Author: Hillary Smith

LifeSpire of Virginia Hosts Statewide Opportunity Expo

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On November 10 – 12, LifeSpire of Virginia’s talent management team hosted its first ever statewide Opportunity Expo with a goal of filling dozens of positions. Careers available included everything from certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses to cooks and transportation team members.

Over the course of the two-day talent search, organizers of the event were able to hire 50 new team members—five at The Culpeper and The Glebe, 15 at The Chesapeake and 25 at Lakewood.

Corporate Recruiter Jillian Perez said it was a successful event despite the ongoing pandemic.

“Lots of people came out to the communities, and most of the events were held outside in climate-controlled tents to ensure social distancing,” Perez said. “We used a text check-in system so applicants could wait comfortably in their cars. We were able to make on-the-spot offers and begin pre-employment screening.”

Several positions are still available and Perez said the talent management team would love to continue scheduling interviews. An up-to-date list of careers is searchable online.

CDC Issues Guidance for Thanksgiving Gatherings

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As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidance for families across the country and the world regarding the safest way to celebrate this year. These precautions come as public health officials in the U.S. announced more than 160,000 new COVID-19 cases on November 12, the first day over 150,000 since the pandemic began.

According to the CDC, the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate with people in your household. If you do plan to spend Thanksgiving with people outside your household, the following steps are recommended make your celebration safer.

Wear a Mask

  • Wear a mask with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19.
  • Wear the mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
  • Make sure the mask fits snugly against the sides of your face.

Socially Distance

  • Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread COVID-19.
  • Keeping six feet from others is especially important.

Wash Your Hands

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Keep hand sanitizer with you and use it when you are unable to wash your hands.
  • Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Attending a Gathering

According to the CDC, taking these additional steps while attending a Thanksgiving gathering can help to make the holiday safer.

  • Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups and utensils.
  • Wear a mask, and safely store your mask while eating and drinking.
  • Avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as in the kitchen.
  • Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates and utensils.

Hosting a Gathering

If having guests to your home, the CDC recommends the following steps to make the holiday safer:

  • Have a small outdoor meal with family and friends who live in your community.
  • Limit the number of guests.
  • Have conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use.
  • If celebrating indoors, make sure to open windows.
  • Limit the number of people in food preparation areas.
  • Have guests bring their own food and drink.
  • If sharing food, have one person serve food and use single-use options, like plastic utensils.

Thanksgiving Travel

The CDC has concluded that travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19, and therefore recommends staying home to protect yourself and others.

If You Do Travel
  • Check travel restrictions before you go.
  • Get your flu shot before you travel.
  • Always wear a mask in public settings and on public transportation.
  • Stay at least six feet apart from anyone who is not in your household.
  • Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer.

Consider Other Thanksgiving Activities

  • Host a virtual Thanksgiving meal with friends and family who don’t live with you.
  • Watch television and play games with people in your household.
  • Shop online, utilize curbside pickup or browse and an open-air market.
  • Write down things you are grateful for and share with your friends and family.

On November 6, the LifeSpire of Virginia management team issued guidance on how the holiday season will be handled. Since then, each LifeSpire of Virginia community team issued community-specific plans for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

Detailed plans per community are as follows:

Lakewood
The Chesapeake
The Culpeper
The Glebe

Please note these plans are subject to change at any time and in consultation with the Virginia Department of Health and per CDC guidance.

Holiday Planning During the Pandemic

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As the holiday season approaches, residents and families will, of course, want to spend as much time together as possible; research shows quality time is crucial for residents’ wellbeing, emotionally and physically. The LifeSpire of Virginia team is committed to facilitating this connection and providing accommodations to the extent possible.

According to county positivity rates, which are updated weekly, visitation processes may change as test results are received for both residents and team members. These changes are challenging for LifeSpire of Virginia’s community teams as they strive to stay in compliance with standards set forth by various agencies, but not as overwhelming as it is for residents and families not seeing loved ones.

It is LifeSpire of Virginia’s mission to empower residents’ choices while keeping them safe. Achieving the right balance between safety/protection and choice is challenging. The decision-making process is based on what is best for residents while following regulations and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

In part, on-campus visitation practices will be dependent on circumstances LifeSpire of Virginia’s team cannot control, and such changes will be communicated as they have been previously and as quickly as possible.

LifeSpire of Virginia’s detailed plan regarding the upcoming holidays is available online.

LifeSpire of Virginia Names Vice President of Clinical Services

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LifeSpire of Virginia is pleased to announce that Paula Bolton has been named vice president of clinical services. Bolton, who has served as LifeSpire of Virginia’s corporate director of clinical services since May 2019, was promoted in acknowledgment of her dedication to LifeSpire of Virginia residents and team members, especially throughout the ongoing pandemic. 

Her commitment to successfully procuring protective equipment for community team members has enabled them to continue providing top notch care to residents and kept her fellow team members safe.

“The time, dedication and commitment that Paula extends to our communities has not been lost on anyone in our organization,” said LifeSpire of Virginia Chief Operating Officer Ray Fisher. “The vice president title is reserved for a select group of senior key contributors of LifeSpire of Virginia. Paula’s leadership and continued contributions to LifeSpire of Virginia are recognized and greatly appreciated by me and the Board of Trustees.”

Bolton joined the team at The Culpeper, a LifeSpire of Virginia community, in January 1997. While employed there, she held various positions within the nursing department, including the assistant director of nursing for nine years. In 2008 Paula transitioned to the role of assisted living administrator and was responsible for the daily operations and oversight of the delivery of care and services to residents in all levels of care within the community. 

LifeSpire of Virginia Installs Temperature Screening Terminals

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As an extra step in efforts to safeguard residents, families, team members and visitors, LifeSpire of Virginia communities have new temperature screening terminals onsite. These devices may be located at main entrances, dining room entrances, corridors of the health services neighborhoods or in other areas of the communities. The device is a tablet, or a small electronic screen, mounted on a stand; the device is very easy to use. 

The LifeSpire of Virginia leadership team requests that as residents or visitors enter these areas equipped with the device, they stop before entering for a temperature check. Signage will be located near the device as a reminder to stop. 

This device measures skin-surface temperature with a high accuracy rate—up to plus or minus 0.9 degrees. Stand anywhere from one to six feet away from the screen to have a temperature check. Masks should be worn at all times during the temperature check. A reminder to wear a mask will sound if one is not detected. If a temperature reading is abnormal, an alert will sound. If an alert sounds, residents should return home. Visitors should return to the entrance of the building and notify a team member immediately. Visitors or residents who do not hear an alert may proceed to where they are headed. 

The use of this device does not take the place of the current screening process in place when individuals enter the communities; the device is intended to serve as an extra safeguard. In the future, the devices will be used for additional purposes. For example, the device may be able to screen individuals using a series of questions that can be answered by touching the screen or may be able to control the doors to prevent entry if a visitor does not pass the screening. Also, in the future, the device may be programmed to recognize the faces of residents, team members and visitors so that screening information can be saved.

Questions or concerns may be submitted to [email protected] or by contacting your community’s leadership team directly.

LifeSpire of Virginia Executive Completes Leadership Academy

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LifeSpire of Virginia is pleased to announce that Lakewood at Home’s Executive Director, Tammy Mackey, recently completed LeadingAge’s Leadership Academy.

The LeadingAge D.C., Delaware, Maryland and Virginia Leadership Academy is a year-long leadership program designed to enhance the leadership skills of nonprofit aging services leaders. Mackey is one of 15 fellows for the 2020 academy.

Throughout the year, fellows are guided through graduate level curriculum which examines the traits of successful leaders, develops leadership competencies and expands knowledge in the field of aging services, while establishing strong bonds with peers from other LeadingAge members.

As a relative newcomer to the arena of senior living, I was able to broaden my perspective of the industry. The site visits and interactions with established leaders included valuable insights into challenges facing our industry, as well as innovative approaches and attitudes used in successfully rising to those challenges. I gained an appreciation for the advocacy done by LeadingAge for senior living nonprofits and the people we serve. Always seeking to grow and develop, I appreciated the opportunity to evaluate my leadership characteristics and style, and to develop new skills.

Tammy Mackey
Lakewood at Home Executive Director

September 10: COVID-19 Testing Update

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By the conclusion of August, each of LifeSpire of Virginia’s four communities successfully completed the state-mandated baseline testing. As a result, the communities are moving forward with the re-opening process in the safest possible way with the goal of keeping each member of the LifeSpire of Virginia family healthy.

However, as the pandemic continues, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a new regulation regarding COVID-19 testing requirements for team members and residents in the healthcare areas.

The new regulation includes:

  • The continuation of testing for all residents or team members who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Testing residents and team members after any new case in a team member or resident arises.
  • Routine testing of healthcare team members, contractors, vendors, consultants and volunteers based on the positivity rate in the area surrounding the community for the prior week. This data will be provided from CMS.
  • This new regulation states that routine testing of residents is not recommended.

Testing required under this new regulation will begin at all LifeSpire of Virginia communities next week but may take place at different intervals at the communities. The testing frequency—monthly, weekly or twice weekly—will depend on county positivity rates, the local health departments’ recommendations and the individual community’s situation. All test results, both negative and positive, will be reported to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

The LifeSpire of Virginia team is committed to transparency when it comes to all test results. Residents, families and team members will continue to receive notification of all positive cases. Residents and families will continue to be notified on an individual basis of all resident test results regardless of the outcome. Community team members will be notified of positive test results on an individual basis. Team members who test negative will not receive a notification, however, any team member with questions or who would like confirmation of a negative test result may contact the community’s Infection Preventionist. 

This new regulation does not apply to assisted living or memory care areas. Residents and team members in these areas will be tested if they are symptomatic, in the event of an outbreak or as directed by VDH.

The extended LifeSpire of Virginia team remains vigilant in its efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 into, and within, the communities, which includes the current screening process for all individuals who enter the communities. The LifeSpire of Virginia team appreciates patience, feedback and understanding as we adhere to these most recent regulations and work to keep each of the extended LifeSpire of Virginia community safe.

Questions or concerns may be submitted to [email protected] or by contacting the community leadership team directly.

A LifeSpire of Virginia Pause

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As 2020 continues to be a stress-filled year for many people, LifeSpire of Virginia recognizes the benefit of taking a pause. It is well-documented that stress can lead to high blood pressure, a suppressed immune system and can contribute to depression and anxiety. With endless worries in the world, it’s important to encourage one another to look for ways to de-stress and support fellow team members, residents, neighbors, families and friends during difficult times.

A Harvard Health article suggests that practicing deep, diaphragmatic breathing can elicit a relaxation response, which can lower blood pressure and even slow the heartbeat. One of the worst things to do while exercising is to hold in a breath. When preparing to have a baby, new moms are trained to deliberately breathe during labor because conscious breathing can increase relaxation and lessen pain during birth. 

In hospitals since 2004, a Surgical Time Out (STO) has become a mandatory quality standard by the Joint Commission, a nonprofit organization that accredits more than 22,000 U.S. healthcare organizations and programs. The STO was created to reduce errors in surgical procedures, requiring participants to take a breath, double/triple check the details and then, when all agree, the team moves forward with confidence. When an operating room team pauses together, respect for team members is built, the empowerment of team members is encouraged, while accidents, mistakes and risks are diminished. The team openly seeks opportunities to improve their performance and the patient’s safety. 

Taking a cue from these examples and best practices, on September 1 at 1 p.m., the LifeSpire of Virginia team began a monthly pause across the company. On the first day of the month, community chaplains will help facilitate a 15-minute pause from work to take a breath, to pray or meditate together, hear a blessing or word of comfort. For the September Pause, Lakewood Chaplain Julie Walton led a group of team members from across LifeSpire of Virginia’s communities and corporate office in a guided meditation that focused on breathing, learning to value the importance of stopping to breathe and to center in the midst of a busy workday. 

A couple of LifeSpire of Virginia team members commented after the pause:

“The LifeSpire of Virginia pause was a much-needed moment of peace and reflection in the middle of the work day. I was grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a thoughtful and refreshing moment with the team.”

Administrative Assistant Sarah Amick

“The LifeSpire of Virginia pause was a much-needed moment. The guided mediation gave me the opportunity to reset resulting in a calm state of mind and mood. I felt better focused and centered immediately afterward. Thanks to LifeSpire of Virginia for offering this and supporting us by incorporating this into our schedule!  I’m looking forward to the next one!”

Senior Financial Analyst Layla Somers

The intention of the pause is to promote self-care and provide resources to all LifeSpire of Virginia team members. In the midst of challenging times, LifeSpire of Virginia’s chaplains and leadership team seek to provide a measure of spiritual and emotional support.  

LifeSpire of Virginia Welcomes New Corporate Vice President of Talent Management

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LifeSpire of Virginia recently named Deb Ledbetter as Vice President of Talent Management. In this role, Ledbetter is responsible for workforce development, human resources management and best practices, organizational effectiveness and performance measurement.

“Deb has more than 20 years of experience in talent recruitment and planning which will be a tremendous asset to the LifeSpire of Virginia team,” said Jonathan Cook, LifeSpire of Virginia’s president and CEO. “We will look to her for direction regarding organizational change management strategy. We are thrilled to welcome her aboard.”

Ledbetter comes to LifeSpire of Virginia from McKesson where she served as senior human resources organizational change management business partner for three years. Prior to that role, she worked in leadership and consultant roles for the Hospital Corporation of America, Altria Corporate Services & Philip Morris U.S.A. and Marriott International.

She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Fordham University in the Bronx, N.Y., and holds the Senior Human Resources Professional (SPHR) certification from HRCI.

Fitch Rates LifeSpire of Virginia ‘BBB’

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Financial Outlook Stable

It is with tremendous pride that the LifeSpire of Virginia leadership team announces that for the first time ever, the organization has achieved a financial assessment from Fitch Ratings—an award-winning provider of credit ratings, commentary and research. Fitch assigned a ‘BBB’ rating to LifeSpire of Virginia. The rating outlook is stable.

“It is truly an example of teamwork, focus and dedication toward a goal. This rating will allow us to better finance future projects and allow us to continue to reinvest in our assets and keep our communities viable for the years to come.”

LifeSpire of Virginia President and CEO Jonathan Cook

In its report, Fitch cited LifeSpire of Virginia’s strong operating profile with occupancy in each of the communities minimally affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Each community maintains a waitlist for independent living residences. Additionally, the report credited a solid financial profile and low long-term liability as key drivers for the rating.

“Not only will this allow us to borrow or refinance at lower interest rates in the future, representing significant savings for our residents and communities, but it also shows that we are committed to exceptional fiscal stewardship. What is also wonderful is we achieved this rating during the process of adding new resident wellness spaces, adding two memory care neighborhoods at The Glebe and The Culpeper, increasing dining amenities and maintaining five and four-star Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ratings in the licensed areas of care.”

The full Fitch Ratings report is available online.