What is the current visitation policy?

Bickford has implemented a phased-in approach to visitation. This policy is based on county/state requirements. Check with local Branch leadership prior to your planned visit.

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Planning a visit to your local Branch?

Contact your local Branch to set a visit, and to ensure that where you reside or recent travels would not exclude you from visiting. For restricted geographical locations click here. You will be screened upon your arrival at the Branch. Bickford requires you to wear a mask during your entire visit and maintain 6-foot social distancing at all times. Visiting is limited to resident apartment and outside areas.

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How can I stay connected to my loved one?

We encourage regular communication with your loved one utilizing technology (i.e. phone, FaceTime, Skype) and are happy to assist any way we can. The local Branch’s website (www.bickfordseniorliving.com) and Facebook page will be regularly updated with Branch happenings. Be sure to ‘Like’ our local Facebook page.

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Can my loved one leave their apartment?

Yes. We have educated all our residents to wear a mask, practice social distancing (6 feet), use appropriate hand washing, and have an awareness of touching surfaces. We will continue to encourage as much activity, and social interaction as we can while maintaining a safe environment.

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Is Bickford conducting tours?

Yes. In most Branches in-person tours are available. These tours will follow all Bickford guidelines for resident and guest safety. Virtual tours can be conducted in all locations.

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Is Bickford accepting new move ins?

Yes. We were created to meet the needs of the frail elderly and will continue to do so during this time. New residents will go through the same procedures and screenings that our current residents do to enter the Branch. As an added layer of protection all new residents will be isolated in their apartments.

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Are new move-ins tested for COVID-19?

Yes. All new residents are tested at the time of move-in and go through an initial isolation period while awaiting test results.

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Does Bickford have the staff to care for my loved one?

Yes, but this is an ever-evolving challenge. We are being creative in anticipating the needs of our BFMs for things like school openings/closings, day care, personal family constraints, etc. We know as an organization we have to meet our BFMs needs so that they will be able to meet our resident's needs. So far, we are proud of how our people are rising to the challenge.

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Is my loved one safe?

Bickford provides an access-controlled environment and makes every effort to keep your loved one safe. As of August 6, 2020, less than 5% of Bickford’s residents have experienced COVID-19. Approximately 90% of our Branches have remained COVID-19 free.

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Are Residents allowed to leave the Branch?

All residents are strongly discouraged from leaving the Branch, due to the high risk of exposure. However, if a Resident chooses to leave the Branch they will be screened prior to returning. If the Resident fails this screening, they will be quarantined upon return.

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What if COVID-19 is reported in a Branch?

If there is a case of COVID-19 in one of our Branches, we will notify family and residents first, typically within 24 hours. We will then report those cases on our website.

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What is Bickford doing to help prevent BFMs (employees) from bringing in the virus?

All BFMs and essential health care professionals are being screened each day at the front door prior to entry. Additionally, all BFMs are wearing masks during their entire shift. We also educate our BFMs on CDC guidelines and infection control practices to avoid exposure to COVID-19.

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How is Bickford monitoring residents for signs of COVID-19?

Each resident is monitored at least once daily for signs, symptoms and temperature.

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Can medical health care professionals visit residents in the Branch?

Yes, they will be screened for admittance to Bickford Branches. All professionals must meet our stringent infection control requirements including wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

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Can my loved one resume routine medical appointments?

The RNC will coordinate with the resident, family and provider, to determine if the visit is essential or can be temporarily delayed and rescheduled.

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Can I still bring supplies and care packages to Bickford?

Items are to be delivered to the front door and clearly labeled with resident’s name.

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If I am currently setting up medications for my loved one may I continue to do so?

Yes. Deliver the pill box to the front door and appropriately notify us. Please contact Branch leadership if you would like to change who administers medications.

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Does Bickford have the supplies to support my loved one’s needs during this time?

Yes. Bickford has longstanding relationships with a multitude of vendors to continue to meet the needs of our residents. We have procedures in place to ensure the continued supply and delivery of all essential items including food, medical equipment, incontinence products, etc.

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Is Bickford using a chemical disinfectant that will kill COVID-19?

Yes. Bickford uses a chemical disinfectant in the Branches that kills all viruses and bacteria. This chemical is 100% effective against COVID-19. We do not use bleach, as you might in your own home, due to its caustic nature.

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Are Chaplains visiting Branches?

Chaplains are screened at entry and wear PPE. Chaplains are also available to connect with residents and families virtually or outside the Branch. Please reach out to Branch leadership if you have questions on how to establish this connection.

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What does active cases of COVID-19 mean?

An active case is a current resident that has tested positive for COVID-19. This resident may or may not be residing in the branch based on their need for hospitalization.

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How often is this number updated?

Residents and families are always notified personally first. Once these notifications have been completed this number is updated. Typically, within 24 hours.

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Why do Bickford’s COVID-19 transparency numbers differ from what state agencies or other sources are reporting?

Bickford has opted to post, on our website, all confirmed positive resident cases of COVID-19. Some states have chosen to include other information beyond positive cases. They are including residents with symptoms that could be associated with COVID-19 such as a cough or any temperature recorded above 99°. These symptoms may also be associated with common cold, bronchitis, asthma, and seasonal allergies. We understand this creates even more confusion in these uncertain times and that is why Bickford has chosen to lead with transparency and will continue to do so. We will only report positive cases.

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Are the Dining Rooms open?

Yes, we have implemented socially distanced dining. Bickford limits the number of residents in the dining room at each seating (there are 2 seatings for each meal). Tables and chairs are cleaned between seatings. Residents are asked to wear a mask while traveling to/from the dining room.

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Can my loved one receive room service instead of eating in the dining room?

Yes, your loved one may opt to receive room service. Anyone exhibiting signs and symptoms will receive room service.

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Do you offer choices on your menu?

Yes, our menu includes choices of entrees and vegetables, is approved by a registered dietician and meets all the nutritional requirements recommended for our residents.

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What about special diets?

We will still follow a menu that is prepared by a registered dietician that meets all the nutritional requirements recommended for our population. This menu will not include choices of entrees or vegetables as we implement this process.

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Seniors Congratulating Seniors

May 27

When you have lived for 99 years, some would say you know a thing or two. That is why some senior citizens at Bickford Senior Living of Bexley are participating in an effort to offer high school seniors some advice as well as let current high school seniors know their accomplishment of graduating is not going unnoticed.

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Student pen pals help senior citizens cope with coronavirus isolation

May 14

Some high school students in the American heartland are turning to the old-fashioned art of letter writing to reach local senior citizens who are not allowed to venture out or have visitors during the coronavirus pandemic.

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‘We Have to Get Ahead of This’: Amid Bad Press, Senior Living Providers Must Be Transparent

April 29

When a local news publication ran a story highlighting Covid-19 infections and deaths at a Bickford community in Aurora, Illinois, the company didn’t shy away from talking to the press. Instead, Bickford Executive Vice President Alan Fairbanks used the opportunity to provide clarity on the state’s reported numbers and share more about what Bickford is doing to keep residents safe.

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Digging Deeper: Families critical of nursing home, health depts. for handling of COVID-19 info

April 23

In the last week, long-term care facilities have been required to inform family members of COVID-19 cases immediately, but they aren't required to make that information public. And according to Andy Eby, co-owner of Bickford Senior Living, that's not good enough.

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Iowa Withholding Names of Nursing Homes with COVID-19 Cases

April 21

As of April 21, nursing home residents accounted for 51% of Iowa's 84 deaths from COVID-19. But Iowa health officials refused to identify all facilities with a confirmed case. Bickford Senior Living decided to take a different approach.

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One Iowa Senior Living Facility Owner’s Answer to Coronavirus: Transparency

April 10

Bickford Senior Living is doing something that Iowa's health department won’t: Publish notice of every single COVID-19 case at its locations.

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To Battle Isolation, Elders and Children Connect as Pen Pals

April 10

To battle isolation and boredom, Bickford of Sioux City connected residents with high schoolers as pen pals.

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Cheers to Grandma

April 10

What is a group of seniors to do in their quarantined living space when they run out of happy hour wine? Norma Bock at Bickford of Burlington had just the answer - reach out to the public on social media!

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Over 15 million people are known to be infected with COVID-19 and the death statistics in seniors are astounding. The vaccine will be a game changer in knocking out COVID-19 in our Branches. Bickford has proactively entered the federal COVID-19 Vaccination program. We will have access to vaccine within the next few weeks. We have also learned ONLY those Resident’s and BFM’s (employees) identified NOW will have access to the vaccination program. We have a small window to finalize our list of Residents and BFM’s and once that list is completed, the window will close. We know until vaccine is more widely available in the fall, our Resident’s and BFM’s are at continued risk and we ask for your support, agreement, and encouragement of your family member to take the vaccine. We have prepared the following FAQ to help answer the many questions you may have.

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Why should our Residents at Bickford take the vaccine?

Our Residents are vulnerable and are more susceptible to infection and negative health outcomes. The vaccine will protect them, our BFM’s, other Residents, their families, and friends from infection.

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What if a Resident (or their POA) refuses the vaccine?

Bickford strongly recommends Residents take the vaccine to protect themselves, BFM’s, other Residents, and those they love. Bickford will continue to screen for symptoms, administer tests, and quarantine as needed. Wearing a mask during person-to-person contact may also be required.

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How is the COVID-19 vaccine different from the annual flu vaccine?

This vaccine is made from genetic RNA material, that is produced synthetically, there is no virus in the vaccine. Traditional flu vaccines are made from virus that has been rendered harmless. The flu vaccine is traditionally 40-50% effective whereas the COVID-19 is more than 94% effective.

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Are these new vaccines safe?

Yes, RNA vaccines have been used for about a decade. Many manufactures have been working on other types of coronavirus vaccines so were able to mobilize a vaccine for COVID-19. The FDA requires 3,000 participants to receive the vaccine before approval of the vaccine. Over 50,000 participants have received the COVID-19 vaccine. These vaccines have been proven to be safe and over 94% effective.

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What are the side effects?

Only 2-3% of those vaccinated, experienced side effects, such as mild headache, body and joint aches and tiredness. The side effects are similar or slightly more pronounced with the second dose. Most side effects start anywhere from 12-24 hours after the dose and usually last for no more than a day or so. Seniors generally have less side effects because their immune response and defense mechanisms are weaker. There are other very rare side effects.

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Will we need to report any side effects from the vaccine?

Yes, we are required to report side effects.

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Who will get the vaccine first?

Hospital, healthcare staff, and those working/residing in the long-term care and assisted living communities.

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When will the vaccine become available to others?

We expect the vaccine will become available to those that have medical conditions, seniors, and other essential health care workers, in early spring. We hope that the vaccine will be widely available to others in the fall 2021.

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How much vaccine will be available?

Initial estimates are enough vaccine for 10 million people in the first distribution. For this first round of vaccine two doses are required 21-28 days apart. Access to the vaccine will gain momentum as many more pharmaceutical companies bring their vaccines to market.

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Are seniors more at risk if they do not get the vaccine?

Yes, death from COVID is the highest in those over the age of 65.

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What happens if I don’t take the covid vaccine series (two doses)?

Manufacturers have shown effective immunity in excess of 94% with two doses. If you do not take the series the vaccine may not be effective.

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Will I get COVID-19 from the vaccine or give someone COVID-19 from the vaccine?

No, because you are not vaccinated with the live coronavirus.

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If I had COVID-19 do I still need to take the vaccine?

Yes, because we do not know how much immunity you acquired from being infected. We know the vaccine will provide you continued immunity and protection from re-infection.

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Can I change my mind if I want the vaccine?

You will need to make this decision quickly. This is the ONLY access to the COVID-19 vaccine (in Dec 2020/Jan 2021) at Bickford.
We do expect those working/residing in assisted living to have limited access to the vaccine through local health departments (HD). This may require BFM’s or Resident’s to go to the HD or designated location to receive the vaccine.

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Will I be able to stop wearing a mask or social distancing once I receive the vaccine?

No, unfortunately until we have a significant reduction in infection and the population vaccinated these requirements will continue.

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After Residents and BFM’s receive the vaccine, what does this mean for Bickford COVID precautions? Do screenings continue? Do we allow entertainment, outings, etc.?

Screening will continue into the foreseeable future. We will follow the guidance of Local, State and Federal regulatory agencies as they relate to Resident activities.

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Will the established FDA approval process be used for the COVID-19 vaccine?

Absolutely. The FDA follows stringent criteria for approving vaccines and will follow the same established process for the COVID-19 vaccine.

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What does FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) mean?

This means the vaccine is approved for use – and establishes parameters of safe administration based on the research data from the clinical trials.

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How was the vaccine produced so quickly?

A worldwide Pandemic allowed for many countries to release emergency funds as well as donated funds from other industries to accelerate the speed of development of the vaccine. We also saw an unprecedented collaboration of top scientists from around the world, (i.e., CDC, World Health Organization, National Institutes of Health) working closely with each other and the pharmaceutical industry.

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For more information from the CDC:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html