Dear Bloom Residents, Families & Friends:
We have a series of updates this week.
Bloom at Kokomo & Testing
We reported on May 9, 2020 and May 15, 2020 that two Memory Care associates of Bloom at Kokomo in Kokomo, IN tested positive for COVID-19. We also advised that we had taken a variety of additional precautions, including testing all Memory Care residents and associates. We tested a total of 22 Memory Care residents and 34 Associates. While we're still waiting on 11 resident test results, 5 tested negative and 6 tested positive. Of the 6 residents who tested positive,
sadly, 2 hospice residents who were diagnosed with COVID-19 have passed.
Regarding the other 4 residents, we're seeing what is represented in the general population - the residents are either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic (
i.e.
not experiencing any respiratory distress or requiring higher level of care). No other residents are experiencing symptoms.
While we're still waiting on 27 associate test results, 3 tested negative and 4 tested positive (we already reported on 2 of them), so there are 2 cases since our last report. We have spoken to our families who have been incredibly supportive. While we don't feel like there's anything we could have done differently or better, we're absolutely heartbroken and continuing to work around-the-clock to keep our Kokomo residents safe.
Other than the above mentioned 4 active resident and 4 active associate cases at Kokomo, we still have no other known cases of COVID-19 in our 9 Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care communities serving over 750 residents throughout 5 states.
Since our partnership with Assurance Laboratory began in early April 2020, Bloom itself already administered
almost 50 tests for residents, excluding Kokomo, who may have experienced symptoms, which were
all
negative.
Per the State of Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration's new order, we'll be testing all associates at our Bloom at St. Petersburg community in St. Petersburg, Florida. We've also been told, although not formally, that the State is spot testing resident at various communities. We anticipate seeing similar orders in other states.
As you may know from the news, with testing becoming more widespread and available, we expect to see cases rise throughout the World (some reports have projected that the infected population is 50-85 times larger than confirmed cases) and possibly at Bloom. The optimistic outlook is that if the asymptomatic population is much higher, the mortality rate is much lower.
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.
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COVID-19 Roadmap To Keeping Bloom Senior Living Safe
I. Bloom "Pandemic Rapid Response Plan" During COVID-19
Since Bloom first began responding and adapting to COVID‑19 in late February, Bloom has let our Bloom Beliefs (Do The Right Thing, Be Positive and Deliver Wow, Make Memories, Be Better Each Day and Earn Trust)
drive our decision‑making
for our teams, residents and community at large.
That has meant being here for Bloom residents and their families as they depend on assistance in new ways: to provide continuity of care and service, to stay connected as we have stayed apart, to stay creative at a time when we all need some entertainment, to stay healthy at a time when health is so front of mind and to stay flourishing / blooming when we long for more than just safety.
And it meant taking the unprecedented step to effectively close our Bloom communities in order to protect the health and well‑being of our teams and residents.
In particular, throughout March and April 2020, in response to the urgent need to protect Bloomers from the virus and save lives, Bloom pro-actively and aggressively initiated its
Bloom Pandemic Rapid Response Plan
and implemented a variety of protocols including, among other things, restricting access to its communities, screening essential visitors and associates, cancelling group activities and dining, limiting resident movement / rooming-in-place within the community, tracking anyone experiencing symptoms, isolating residents, testing through Bloom's partnership with an FDA approved laboratory and practicing social distancing. At the same time, Bloom rolled out a variety of new clinical and operational programs in order to keep our residents safely aging in place at Bloom as opposed to transitioning to higher levels of care, which has worked per our data through May.
II. Bloom "Back On Track Plan" During COVID-19
Until there's a vaccine or effective treatment, COVID-19 will continue to be a threat to our health and we must learn to live with this new reality and begin to safely take steps forward. One of those steps is to reopen and get back on track. That does
not
mean just opening our doors today!
As previously reported, Bloom has been developing a strategic and balanced approach for reopening, as well as, getting excited about some of the things we can do in the interim to get our residents back to a new normal routine within the communities and ultimately our families back in the community when it’s safe and appropriate. Testing, detailed above, is just one component.
As part of the
Bloom Back On Track Plan
, Bloom will take a gradual and phased approach, based on guidance and data from County, State and Federal public health officials, which will enable us to slowly lift restrictions while carefully monitoring risks and needs with the ability to adjust our approach as needed.
Public health experts have cautioned that COVID-19 could continue to pose a threat for as long as one to two years, although we have a more optimistic outlook.
The road ahead may not be linear. At times, we will take steps forward; and, at other times, we
may
(or may not) have to pause or even take steps back if necessary to protect our Bloom community. Being a family company with a conservative capital structure, ownership intimately involved in operations and a dedicated team focused exclusively on COVID-19 day and night, Bloom is well positioned to be flexible and adapt as necessary. But this important chapter will require patience, composure, persistence, cooperation and partnership of all Bloomers (residents, families, partners); and based on the overwhelming support and collaboration we’ve experienced thus far as a community -- Bloom knows that goes without saying. We must continue to act as one -- fighting to keep our Bloom community safe, healthy and flourishing, while protecting our friends, families and neighbors. We will get through this together!
A.
Phases Of Bloom Back On Track Plan During COVID-19
The gradual reopening of Bloom communities throughout
Florida
,
Indiana
,
Louisiana
,
Ohio
and
South Carolina
will be implemented in phases on a state-by-state or community-by-community basis. Phases will gradually become less restrictive as they progress. Key milestones must be reached before Bloom can transition to the next stage of recovery. The timeline for the beginning of each phase is dependent upon public health data that will guide our decisions, as well as, mandates
from County, State, Federal, and Licensing authorities. Even if local mandates grant reopening, Bloom may take a more conservative approach guided by our own data analysis. Please bear in mind that as our Bloom communities continue to gradually reopen -- they may look a little different
B. Key Indicators:
Bloom has defined five key public health indicators that will enable our company, consistent with what County, State and Federal public health experts should be reviewing, to to determine whether COVID-19 is improving, remaining
status quo
or worsening in various markets and guide actions accordingly including the tightening/loosening of restrictions and moving through phases.
1. Decrease in newly identified COVID-19 cases (downward trajectory of documented cases over a 14-day period).
2. Decrease in emergency department and/or outpatient visits for COVID-19 like illness.
3. Critical care bed and ventilator capacity.
4. Testing capacity for COVID-19.
5. Contact Tracing.
C. Phase I:
Bloom will continue to limit community access to one access / exit point. We'll continue to prohibit all non-essential visitors, including family/friends and vendors. That said, “Memory Making Stations” are being built (check
Facebook
to see a sneak peak) to accommodate resident/family visits outside in a safe manner (in addition to the virtual Bloom Skype Program). Deliveries should continue curbside. Essential visitors who access the community and interact with residents will continue to adhere to strict protocols regarding screening, personal protective equipment and hygiene. Communal activities of residents will resume provided strict social distancing standards are maintained. Outside entertainers and resident outings remain prohibited. Communal dining will remain restricted. Residents at high risk for choking will continue to eat in the dining room with precautions and maintaining a strict 6 ft. distance from other residents. Bloom will continue its thorough environmental cleanings multiple times daily. We continue to urge residents not to leave the community.
D. Phase II:
Bloom will continue to limit community access to one access / exit point. We'll continue to prohibit all non-essential visitors. Deliveries should continue curbside. Essential visitors who access the community and interact with residents will continue to adhere to strict protocols regarding screening, personal protective equipment and hygiene. Communal activities of residents will continue provided strict social distancing standards are maintained. Outside entertainers and resident outings remain prohibited. Communal dining will resume provided strict social distancing standards and general food safety practices are maintained. Bloom will continue its thorough environmental cleanings multiple times daily. We continue to urge residents not to leave the community.
E. Phase III:
In the third and final stage, Bloom will be fully reopened and turn attention to reimagining itself in a post-COVID-19 world. Bloom will permit visitation to resume through one central point of entry, but may limit occupancy and will be focused upon giving everyone lots of space. All visitors will be subject to screening protocols and guidelines, which will be posted in highly visible areas. Visitation hours may be established by the community. All visitors will be required to wear a face mask at all times while they are in the community, practice social distancing (remain 6 ft. apart while in common areas) and practice proper infection control hand washing practices. Outside entertainers and resident outings will resume under certain conditions.
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F. Co-Existing With Phases: Guidance For Bloomers (In Our Communities & Public) In Our "New Realty"
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G. The Way Back
Bloom’s response to COVID‑19 is still ongoing, and we recognize that the road back will continue to have twists and turns. But whatever future challenges lie ahead, Bloom will continue to rise strong, together to meet them head-on. We continue to think about
Brene Brown’s manifesto,
Rising Strong
, which reminds us of our remarkable Bloom community (see our
May 8, 2020: Bloom Senior Living Health Alert: Coronavirus Update #13).
If anything, COVID‑19 has only reinforced our faith in community -- in our leadership, on-site teams, residents, families, partners and communities. Down the road, when we reflect back upon COVID‑19, we'll remember how so many people around the world put the well‑being of others at the center of their daily lives.
At Bloom, our Warriors/Heroes have been no exception. They have taken action and made decisions based on the principles they -- and our company -- value; selflessly cared for the residents; nurtured our company culture and provided leadership and comfort to residents, families and other associates. Reputations are made during these type of times and everything we've done, and learned from, will continue to help our company grow stronger and be carried forward in order to always put the health and safety of our community above all else, while ensuring our community is blooming.
Thank you for all you’re doing to support Bloom’s COVID‑19 response and re-opening or your greater community -- whether that’s donating, sharing gratitude, virtually connecting with residents, staff and friends or maintaining social distance to protect the health of our community. Every little bit makes a huge difference. As we tell our team, keep going! #BLOOMSTRONG!
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In conclusion, we encourage our Bloomers to peruse our materials below, which include all prior updates, videos and news/announcements put out by Bloom since the emergence of COVID-19. We've consolidated all information for your convenience and efficiency.
Please also 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.
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:
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:
4
Total
Associate
COVID-19 Cases:
4
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QUESTIONS:
Please feel free to reach out by e-mail or telephone. We love hearing from you and we 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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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...
Read more
www.nytimes.com
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Bloom Senior Living's Handling Of COVID-19 In The...
Local news WJCL ABC-22 has taken notice of Bloom Senior Living's handling of COVID-19. Bloom's Director of Education and Bloom at Bluffton's Executive Director is featured on the news detailing...
Read more
myemail.constantcontact.com
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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...
Read more
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
vimeo.com
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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...
Read more
www.thenewstribune.com
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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
www.blufftontoday.com
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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...
Read more
www.arklatexhomepage.com
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Senior living operators are protecting vulnerable...
An Op-Ed by the CEO of National Health Investors, one of the largest owners of senior living throughout the United States, consistent with our view at Bloom Senior Living...
Read more
www.tennessean.com
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Bloom Senior Living's Plan To Help New Families!
We know that COVID-19 is a marathon and not a sprint. We appreciate all the calls and inquiries, and have developed a plan to protect current residents and associates and accommodate you, our new families, as your needs arise...
Read more
myemail.constantcontact.com
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Bloom Senior Living Tour Program During COVID-19
Bloom Senior Living continues to offer Live Video Tours / Virtual Tours and Window Shopping tours, which have been a big hit! Between these tours and talking with our caring and experienced Community Relations Directors, you'll be able to get a...
Read more
myemail.constantcontact.com
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Bloom Senior Living Skype Program Has Been A Huge Hit -- ...
Bloom Senior Living rolled out a Skype Program - for Bloom residents and their loved ones to stay virtually connected at our 9 communities throughoutFlorida ,Indiana ,Louisiana ,Ohio , South Carolina - in early March!
Read more
myemail.constantcontact.com
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Bloom Senior Living Launches YouTube Channel!
Bloom Senior Living has launched a new Bloom YouTube Channel for our residents, families and friends to visit and check out our latest videos during COVID-19...
Read more
myemail.constantcontact.com
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Educational Webinar Opportunity: Dementia Caregiving...
While you're spending time at home, Bloom Senior Living , who has partnered with a Certified Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Trainer and Certified Dementia Practitioner, wants to offer families and friends an educational opportunity to...
Read more
myemail.constantcontact.com
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Bloom Senior Living Is Hiring: Senior Living FastMatch
The American Seniors Housing Association and Argentum , the leading trade organizations for the senior living industry, in concert with other technology and human resources companies have launched a new innovative program called Senior Living...
Read more
myemail.constantcontact.com
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COVID-19 Testing Featuring Bloom Senior Living
Efforts are underway all across the U.S. to test senior living residents for Covid-19 - but until tests are more widely available and produce results more quickly, providers are hamstrung in their ability to keep residents and staff members safe...
Read more
seniorhousingnews.com
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Bloom at Lakewood: Making Memories During COVID-19 -...
Bloom at Lakewood celebrated Mr. Keeling’s milestone 100th birthday on Easter Sunday the best way we could during COVID-19.... with his own personal parade (following a virtual chat with his daughter)...
Read more
myemail.constantcontact.com
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Get Updates On All Things Bloom Senior Living On Facebook
In addition to updates about COVID-19, we'll keep you posted about our latest happenings, company initiatives and provide educational materials to help navigate the caregiving and aging process...
Read more
myemail.constantcontact.com
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Bloomers: We Need Your Help -- Please Leave Reviews!
You're a vital part of our company, culture and family. The best way for Bloom Senior Living and others to know how we're doing is to hear directly from you! Since social media is crucial these days, we've been focusing on increasing our digital...
Read more
myemail.constantcontact.com
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Bloom Senior Responds To COVID-19 In South Carolina
An extra bit of kindness in the form of flowers was recently placed around the Ridgeland Nursing Center to help residents as they deal with changes in their routines because of the coronavirus pandemic.Mendy Smith, whose grandmother was a...
Read more
www.blufftontoday.com
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Educational Webinar Opportunity: Learn From Home How...
Bloom Senior Living , along with its partnerVeterans Financial , wants to offer families and friends an educational opportunity to learn more about the VA Aid & Attendance Benefit, which can help wartime veterans (or the surviving spouse of a...
Read more
myemail.constantcontact.com
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Bloom at Lakewood Lends A Helping Hand With Meal Delivery
Bloom at Lakewood , Lakewood's family-owned and operated Assisted Living community, wants to lend a helping hand to our seniors during this unprecedented time. One of ourBloom Beliefs is to do the right thing and at Bloom we care not only about...
Read more
myemail.constantcontact.com
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Bloom at St. Petersburg Offers Live Video Tours
Bloom is offering Live Video Tours / Virtual Tours and " Window Shopping " tours during COVID-19...
Read more
myemail.constantcontact.com
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Bloom In South Carolina Offers Live Video Tours
Bloom is offering Live Video Tours / Virtual Tours and " Window Shopping " tours during COVID-19...
Read more
myemail.constantcontact.com
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Bloom In Louisiana Offers Live Video Tours
Bloom is offering Live Video Tours / Virtual Tours and " Window Shopping " tours during COVID-19...
Read more
myemail.constantcontact.com
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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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