Staying prepared: GC nursing home avoids outbreak with early mitigation techniques

GRUNDY CENTER- Across Iowa, some of the worst outbreaks of COVID-19 have been traced to long-term care and senior living facilities, and those populations are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the virus. At Arlington Place in Grundy Center, staff members employed an aggressive early strategy to combat the virus, and as a result, they haven’t reported a single case thus far.

“We wanted to keep things as normal as possible but really put those protections in place,” said Melissa Wiebenga, the director of community relations for Senior Housing Management, Arlington’s managment company.

When the first news reports emerged confirming the presence of the virus in the U.S., the facility quickly moved to visitor restrictions in March, only allowing staffers and medical professionals to enter the building. Non-essential visits have been conducted via video conferencing apps, and communication with loved ones has still been encouraged even if it happens in a radically different manner. A variety of activities have also been arranged for residents.

“We want to make sure that we’re keeping our residents in good spirits, and we’re trying to keep business as normal as usual,” Wiebenga said. “We’re trying to continue to keep them engaged and keep their minds active.”

The battle against the coronavirus is far from over both locally and around the world, but Wiebenga—along with Grundy County Public Health Program Coordinator Katie Thornton-Lang—are impressed with the efforts to limit the spread in Grundy Center and the cooperation of all of the parties involved.

And while the outbreak may have a permanent impact on the way people communicate and interact with each other, Arlington Place is doing everything it can to accommodate its residents and their families.

“If the television and the news that you’re hearing is stressing you out, please get in touch with us. We’re here to help,” Wiebenga said.