The Harbor at Opelika Announces Coronavirus Safety Measures for Residents, Caregivers

OPELIKA, Ala. (March 12, 2020) – The Harbor at Opelika, a premier memory care community serving Lee County, has announced safety measures to protect its residents and caregiving staff in the event of a potential outbreak of COVID-19, otherwise known as the Coronavirus.

“At present, I can confidently confirm we do not have any known positive cases related to our facility residents or staff members; however, obviously this situation is fluid and rapidly ever changing,” said Kathy Otwell, executive director of The Harbor at Opelika.

“We are requesting that visitors who have experienced or are experiencing respiratory symptoms or who have traveled internationally or to domestic areas with reported outbreaks please refrain from visiting their loved ones at our facility at this time. We are also requesting that family members arrange for alternate ways of communication with our residents, including phone, text or videoconference, to avoid unnecessary exposure,” Otwell said.

“Our commitment to our residents and team members during this concerning time is to work diligently to openly communicate as we all continue to learn and understand more about this virus and its potential threat to our most cherished loved ones. We are sensitive to the large amount of information being shared both nationwide and locally regarding COVID-19 prevention and a potential outbreak,” Otwell said.

As a healthcare provider, the threat of various outbreaks is a regular focus for planning and preparing throughout all disciplines of The Harbor at Opelika.

“Caregiving team members frequently practice and measure the effectiveness of the facility’s interventions to seek to attain the highest possible safety and wellness readiness for residents, staff, and visitors as a matter of standard operating procedures. The Harbor at Opelika is aggressively following the most current and ongoing CDC guidelines for healthcare facilities to ensure full preparation should an outbreak occur,” Otwell said.

The Harbor at Opelika has adopted several ongoing safety measures: 

• Frequent calls with the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention for the most current recommendations  

• A program at each shift whereby all team members communicate problematic symptoms observed regarding residents, fellow team members, or visitors  

• Wellness Immunity Boost Stations to be installed in all facilities as soon as possible  

• Regular training on handwashing techniques for team members and residents  

• Communicating with “on-call” team members to be ready for back-up staffing  

• Communicating daily with the facility’s Cleveland, Tenn.-based Legacy Senior Living Support Center for any new information. Purchase and delivery of additional food, medical and cleaning supplies (available on-site)

“No expense will be spared to accommodate our residents’ needs and fulfill our mission to the best of our ability. We have prepared significant medical, food, and water supplies ready for disbursement in case of a facility outbreak, We have on-site leadership ready to physically support our communities as needed,” said Bryan Cook, founder and president of Legacy Senior Living, which manages The Harbor at Opelika and family of senior care communities across the Southeast. 

Additional information will be posted at this link: 

https://www.legacysl.net/coronavirus

For more information please contact The Harbor at Opelika at (334) 749-7992. 

About The Harbor at Opelika

Located at 1001 Fox Run Parkway, The Harbor at Opelika is a premier memory center that is in Opelika, Al., that offers Alzheimer’s and dementia care services in a safe, attentive, home-like environment. The facility, which is conveniently accessible to all points in Opelika, is committed to serving the greatest generation with honor, respect, faith and integrity. More information is available at harboropelika.net or by calling (334) 749-7992.

The Harbor at Opelika is part of a family of senior living communities throughout the Southeast owned and/or operated by Legacy Senior Living, of Cleveland, Tenn. The parent company specializes in offering independent living, assisted living, and Alzheimer’s care services. More information is available at legacysl.net.

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