Executive Repor t
“Flexibility is the key to air power.” I learned that early in my Air Force career. What I didn't realize then was how applicable that phrase would be to senior living. The coronavirus pandemic has changed lives around the world, the United States, Texas, San Antonio and even here at Blue Skies of Texas Flexibility, by residents and staff, became the key to dealing with a pandemic This edition of the Courier focuses on how the coronavirus is changing operations at Blue Skies and how the residents and staff are rising to the occasion.
Outside of Blue Skies, the death toll due to the coronavirus was and is sobering. Inside, we remained focused as always on providing a safe and secure home for our residents That takes on a new meaning during a pandemic. The simplest tools were the most effective: extreme hygiene, social distancing and continual disinfecting of common surfaces. That wasn't enough; the way we do business had to change. Dining, housekeeping, maintenance, health care, marketing and literally every aspect of life had to be reimagined.
Everyone pitched in We began delivering meals and pharmaceuticals directly to residents’ homes. Residents, staff and volunteers began making personal protective equipment (PPE) as a backstop for our licensed healthcare facilities. And, many of our resident activities quickly switched to the Internet. On average, 850 meals were delivered each day, offering residents multiple choices of hot and cold entrées, fruit and cheese or veggie trays and, of course, wine and beer options Various groups helped produce 2,000 face shields, over 2,500 homemade masks, and hundreds of protective gowns for healthcare workers in case suppliers of professionally procured PPE became overwhelmed. In addition, exercise classes and religious services took to the Internet to reach each resident. The innovation was heartwarming, and the appreciation expressed by residents continues to make it all worthwhile.
You might guess that because of the virus, the community would come to a standstill. That is not the case. New residents continue to arrive and join our family (after the appropriate quarantine). In fact, many of our new arrivals asked to speed up their move -in date because they felt safer at Blue Skies than out on their own. Only one scheduled move -in delayed their arrival, but that was due to circumstances beyond their control Everyone else is racing to get here That is encouraging because of what we do and who we are.
As you’ll see in this Courier, the coronavirus has caused a lot of change at Blue Skies of Texas; however, that change is making us stronger because we understand flexibility. We understand our core mission: to provide a safe and secure home for our residents, and we do it with style On that promise, we are not flexible!
I encourage you to visit www.blueskiesoftexas.org and see what makes us so special. And, while we are practicing social distancing we will reach out to you with our hearts and not our hands
PROTECTING RESIDENTS AND STAFF
It’s inherent in the Blue Skies culture
During the novel coronavirus pandemic, Wendy Carpenter, Chief Health Services Officer, talked to the Courier about the safety and health precautions the Blue Skies staff practices every day to protect the residents and staff from contagions. These procedures guided Blue Skies through the heightened social safety measures brought on by COVID-19
“First and foremost,” Wendy said, “ every single member of our staff – not just nursing, but housekeeping, food service and maintenance – approaches every task with a clear understanding of universal infection control precautions.”
Blue Skies health care staff is particularly trained in infection control to protect vulnerable residents. “We know how to respond – washing hands, wearing gloves and protective gear, and using scientific criteria to identify infection. In this amplified alert, all staff and residents are monitored daily for any symptoms,” she noted
Specific protocols are in place to ensure safety at all times Facilities are cleaned and disinfected routinely. Maintenance staff regularly changes out air filters and monitors the safety of the water supply Food service safety is guided by strict protocols, including washing dishes at high temperatures. When a resident is discharged from any health care facility, the space is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
“Whether it’s seasonal flu, infections or COVID-19, everything we practice daily is focused on infection control Our residents know that and feel safe here,” she said
During the pandemic, Blue Skies shut down group activities and immediately put an action plan into place to further protect residents Travelers and new residents went into self-quarantine Visitors were not allowed on campus Meals were delivered rather than shared in community. All staff and health care residents were masked As always, CDC guidelines are enforced.
“Surveyors from the State of Texas reviewed our infection control and San Antonio Metro Health visited the household we set aside at The Mission (skilled nursing) to care for any
residents who may test positive with Covid-19 but do not require hospitalization,” Wendy noted. “We welcome this collaboration They gave us high marks for our preparedness and risk reduction protocols.”
“Further, concern for health care residents who are at risk for depression and other mental health issues in these anxious times has led us to create activities that keep them occupied, happy and connected,” Wendy said. “At Liberty House (assisted living), an ice cream trolley roams the hallways bringing wrapped treats to residents. At The Mission, they play bingo – residents in their doorways, a safe distance apart, while an activities director calls out the numbers. Spouses visit loved ones in health care through windows, Skype and FaceTime Neighbors still watch out for each other. Our culture is truly a model for perilous times,” Wendy said
“Cards that Care” poured in from family, friends, fellow residents, Spouses’ Clubs and local high schools –bringing cheer to Blue Skies residents quarantined in assisted living and health care
How does Blue Skies respond in a crisis?
Resilience Courage An Innovative Spirit
When a pandemic paralyzes the planet, some they have amazing reservoirs of strength and r Skies family is resourceful, and within hours of mandated shutdown in March, courage and in blossomed Residents and staff worked togeth the most of the crisis. Leaders emerged. Plans the health and safety of everyone were implem
Here’s a glimpse of the creativ compassionate response of the Blue Skies family:
˚ Staff offered online classes for line dancing balance, cardio, yoga, tai chi, Jeopardy fitne and residents cheerfully joined the virtual fit wellness fun
˚ Residents and staff sewed thousands of han share with the community
˚ Housekeeping and salon employees, unable usual duties, attached more than 2,000 face protective masks for health care staff.
˚ Housekeepers helped food service staff prep and deliv fresh, hot meals to residents, and grabbed their arsena of disinfecting supplies to constantly decontaminate common areas and health care facilities.
˚ Residents stepped outside and enjoyed fishing, walkin gardening and other activities at a safe distance, savo the beautiful landscape and open spaces
˚ The Village Voices continued choir practice via Zoom.
˚ Residents shared “quarantine selfies” that prove humo the best defense.
˚ Health care employees created games and activities that ensure safe physical distancing while keeping residents entertained, stimulated, happy and healthy
˚ Housekeeping staff made bleach solutions in spray bottles and distributed to residents who had trouble purchasing cleaning supplies.
˚ Gen Darrell Jones and staff sent out regular COVID-19 updates to keep residents reassured and informed.
˚ Residents used texts, e-mail and handwritten notes to thank the staff for keeping them safe and instilling a sense of normalcy during disquieting times
DineLike Royalty
At Blue Skies East, General Manager Food Services Jonathan J-Mack Mack said residents were enjoying the hot meals delivered safely to their doors but were missing socializing with friends.
“We’re delivering 250 fresh meals daily and I’m proud of our residents and staff for their resilience in adapting to this temporary shift.”
All dining staff is trained, even during normal times, to be alert to residents’ well-being and health, and to report any concerns as part of our ongoing effort to care for residents.
“This is war and you are winning it! The way you have analyzed the virus guidelines and adapted and evolved is amazing and the food is great!”
– Dee P . s
GARDEN Spacious, fabulous HOMES
Smart retirees with good taste and high expectations are scour the country, looking for the best community, finest amenities, fr most beautiful residential options. And, their due diligence is le
Our West campus Garden Homes are such a hot commodity that all five of the newly-built homes sold out before we broke ground! The Gardens neighborhood now has 48 spectacular residences filled with happy retirees
Ranging from 1600 to 2500 square feet, these modern customized homes are Blue Skies’ most spacious options, but more options abound. In the Lakes neighborhood, you’ll find fully upgraded two-bedroom bungalows in cul-de-sacs lined with shade trees, and you’ll meet neighbors who will become dear friends. Apartment options on both campuses come in a variety of sizes and floor plans with magnificent views and proximity to all activities and amenities Every residence can be customized to your taste and décor.
Not only will you find your dream retirement home but Blue Skies will be your dream community More than 70 activities and clubs await you A variety of restaurants. Landscaped grounds. A focus on wellness and fitness. Social, recreational, cultural, educational and spiritual opportunities that will enrich your life every day And, should you need it, some of the finest assisted living, skilled nursing, rehab and memory care facilities you’ll find anywhere.
During the early and most uncertain days of the pandemic, new residents expedited their move-in, telling us the campus-wide safety precautions give them a heightened sense of security. New residents are quarantined for 14 days when they arrive, adding to the safety of all.
And the characteristic that truly differentiates Blue Skies – our charitable mission, assisting widows in need. You’ll see that charitable spirit alive and well in generous residents who are involved in the community, have a passion for volunteer work and thoughtfully watch out for each other
29 FitnessClasses OfferedOnline
2,500 HomemadeMasks AndCounting:HeartfeltGifts
3,000 Anti-Microbial Masks: $7,500
38 EnvironmentalServices Staff and 8 Salon Staff Re-Purposed for the Pandemic War Effort
2,000 Homemade Face Shields: Heartfelt Gifts
5,000 Personal ProtectiveEquipment Units at $6/each: $30,000
1,750East &4,200West Meals Hand-Delivered EachWeek
Play for Freedom & The
Big Give Rescheduled for Fall 2020
Among the many concerts, festivals, reunions, holiday celebrations and other events that were cancelled during the 2020 pandemic, your Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation (AFVCF) also suffered some serious blows. We had to postpone our popular 26th Annual Play for Freedom Golf Tournament, now rescheduled for October 1, and postpone The Big Give SA until September 10
Proceeds from these events will benefit Freedom House Alzheimer’s Care and Research Center Play for Freedom generates funds for Freedom House’s annual needs, and The Big Give SA gifts are to support “Freedom House: The Journey Continues,” which is raising $6 million to implement important renovations that will benefit residents today and into the future.
You can still help! Your gifts to the AFVCF can be designated to the cause or event of your choice, and we invite you to join us in supporting Freedom House and Blue Skies as a whole For information on how you can help, contact Jennifer Berg, Director of Development, 210-568-3206 or jenniferberg@blueskiestx.org.
OUR VISION
We will set the standard of excellence in senior lifecare through our relentless pursuit of innovation, service and compassionate care
OUR MISSION
We will improve lives by providing exceptional retirement living and continuing care with an emphasis on individual quality of life and dignity
