.
• Spanish Cove wants you to stay hydrated and get exercise too!  Debbie is offering to fill – up your water jugs with filtered water from the fitness center.  Please contact Debbie Miller at (405) 350 – 5000 to make these arrangements.  Also, you can go for a walk outside, but please remember to stay 6 feet apart and check out www.spanishcove.com for helpful exercise YouTube videos.
• Daily updates about Spanish Cove Retirement Village’s Response to COVID-19 will be delivered every day in order to provide timely information as the situation changes.  If you have any questions that you would like answered or information that you would like included, please contact Jill Huff at (405) 354 – 5906 or email [email protected].

LET US KNOW

• Please call (405) 354 – 5906 and let us know if you plan on staying with family or friends for an extended period of time.
• If you feel like you would benefit from living in assisted living, please contact Spanish Cove Home Health at (405) 350 – 5123. 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4: 8(ESV)

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Updated MEMORANDUM: Date: March 18, 2020
Spanish Cove Retirement Village Response To COVID-19 Daily Update

Many many thanks to the Spanish Cove Auxiliary for their very generous donation of the 4 iPads to The Pavilion Health Center and Assisted Living.  Your gifts will allow the residents to now connect with their families and loved ones through remote video visits.  Your kindness is appreciated!  We love our Spanish Cove Auxiliary!

ACTION STEPS

Since the last Spanish Cove COVID-19 update, which included announcements about the closure of visitors to the main independent living campus, multiple screening checkpoints and the closure of The Pavilion Health Center, Assisted Living and the independent living Pavilion Dining to residents, visitors and non-medical persons; other developments are occurring in other areas of Spanish Cove Retirement Village for the safety and health of all our residents and employees.

• Tornado Policy:
  • When there is a Tornado Warning in Canadian County, the northeast door of The Pavilion will be accessible with the code 1901*. 
  • Food and drinks are not provided in the basement.
  • Bathrooms are available in the basement.
  • Residents who have pets may bring their pets, but they will need to be on a leash and/or crated.  Residents with pets will need to locate at the west end of this northeast basement.  Residents will be required to clean up after their pets.
• Residents who need to pay their monthly service fee can put their checks in their in-house Cove Mailbox and Spanish Cove Employees will pick them up.  If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Ritter at (405) 350- 5118 or [email protected].
• Spanish Cove Care Packages will be delivered today thanks to Eric Peters and his team.  Please make sure you bring inside your care package because some items will require refrigeration.  If you have any questions, please contact Eric Peters at (405) 350 – 5150 or email [email protected].
• Every Wednesday you will be receiving the Bits & Pieces along with the Spanish Cove Care Packages.
• Daily updates about Spanish Cove Retirement Village’s Response to COVID-19 will be delivered in the Wednesday Spanish Cove Care Packages, as well as emailed and posted on the spanishcove.com website.  If you have any questions that you would like answered or information that you would like included in the daily updates about Spanish Cove’s response to COVID-19, please contact Jill Huff at (405) 354 – 5906 or email [email protected].

LET US KNOW

• Please call (405) 354 – 5906 and let us know if you plan on staying with family or friends for an extended period of time.
• For the safety and well-being of our residents and employees, please contact Spanish Cove Home Health at (405) 350 – 5123.  IF YOU:
  • Suspect that at any time in the past 14 days you’ve been exposed to, or diagnosed with COVID-19
  • AND PLEASE
    • #1 – If you have flu-like and/or respiratory illness symptoms, PLEASE STAY HOME.
    • #2 – Be diligent in using the same tried and true preventive measures recommended every flu season, including frequent hand washing, coughing into your elbow and social distancing.

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Updated MEMORANDUM: Date: March 18, 2020

Share Facts, Not Fear – “As Chair of the Trustees, Velta Johnston, wants to take this opportunity to thank the administration and ALL employees for what we are doing to keep the residents safe and healthy”.

Things have been changing rapidly in our country – and at Spanish Cove Retirement Village – as the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation continues to evolve.  Please note there are no suspected cases of the COVID–19 at Spanish Cove.  Here is the latest about what Spanish Cove is doing to respond to this health crisis.

Probably the most significant announcements that we all need to be aware of right now are these:

Both our Federal and Oklahoma State Governments have declared states of emergency due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

Therefore, we are taking necessary steps to FURTHER ensure the safety and well – being of all of our residents and employees, especially those in our long – term care, skilled nursing and assisted living facilities.

• The Pavilion Health CENTER and ASSISTED LIVING
  • Effective Sunday, March 15, The Pavilion Health Center and Assisted Living will be closed to all visits until further notice. 
• The INDEPENDENT LIVING CAMPUS
  • Restricted access to the Spanish Cove Campus.  All gates are closed, except for 1 entrance located on Cypress and Redbud.  It is strongly discouraged for anyone to visit the Spanish Cove Campus at this time and any visitor to the independent living campus will be screened and no visitors will be allowed in The Pavilion.
  • Effective Tuesday, March 17^th all visitation to the independent living campus which includes all the apartments and cottages is strongly discouraged.
• Updates will be distributed DAILY via email and printed memos distributed to the in-house resident mailboxes.  As well as continuous information on the Cove TV.
• Information has been added to Spanish Cove’s website about COVID-19.  Please encourage your friends and family to watch for updates on the website.
  • Work out videos and helpful information links will also be added to this section of our website to help you stay engaged so please keep checking the website.
• We are implementing a system of calling residents to make sure everyone stays connected.  If you need items from the store and cannot drive or simply need help, please call Debbie Miller at (405) 350 – 5000 or email [email protected]
• In The Pavilion, we have already begun communication with families and are encouraging them to stay in touch with their loved ones via phone, FaceTime or video chat and have offered to assist with this.  If you would like assistance with FaceTime or video chatting with your friends and family, please contact Kathleen Garrett at (405) 274 – 5535 or email [email protected]
• Please check your shelf outside your apartment or your front porch of your cottage for a special Spanish Cove Care Package from Eric Peters and his team.  It will be delivered to you every Wednesday beginning tomorrow, March 18^th.
• Jill Huff will be providing daily communication and updates to all residents.  If you would like to make an announcement, have questions or concerns, please contact Jill Huff at (405) 354 – 5906 or email [email protected]

 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7, NIV).

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Updated MEMORANDUM: Date: March 16, 2020

To: Independent Living Residents
From: Don Blose, CEO, Spanish Cove Retirement Village
Subject:New  COVID-19 Measures

As you may be aware, a state of emergency has been declared in Oklahoma for all 77 counties concerning Coronavirus. Additionally, several communities including Yukon have declared local emergencies. As a result, Spanish Cove is implementing preventive measures in addition to previous actions taken in order to minimize risks to residents. At this time, there are no confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 at Spanish Cove. However, the Oklahoma State Department of Health has confirmed of one case in Canadian County and has verified community spread occurring in the metropolitan area. New Measures for Social Distancing:
Social distancing is essentially the practice of keeping at least six feet of spacing between yourself and others and avoiding groups. Spanish Cove residents are strongly encouraged to practice social distancing and avoid group congregation while on campus. In order to reduce congregating opportunities, the following measures are being implemented:

• Closure of the Huff Plaza
• Closure of the Fiesta Room and swimming pool
• Closure of the north laundry ‘
• Cancellation of all meetings involving residents until further notice. This includes Town Hall, Board of Trustees and all other committee meetings.

Independent Living services which will continue for time being include:

• Housekeeping and laundry services as scheduled
• The South laundry (located by the Fiesta Room) will remain open to Spanish Cove residents only
• The main beauty/barber shop located by the Fiesta room will remain open. The Plaza beauty/barber shop will be closed.
• Transportation for critical medical visits only. All other transportation including local transportation is suspended.
• Home health services
• Meal delivery services

It is imperative that cleaning and sanitizing practices remain in full operation to help reduce the spread of the virus. However, any resident who does not wish for housekeeping to be in their home may decline the service. Please call Darla Parks at 350-5148 if you choose to cancel.

Food Service:
The main dining room in the Pavilion will remain closed until further notice. Any resident wishing to receive a meal may do so by calling 350-5150 for a delivery. Delivery service will be available daily from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The daily buffet menu will be the menu available for food selections. A house salad, fruit, and a drink will be the additional items available with delivery. All residents may order a meal daily without being charged extra if they surpass their meal plan allotment. On Wednesday, March 18, foodservice will be delivering a care package to each residence in an effort to help reduce your need to leave campus for supplies. These packages will obviously not provide for every need but hopefully will at least provide some relief.

Other:
The Independent Living campus will continue to be open to residents and guests. However, unnecessary guests are strongly discouraged. All campus visitors are required to enter the Cypress gate along Redbud Avenue. We will have someone monitoring this gate around the clock. All other gates will be closed. All persons entering the gate will be required to be screened upon entry. Residents who go off-site and return will also be screened upon reentry. Other Persons Authorized to be on Campus: For the time being, we are allowing essential service delivery personnel to be on campus. This includes mail, food, pharmacy and other critical service providers. We are also authorizing Boldt and other construction workers access to the campus to complete necessary renovations so long as they are working in isolated areas. We are anticipating Boldt will have all work completed within the next 2-3 weeks. It is important to us at this juncture to have all rooms in the Pavilion available to us in the coming weeks.

Staffing:
Please be aware we have instituted measures for monitoring all staff. All staff are screened and checked for fever prior to their shifts and upon reentry to the Pavilion and Plaza. We are preparing contingencies in the event staff become sick and/or limited.

What Can You Do?
Your understanding and cooperation in this matter is extremely important in protecting the health of all Spanish Cove residents and staff. Although some of these decisions may be unpopular, they are quite essential and necessary for now. COVID-19 is highly transmissible disease and the number of infected persons is expected to climb in our area. Your best protection in the coming weeks is to continue good
hygiene/handwashing practices, be cognizant of social distancing, limit off-campus excursions and follow recommendations of health authorities.

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Memo from our CEO, Don Blose, dated March 14, 2020:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has issued revised guidance for the control and prevention of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to ensure the health and safety of those living in nursing homes.  Spanish Cove will follow the revised guidance and any further guidance issued by DHHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Oklahoma State Department of Health.  At this time, there are no confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 at Spanish Cove.

Effective immediately, Spanish Cove is restricting all visitation by visitors and non-essential health care personnel in the Pavilion health center and assisted living areas except for certain compassionate care situations, such as an end-of-life situation. Effective Sunday, March 15, 2020, access to the entire Pavilion building will be restricted to only authorized personnel.  This closure includes the main dining room for Independent Living residents.

End-of-Life Care Exception:

Decisions about visitation during an end-of-life situation will be made on a case by case basis. All visitors (including family members, clergy, bereavement counselors, etc…) will be screened for fever or respiratory symptoms.  Visitors that are permitted, must wear a facemask while in the building and restrict their visit to the resident’s room and follow all designated guidelines.

Independent Living Dining Services & Activities:

DHHS is recommending canceling all communal dining and all group activities.   Therefore the  main dining room will be closed until further notice.  A meal per day will continue to be provided to you and your guest by delivery only.  As occurs in inclement weather situations, meals hours for independent living ordering are from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily.  The Bistro will be closed until further notice.  Orders may be placed by calling 350-5150.

Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, the Plaza will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed Saturday and Sunday.   However, all classes and activities are being canceled.  You may continue to access the building and the available amenities including the fitness center but at your own risk.  All entrances with exception to the main South entrance will be locked.  All residents must use the South entrance and be screened prior to entry.

The swimming pool, Fiesta room and laundries will continue to be open.  Spanish Cove Fiesta room group activities are canceled including Koffee Klatch.  The swimming pool may continue to be used.  There are no identified swimming-related risks of catching COVID-19 with exception to the rails.

Shuttle Services and Transportation:

Do to the closing of the main dining room, shuttle services are being suspended.  Transportation will continue to be provided for essential medical appointments only. Transportation for local shopping or other activities is also suspended.   

Guests, Home Services and Delivery Services:

Although guests to Independent Living are permitted, we are strongly discouraging visitation from non-residents. 

All other visitors, including health service other professionals, other home service professionals,  delivery services, and mail/shipping services are permitted.  We encourage the use of delivery services for groceries, pharmacy and other needs.  Please contact Kathleen Garrett if you are unfamiliar with available online services.

Campus Gate Entrances:

Effective Monday morning, March 16, 2020, all main campus gates for entry/exit will be closed with exception of the Redbud entrance on Cypress.  Residents may continue to come and go as you please but we will have a checkpoint at this entrance.  All residents and persons entering this gate will be screened for signs, symptoms and fever.

Home Health Access:

Visitation to the Home Health office is closed for Independent Living residents.  Routine home health services will continue to be provided in your apartment/cottage only.  Please call the Home Health office if services are needed, 354-1956.

Housekeeping Services:

Independent Living housekeeping services will continue for the time-being as scheduled. 

Beauty Shop:

The beauty/barber shops will continue to be open for business with the exception of the Pavilion beauty shop.

Your patience, understanding and cooperation regarding these measures is critical to your health and safety as well as all others living at Spanish Cove.  We greatly appreciate your assistance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  We will continue to follow federal and state guidance.  Other additional actions may become necessary should community transmission begin to occur. 

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