An Update from President & CEO Jeff Heinecke

September 1, 2020

September 1, 2020

During the past five months, the fight against COVID-19 has dramatically altered nearly every aspect of life on our campus. It has also required us to modify offerings and find creative ways to engage older adults living in the broader community. Suffice it to say, none of this has been easy.

The first case of COVID-19 among our care center residents occurred April 28, and during the following six weeks, we experienced a spread of cases among residents and staff. It wasn’t until facility-wide surveillance testing became available through the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) that we began to gain control over the spread of the virus. Until that time, we had implemented strategies and interventions with guidance from the MDH and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control). While these actions were important, the surveillance testing proved to be the only way to identify asymptomatic and presymptomatic carriers. As the cases of COVID-19 in the care center dropped, we continued to routinely test our staff and, when appropriate, residents and tenants. We expect testing will continue until there is a vaccine.

Despite our best efforts, we couldn’t keep COVID out. While the majority of those who contracted the virus recovered, there were residents who died. We are deeply affected by this and mourn with those who lost loved ones.

Support over these past several months has come in some unexpected ways. Individuals and families provided handmade masks for our residents and staff and advocated with state officials for testing supplies. Throngs of people prayed. Companies, organizations, and congregations donated N95 and surgical masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, and treats. The support we received was overwhelming and deeply appreciated. What was truly inspiring were the cards, letters, posters, calls, and emails provided by residents, families, volunteers, neighbors, and strangers expressing their gratitude for our employees’ commitment to their work. All this support provided a much needed lift for staff.

And this leads us to the heroes among us. There are too many to list by name, but they are nurses, nursing assistants, home health aides, housekeepers, social workers, therapeutic recreation professionals, maintenance staff, chaplains, program coordinators, office staff, and so many others throughout Lyngblomsten who have shown remarkable courage and demonstrated unprecedented teamwork.

While we don’t yet know the long-term effects of COVID on our organization, we know that short-term effects include the cancellation of this year’s Mid-Summer Festival, a delay in beginning construction on our campus in Lino Lakes, continued restrictions for campus visitors, and modifications to programs and daily routines.

It’s true that the past several months have been challenging; however, I know with all of your continued support, there are better days ahead.

God Bless and Be Safe,

Jeff Heinecke
President & CEO

This message first appeared in the Fall 2020 edition of "Lyngblomsten Lifestyle" (page 3).