[ Editor’s note: This post was first published on the Chuckanut Health Foundation’s website. ]
Each week we will hear from one of our community partners to better understand how they are navigating these uncertain times, where they see hope, and to learn how we can help. In our third blog post, we ask Tonja Myers, the administrator of Christian Health Care Center, to share her thoughts in a Q&A-style format on how the only locally owned nonprofit skilled nursing center in Whatcom County is navigating these turbulent times. Tonja and the Christian Health Care Center are significant contributors of the Aging Well Whatcom Initiative and we are proud to work with them.
How has the current environment impacted Christian Health Care Center?
The first thing that comes to mind is how quiet it has been inside of CHCC in recent weeks.
On a typical day – pre-COVID-19 – CHCC would be buzzing with family and friend visits and volunteers coming and going. That, of course, changed on March 13, 2020, when the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services restricted visitation and non-essential people from entering care centers like ours across the nation.
Since March 13, we’ve done a lot of adjusting! CHCC’s therapeutic recreation team, for example, quickly evolved their program and found ways to keep residents active and engaged while they practice social distancing. I’m so proud of our team for their flexibility and strong desire to serve during this time!
We’ve increased the use of technology and are facilitating more family video chats than ever before. With help from community donations, we’ve refreshed our supply of books, movies and art supplies that can be used by residents in their rooms. We are now distributing a daily activity packet, and CHCC team members are frequently providing one-on-one interactive visits with our residents.
Our daily operations have also changed as a result of COVID-19. Only employees and a limited number of essential contract providers (ARNP, X-ray tech, etc.) are allowed into the building. Everyone is screened before entry; everyone wears an appropriate level of PPE during their time here.
With an abundance of caution, we paused new admissions for rehab and long-term care last month. Virus test kits were not available; there was not the ability to test individuals before admission, which greatly increased the chances that COVID-19 would enter our building. We have chosen, instead, to minimize the risk for our current residents.
Pausing admissions is financially challenging for CHCC, but we believe it was the best path to take. Our nonprofit mission supports this decision.
Throughout this pandemic, we have significantly increased communications – with staff, residents, representatives, the public and other stakeholders – knowing that clear communication is critical during times of uncertainty.
CHCC had a crisis communication plan in place that we have used as a baseline during COVID-19. We also have a long-term relationship with a local PR and communications company, and they have provided invaluable support during this time.
Our efforts to communicate clearly in a time of confusion have been robust. We use CHCC’s website as the cornerstone of our communications, posting updates to an Alert page and sharing news via blog articles. We broadcast updates via social media, email marketing, media releases, letters to resident representatives, weekly Q & A info sheets for staff, and our bi-monthly publication, The Pulse.
What have you seen during this time that has surprised you?
I have experienced a lot during my 32-year nursing home administrator career, but I never thought that I’d be in the position of leading a team through a global pandemic.
The industry, thankfully, has required us to plan ahead for crisis events such as this for many years, just in case. I think I can speak for many long-term care leaders when I say that we never truly believed it would happen. But here we are!
The rapid response of our governing bodies at all levels was initially surprising. Also surprising has been how Whatcom County citizens have accepted the need for immediate and drastic life changes – each at their own pace and in their own way. Some facing the situation with great fear, others facing the situation with great determination and another segment facing the situation with ambivalence.
Here at CHCC, families, friends and the community were surprised by the “no visitors” mandate; however, they quickly rallied behind our mission to protect this vulnerable population. Their diligent prayers, well-wished, gifts and frequent words of encouragement have been a welcome and appreciated reminder of CHCC’s role in our community.
How can the community help Christian Health Care Center at this time?
Please continue to be diligent in your handwashing efforts and stay home as often as possible to minimize the spread of the coronavirus in our community.
We also ask for continued understanding and grace as our state works to restart the economy and reduce restrictions in a safe manner. This may be a long process.
Prayers and well-wishes are always welcome. For those wishing to give a gift that will brighten the day of our residents, a list of items in need is kept on this web page.
Would you share with us what is giving you hope?
Notwithstanding the huge losses experienced around the world, I have great faith that we will not only get through this, but somehow be better for it, as people, as a society, and as a world.
The amazing support of our community is also something that gives me hope and drives a strong desire to do the work that needs to be done and to do so in alignment with our mission.
And lastly, tell us a little about you? And anything else you’d like to share?
It has been my pleasure to advocate for and support the elder population in Whatcom County since 1997 and to have a career in the industry since 1988. This work is my calling.
Aside from my work as a long-term care administrator, I am actively involved with the following organizations: Whatcom Hospice Foundation, Northwest Workforce Development Council, and Bellingham Bay Rotary – serving as past president of each.
I live in Bellingham with my partner, my teenage daughter and my elderly mother. I have an adult son who lives in Chicago. I am an active member of the sandwich generation!
Leisure activities include participating in the Whatcom Chorale and in local theatre. I love skiing and swimming and spending time with friends and family.