Midwest Health Readies Senior Communities for COVID-19 Vaccination
Midwest Health, Inc. managed senior living facilities are working closely with federal, state, and county health officials to schedule COVID-19 vaccinations in more than 65 senior living communities across 5 states. Although no timelines have been guaranteed by national or local health departments, it is possible vaccinations could begin this month pending FDA approvals.
“Our managed facilities started receiving initial communications from Walgreens and CVS last week,” said Jim Klausman, Midwest Health CEO. “Several weeks ago, communities started this process by registering and now the facilities are submitting the number of vaccinations needed at each community. The next step will be confirming the vaccination clinic date and time.”
Per CDC recommendations, seniors in congregate living settings and health care employees will be some of the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Klausman believes this vaccine will have both a medical and emotional impact on residents of senior living communities.
“Seniors are extremely vulnerable to COVID-19, which is why visitation has been restricted at care facilities across the nation since March,” said Klausman. “For residents, this vaccine is incredibly important not only because it will protect their health, but it may also make it easier for them to enjoy in-person visits from friends and family members again.”
Midwest Health managed communities are home to nearly 2,500 seniors and more than 2,500 employees work in those facilities.
“For nearly a year, facility team members have worked tirelessly to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said Klausman.
“This vaccine is not only a relief to the residents, but to staff members as well.”
When asked how the COVID-19 vaccine will impact visitation at senior living communities, Klausman said that was still to be determined.
“First, we have to get seniors vaccinated,” said Klausman. “Once that happens, we’ll work with regulatory agencies and local health departments to review visitation guidelines. We know visits with family members are critical to the emotional well-being of seniors, and we are hopeful a vaccine will lead to more visits with fewer restrictions.”
The following senior living communities within the Topeka area are managed by Midwest Health:
- Homestead of Topeka
- Peggy Kelly House of Topeka
- Peggy Kelly House of Meriden
- Rolling Hills Assisted Living
- Rolling Hills Health & Rehab
- Alma Manor Nursing Center
- Countryside Mental Health
- Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community
- Lexington Park Retirement Community
