MEDFORD, Ore--- The Springs at Anna Maria and Veranda Park in Medford are only allowing "essential visitors" during the coronavirus pandemic. The goal is to keep COVID-19 away from the most vulnerable age group by keeping the virus outside of the buildings. According to The Springs Living, it is working.
The Springs Living owns 12 senior living facilities in Oregon. The Springs Living founder and CEO Fee Stubblefield says that the company watches over 1,948 senior residents. Of those, one resident has tested positive for COVID-19. That positive test occurred at The Springs at Lake Oswego in Portland. Stubblefield said that person is now in good condition.
"For the vast majority, I think that we are going to see that senior housing care has kept people safe through this," said Stubblefield.
If you know someone that lives in one of these facilities, it can be frustrating to not be able to visit that loved one. However, Stubblefield bragged about the community's cooperation through these hard times.
"Listen, family members care very deeply about not risking the safety of our residents and their parents. They care. They care more than anybody," said Stubblefield.
During this time when you can't visit the residents, The Springs has made it a priority to keep those residents connected to family and to each other.
"You would be surprised at the innovations that are out there, and there are ways that we are connecting. We have concerts happening in our courtyards. Where people come out on the balconies," said Stubblefield.
The Springs Living shared photos with NewsWatch 12 of residents at The Springs at Veranda Park bowling in the hallways, making sock monkeys on Easter, and having video calls with family members.
The Springs is also participating in the "Stop the Drop" campaign. It is a reminder to caretakers and residents that they wear masks out of respect.
"It is a sign of respect when we cover our face with the face coverings. We are saying "It does not necessarily protect us, but it protects the other person." We are saying "We love you. We want to protect you. We are going to cover our face so that if we are asymptomatic positive, we are not going to harm you," said Stubblefield.
Stubblefield remains optimistic about what results can be produced if the people of Oregon keep social distancing in the near future.
"Wouldn't it be grand, if another two to three weeks, this summer, sometime when authorities feel it is appropriate, that we have significantly less deaths and impact than projected? Wouldn't that be grand? That would be the best possible outcome of this."
