United's Response to COVID-19 (coronavirus) - United Active Living Communities™ : United Active Living Communities™

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We understand how difficult these times are for everyone. We thank our residents, families, employees, and all of our other stakeholders and friends for their understanding and support as we implement our response to COVID-19.

We are monitoring this rapidly changing situation and making changes to our response plan as necessary. As a result, there may be adjustments to our standard operating procedures that are implemented as things unfold.

Letter from United Active Living President and CEO, Kim O’Brien

April 8, 2020

Dear United Community,

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone once again for your incredible understanding, support and cooperation during this difficult time. We are all experiencing many changes in our lives over the past few weeks, and we know this hasn’t been an easy adjustment for anybody. We want to assure you that we are focused entirely on the safety of our residents, our employees and your families.

Right from the start we knew that frequent and transparent communication with our residents, your families and our employees was paramount. The feedback we have received is that these regular update letters, sent directly to residents and families and employees, have not only been a way to share important and timely information but they have also been a consistent way for us to stay connected as a community. We remain steadfast in our commitment to provide these updates and maintain a supportive community where connections can still take place every day.

We continue to adhere to the strict COVID-19 response measures that we have implemented including daily resident temperature checks, closure of communal gathering places such as the dining room and bistro, active screening for everyone entering our community, strict designated essential visitor protocols and having employees wear masks when in direct contact with residents, to highlight a few. We will not let up on these and all of the other measures we have taken.

We closely monitor the direction that is coming from Alberta Health and have acted swiftly to implement what has been required from the orders issued by Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Collaboration is also important during these times, so we maintain close contact with other operators both locally and across the country to share best practices and learn from each other.

I also want to acknowledge how unsettling this time has been for all of us, especially considering the tragic impact this virus has had on some other seniors communities across Canada and the recent coverage we have seen in the media. We recognize that no one is exempt from the challenges and stresses of COVID-19 — residents and employees and families. We will always remain vigilant in our efforts to keep our communities healthy and safe and are always here for you should you have any questions regarding our pandemic protocols and measures.

Finally, I want to conclude with a message to our residents, to the families and friends of residents and to our team members.

To our residents in the midst of all this uncertainty, your grace and resilience is what inspires us every day. Your daily lives have changed so much and yet you continue to share with us a positive outlook, a spirit of gratitude, and even some good humour. The notes and words of encouragement and support that you and your families have shared with our team have meant more to us than you can ever know.

To the families and friends of our residents, I appreciate how difficult all of this has also been for you especially for those who have not been able to visit in person. So many of you are a part of our community and we, along with your loved ones, miss seeing you. I know you are finding ways to stay connected and we will continue to do everything we can to support further connections including facilitating video calls with loved ones. Thank you for your understanding and the support you have offered us all.

To our team, you truly are champions. I am so grateful for your dedication, commitment and teamwork. The way in which you have quickly adapted, sometimes on a moment’s notice, to our new operating reality while still continuing to come up with creative and innovative ideas to better support our residents and each other has been incredible. I know you are doing this while also dealing with the reality that this pandemic has had on the lives of you and your families. You will forever have our thanks.

It has become clear in recent days that we will be living in this new reality for some time to come. It has also become clear now, more than ever, how important it is that we remain United in Community. We are all here for each other and we will continue to support one another with grace and kindness as we navigate these uncharted waters together.

With Sincerest Gratitude,

Kim O’Brien
President and CEO