RESOURCES FOR AGING WELL
SeniorsBlueBook.com
Nursing homes were early hotspots for COVID spread, and COVID is particularly dangerous for the elderly or immunocompromised. Prairie Gate was fortunate during those early days and did not have any COVID infections. Their staff was diligent in adopting mitigation efforts as more was learned about the virus. They also followed protocols from the federal and state departments of health and the regulatory agencies that guide them. Since that time, Prairie Gate has implemented policies and preventive measures, including: Encouraging vaccination for residents and staff, even hosting onsite vaccination. n Installing new air purification equipment. n Adjusting visitation policies to keep residents safe but still connected to their loved ones. n Implementing a screening and testing process for anyone entering the community. n Facilitating telemedicine and phone-based visits to care providers. n
Even with these precautionary measures in place, some feel like
senior living communities aren’t their best option right now. Prairie Gate and PHS respectfully disagrees. “We understand people’s concerns about living in a community setting during COVID-19,” says Natasha Urinko, Prairie Gate Campus Administrator. “But we think the uncertainty of the pandemic is more than offset by the stability and services offered at Prairie Gate and other PHS communities.” Prairie Gate offers a range of residential options, from maintenance-free independent apartments to assisted living, memory care and long-term care, with services in between. Amid the uncertainty of these times, there’s a real comfort in the stability of a senior living community. It provides one of the most basic needs—a home. But it also offers much more: a vibrant, welcoming community where residents know, care about, and socialize with each other. Its dedicated staff is available to help residents with their needs, both today’s and as they evolve. “No matter what lifestyle best suits our residents, our goal is to facilitate and celebrate their independence and dignity,” says Urinko. ~
INDEPENDENT / RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES
Homes & Services (PHS) operates their Prairie Gate senior living community in Council Bluffs, IA. It’s affected everyone: residents, staff, volunteers and families of Prairie Gate and the community.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES INDEPENDENT LIVING / RETIREMENT AND SERVICES COMMUNITIES
Senior Living in the COVID-19 has changed almost Age of COVID everything about how Presbyterian
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Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Amy Muller, Housing Advisor at Presbyterian Homes & Services. Contact Amy at 712-352-6604 or amuller@preshomes.org. See ad on Inside Front Cover. Indicates website link on seniorsbluebook.com
