Area Assisted Living Communities to Welcome Visitors

Since March of 2020, in-person visitation at assisted living communities across the state has been restricted due to COVID-19.

Community leaders are more than excited to share the news with their residents and families.

“We are elated to share this special announcement with our residents and their loved ones,” said Tammy Blake, executive director at Rolling Hills Assisted Living. “Our residents will welcome their friends and family into their apartment homes and be able to sit together and visit – it’s just wonderful news.”

Susan Bullock, executive director of Homestead of Topeka, echoed the same sentiment.

“We are super excited to be together again.” Said Bullock. “Our residents and staff are ready to make our community whole - even if we do it with facemasks."

The visitation policy change comes after residents and staff members at each community were offered both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. After the second dose, each community is waiting the recommended 14 days to ensure the vaccine is fully effective. Each community is preparing to welcome visitors while continuing safety precautions.

“Even though our residents have been fully vaccinated, we are still being cautious,” said Blake. “We’re going to continue to do all we can to protect our residents, staff, and the guests visiting our community. That includes testing visitors, asking everyone to wear a facemask, and other precautions.”

Visits at the communities need to be scheduled in advance. Staff and guests are also required to pass a detailed health screen prior to entering the community.

The COVID-19 vaccine was not mandatory for residents at any of the six communities, but Lesley Hink, the executive director at Homestead of Auburn, says seniors did not hesitate to get vaccinated.

“Our residents elected to take the vaccine to protect themselves,” said Hink. “But they also saw it as a way to help the broader community and protect their loved ones. That’s what is so special about our elders; they take pride in being part of a greater whole, and they want to do their part to help.”

All six assisted living communities are managed by Midwest Health, Inc. Midwest Health is headquartered in Topeka, Kansas and manages roughly 65 senior living communities across the Midwest.