COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness Updates

COVID-19 Vaccination Update

We are excited to share positive news that we held our first vaccination clinic in mid-January with great success. Nearly all of the residents in the Pines and Fairways received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine with an additional clinic scheduled in February for their second and final dose. Employees who work in the Pines, Fairways, Green, Medical Practice, Home Care and Genesis Rehab were also offered the vaccination. Overall, close to 300 residents and employees were vaccinated in this first clinic!

We could not hide our tears of joy and momentary relief as the vaccines were administered to our residents, your loved ones, who are most at risk for complications from COVID-19. Our employees were filled with gratitude knowing it will help protect our beloved residents.

This is not the end, but it does bring a much needed shot of hope. As the pandemic and cases continue to surge, Carolina Meadows remains diligent. Community spread of the virus is rampant and we will not let our guard down.

Campus Update

The ongoing health and safety of our residents and employees is always our top priority. We continue to test our Pines and Fairways staff and residents on a weekly basis.

Months of hard work have allowed us to create safeguards and systems for identifying and isolating cases in an efficient manner to minimize the spread of infection. Our COVID recovery unit is a key part of this effort. The COVID recovery unit is a separate and defined space with dedicated staff specific to that unit and an entry and exit for those staff directly to the outside.

Carolina Meadows remains committed to transparent and timely communication. It is our goal to provide you with important updates while at the same time maintaining the privacy of our staff and residents. For your convenience, we have added a section on our website that allows you to ask a question pertaining to Covid-19.

As you know, we continue to work closely with the Chatham County Health Department and NC Department of Public Health and to follow all protocols to help control transmission.

Family and Visitor Restrictions for Independent Living

Carolina Meadows has relieved some campus restrictions in an effort to continue to combat the struggles posed by ongoing isolation related to the pandemic. We recognize that each person is individually affected by this pandemic in a unique way–some are minimally phased and others are struggling in extreme ways. No matter where each person is on the spectrum, we believe in a person-centered philosophy of care and well-being that should enable residents to exercise personal choice in their own journey with some campus safeguards as caveats. We feel that the campus’ safeguards will continue to keep those who wish to “hunker down” safe while affording the opportunity for others who are willing to venture out the liberty to do so (safely). These are difficult days, but we are confident in our community’s ability to continue to persevere through this pandemic in a way that supports each individual’s unique needs and preferences.

Family and Visitor Restrictions for Higher Levels of Care

Our residents in the Pines and Fairways are most vulnerable to the virus. We have implemented stricter precautions based on information and guidance received from our medical staff as well as North Carolina State agencies. We have dedicated spaces in place to isolate individuals who may contract the disease. In an effort to relieve some effects of isolation, we have implemented window visitation between residents and families.

Current Campus Procedures

Message from our Chief Executive Officer, Kevin McLeod:

“At Carolina Meadows, the health and safety of those who live and work on campus is always our highest priority. We are taking unprecedented action to prevent the spread of the virus at our campus. With the full strength of our community’s nearly 35 years of experience and expertise, we are focused on prevention and providing continuity for safe operations. We are acting with an abundance of caution and taking every precautionary measure in response to this serious public health concern. As we navigate this dynamic situation, we are taking reasonable and practical steps to implement necessary preventive measures.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How has life at Carolina Meadows changed?

Carolina Meadows first priority is to protect our residents and staff from the spread of the Corona Virus. In order to do this there have been many changes made to the day-to-day operations on campus. While this has been difficult for residents and their families, they understand the importance of keeping people safe. Luckily our campus is situated on 170 beautifully landscaped acres filled with walking trails, a 9-hole golf course, and plenty of outdoor space for our residents to enjoy. We have also added a myriad of virtual activities as well as socially distanced exercise classes.

What has Carolina Meadows done to keep residents safe?

There has been many safeguards put in place in order to ensure the safety of our residents and staff. The success of this new protocol has been dependent on everyone working together. Staff have been required to wear a mask to work and continue to maintain adequate social distance. Each day staff members and vendors are screened for the virus. Designated staff members take temperatures and ask qualifying questions related to any known exposure to the virus.

What about dining services?

The dining services department had to make significant changes very quickly. In normal times, Carolina Meadows operates six dining venues and serves over 20,000 meals a month. After the decision was made to close the dining venues, Carolina Meadow introduced doorstop delivery.

We now offer our residents the choice of four entrees that change each day as well as salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts. Dinners can include such items as grilled salmon, NY strip steak and southern fried chicken as well as vegetarian options.

In addition, we have greatly expanded our home shopping service for residents who prefer to cook at home. This virtual grocery store includes fresh produce, fresh baked goods, filet mignon, salmon, cereals, condiments, a large selection of wines and much more.

Are new residents moving in?

We are currently welcoming new residents onto campus. The safety of our residents is paramount throughout the move in process. We also continue to hold virtual tours and information sessions for prospective residents.

Has Carolina Meadows reduced their staff?

Carolina Meadows entered this pandemic in a strong financial position. Although job duties have shifted due to a change in operations, Carolina Meadows has maintained its current staffing levels. Residents generously contributed to an Employee Emergency Fund in order to support staff members and their families who may be experiencing economic hardships during this time.

When will life return to normal at Carolina Meadows?

The truth is we don’t know. It really depends on the status of the virus in our area and the guidance we receive from the Governor and our public health officials. We have developed a detailed, staged re-opening plan that we update and share with our residents on a weekly basis.

Prevention Resources

Being diligent with prevention is key to keeping all members of our community safe. We are asking residents, staff, and guests to follow these proven measures to protect themselves and others from COVID-19:

Click Here for Prevention Resources

Media Contact

If you are a member of the news media with questions about Carolina Meadows response to COVID-19, please contact a member of our Executive Leadership:

Kevin McLeod, President & CEO (919) 370-7123; kevin@carolinameadows.net

Ben Cornthwaite, Executive Vice President & COO (919) 370-7256; bcornthwaite@carolinameadows.net