Cromwell care complex prepared for a pandemic

Since elderly people are most vulnerable to coronavirus, their living quarters and quality of care matter greatly in protecting them from it. It's quite a challenge for the managers and staff at area nursing and assisted living complexes.

In Cromwell, the Villa Vista nursing care, assisted living and apartment complex houses residents across a wide age range. Staff and administrators there are responding to the coronavirus by following emerging protocols, advice from medical professionals, and precautions initiated by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and state healthcare leaders.

Family-owned and administered by Mike and Julie Peterson, the Villa's longevity, versatility and embeddedness in the Cromwell-Wright community has helped it respond energetically to the current challenge.

Mike Peterson said the state of Minnesota asked all nursing facilities to prepare for a pandemic five or seven years ago. "We did our research and wrote a policy," he said "A major element was to have supplies, such as enough face masks. So we developed a stockpile that we are drawing upon now. They are old, but still useable - we are following all the state guidelines."

The Villa has asked residents to stay as isolated as possible in their rooms and to not make appointments unless absolutely necessary. If they become sick, they have to go to a hospital. They are permitted to walk the halls, but advised to keep at least a 6-foot distance between themselves and others. Villa staff members are continually wiping down and disinfecting handrails and other surfaces. Staff wear masks all the time.

Residents and staff are respecting the "no congregating" rule, Peterson said, and abiding by social distancing recommendations.

"We are using the internet to communicate," Peterson said. "We're sending out updates all the time. Our plan is very fluid. We fine-tune changes day to day in our practices."

Like other senior care facilities, residents are not permitted to have visitors, unless they are near death, and they aren't allowing residents to leave Villa Vista unless it's an emergency.

Residents are served meals in their rooms and this has changed the types of food prepared.

"You don't know about food, where it's been and how it's been treated. So the safest sources are canned fruits and vegetables," Peterson said. "We also accept food deliveries in back away from everyone, and we let them sit for as long as we can, because viruses are usually short-lived outside of the host."

They do provide fresh fruits and vegetables when they can, he said. They are washed and sit as long as they can to make sure there is no virus danger.

Phyllis Isaacson recently moved into the Villa's apartments. Her father, Niilo, has been in the Villa's assisted living quarters for some time. Phyllis is concerned about the isolation of her father and other residents.

"Most residents at the Villa are used to socializing when they meet for dining and activities. And many do not have family in the area," she said.

Her father still keeps pretty busy, she said. "He's a very social guy, but he's keeping to his room. He's got his puzzles and TV."

With staff encouragement, he walked outside with a few others late last week, she said, but normally they walk in the hallways. "The walking helps prevent muscles from atrophying, and he's used to getting up and moving around three and four times a day."

The Villa has not had to request outside help. At present, the Villa employs 55 people as managers, nurses, caretakers, cooks, custodians, and other service providers, with 70 percent at full-time status.

Some staff indicated they were afraid of catching the virus and no longer work there, Peterson said.

"Most of the staff members are quite compassionate about their jobs and willing to work extra hours," Peterson said. "We're hanging our hats on our exceptional staff. Some even stay overnight so as not to spread anything to their families. I think that's unbelievable."