We are delighted to share that Martin Luther Campus has started offering outdoor visits to residents and their families.

Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic has meant we are closely monitoring the physical health of residents and putting all recommended infection control protocols in place to ensure their safety. While our commitment to health and safety continues, we are also incredibly cognizant of the need to support the emotional and social health of our residents. Outdoor visits are a direct and impactful activity to nurture and support the social needs of residents.

Visits began on Campus the week of June 29 and are going very well. Outdoor family visits are truly energizing and have brought so much joy to our residents and staff already. We've hosted reunions for spouses, parents/children, siblings, grandparents/grandkids/granddogs...and they have all been so meaningful! There have even been birthday and wedding anniversary mini-celebrations!

You can view a few photos from recent visits on our Facebook page at: https://bit.ly/38jWOrL and https://bit.ly/3eSDfZY 

While we are enjoying and celebrating this time, we are also following the visiting guidelines put forth by the Minnesota Department of Health closely. In fact, here is a framework of these guidelines as recently shared with residents and families:

Outdoor Visits Process
Outdoor visits are available:

• Meadow Woods: Monday – Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm and Thursday from 2:00-7:00pm
• Care Center: Monday – Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm

This timing is based staff availability in conjunction with the other duties staff have to care for residents each day. We are doing our very best accommodate as many visits as possible. Please note, you will have to make an appointment for this visit in advance. Due to the volume of visits, we will not be able to accommodate walk-up visit requests at this time.

What to expect:

• When you arrive, please check in at the front door. A staff member facilitating your visit will meet you there and provide a symptom check outside the building with a temperature check and paper screening and agreement forms. Any visitors with COVID related symptoms (fever, shortness of breath, cough, etc.) will not be permitted to visit.

• Once cleared for a visit, the staff member will then direct you to the visiting area outside the building. Visitors will not be able to access the building during the visit. Please plan ahead for needs to use a restroom, drinking fountain, etc.

• Please bring your own mask and to wear your mask for the entire visit. Research shows that masks are proven to reduce the spread of this virus, and we need to follow masking procedures very carefully. You will be asked to sanitize your hands before and after the visit with the sanitizer provided.
• The visit will be up to 20 minutes in length. There will be a staff member present for the entire visit to provide guidance and to help with any needs during the visit. We will do our best to monitor from a distance and be respectful of your need for privacy.
• We ask that you not physically touch your loved one during the meeting. We certainly know how hard it is to be with someone so special and not be able to show affection with a hug or kiss. Again, refraining from touching is critical for everyone’s safety. Thank you.
• If children under 12 will be visiting with an adult, please ensure they remain in the visiting area and help them to understand the 'no touching' rule as well as the need for a 6-foot distance for safety purposes.
• If you are bringing a pet, the pet must be managed closely by the visiting adult for the entire visit.
• We kindly request that you not bring food or beverages for the visit. The reason for this policy is that masks need to be worn while you’re together and eating or drinking requires the removal of face protection. We understand the weather can be hot during this season, and we will offer hydration to residents before and after their visit.
  
  

Other considerations:

• We will permit one outdoor visit per week per resident initially. This will ensure each resident has a fair opportunity for an outdoor visit. If there is
  additional time available in a week, we will look at additional visits for interested families after everyone has been offered the opportunity.
• There will be some residents who are not a candidate for an outdoor visit based on individual needs and safety concerns. Staff will share any concerns at the time of a family's inquiry for a visit. Martin Luther Campus does reserve the right to not conduct an outdoor visit in the name of safety. If that is the case, we will work with family to find another workable option like a window visit or video call.
• As we all know, this is a fluid time. There is always a chance that we will need to modify and/or suspend this process at any time for the safety of all based on current COVID status. For instance, if we had a new positive case on one unit, that unit would have to suspend visits for 7 days.
• Visits will occur as weather permits.
• Please do your best to be on time for your scheduled date and time. A late arrival may result in a shortened visit. If the agreed upon time is missed, we cannot guarantee that there will be time to reschedule that same week. Thank you.

• While we do not have a limit on the number of family members to join the visit, all must be able to safely sit 6 feet from your loved one and each other. For large families, consider dividing into smaller groups and coming over a couple of weeks. This will allow each person to have a meaningful conversation with your loved one. There will be two visitor chairs available for visitors. If you need additional chairs, please plan to being them with you.
  
  

How to schedule an outdoor visit:
​If you are interested in exploring an outdoor visit or have additional questions, please contact the following staff members:

• Meadow Woods – Activities Director, Heidi at 952-948-5165 or hnickla1@fairview.org
• Martin Luther Care Center – Active Living Director, Amy at 952-698-3990 or aseiner1@fairview.org
  
  

As we begin this offering and other reopening conversations, we remain cautiously optimistic. We do, of course, need to stay the course with hand washing, masking and social distancing practices to control the spread of this virus, and we thank you for your commitment to adhering to all best practices we have shared, and continue to share, for the safety of our residents and staff as well as their families.

Martin Luther Campus recently added 'Love Thy Neighbor' signs to our campus grounds. At the time of our order, the company generously doubled the quantity of our order to allow us to pass this message of equality onto others. We would like to make these additional signs available to folks who might be interested in a sign for their yard, window, etc.

​Please register below for a chance to have your name selected in a drawing - we have two available. We will contact those chosen after Wednesday, June 24. Thank you.

*Special thanks to Prints of Love for their generosity. printsoflove.com

It's no secret that older adults have a lot of valuable life experience and perspective. We are delighted to share this sweet and smart list of advice directly from seniors of Martin Luther Campus. There are many years of combined wisdom in these words...
​

• Enjoy the adventure. Be the best you can be. Do BIG things!
• Keep your nose clean.
• Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.
• Don't believe everything. Think it through.
• Be responsible for your actions.
• Do homework daily, show up for class, learn from others.
• Stay out of the newspaper!
• Go to school and study hard, don't party! That will tell what
  ​you're future will be!
• Say a prayer every morning so that you feel good about yourself.
• Go to learn and not to party.
• You have to have some enjoyment and pleasure out of life. There's a happy medium. Don't go overboard either way. Enjoy life.
• Behave yourself. Don't do something that you question, because it could bite you in the future.
• Don't do everything you want to do, because it's always easy to come up with excuses to it.
• Have fun, take chances, and don't take yourself too seriously.
• Be yourself. Be a leader!

​Congrats to the high school seniors who work and volunteer on our campus and to 2020 graduates everywhere!

May your futures be filled with great successes. Good luck and all our best from Martin Luther Campus.

National Volunteer Appreciation Week
April 19th-25th, 2020

As we celebrate National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our Martin Luther Campus volunteers. Volunteers play a vital role in our day-to-day operations and for that, we are grateful! While our volunteer visits have been suspended at this time, our thoughts, prayers and appreciation for them carries on. As we honor our volunteers, not only this week, but all year long, our hearts are filled with gratitude and admiration for all they are, all they do and for the unique contributions they make in our community.

When Giving Is All We Have
One river gives its journey to the next.

We give because someone gave to us.
We give because nobody gave to us.

We give because giving has changed us.
We give because giving could have changed us.

We have been better for it,
We have been wounded by it.

Giving has many faces: It is loud and quiet,
Big, though small, diamond in wood-nails.

Its story is old, the plot worn and the pages too,
But we read this book, anyway, over and again:

Giving is, first and every time, hand to hand,
Mine to yours, yours to mine.

-Alberto Rios

We share this poem in honor of our volunteers. It is a poem of thanks to those who live lives of service, which (the author states) includes all of us – from the large measure to the smallest gesture, from caregiving to volunteerism. We share these words, not only as a poem, but also as a recognition to our volunteers who give for so many reasons. For those many reasons, we, at Martin Luther Campus are grateful!

Interested in learning more about how to volunteer at Martin Luther Campus?
Visit: ​https://www.martinluthercampus.com/volunteer-opportunities.html

We asked our assisted living and memory care residents what happiness means to them. See their great answers and words of wisdom too!

A message from Chaplain Jack...
​I want to wish all of our residents, their families, our staff and their families a Happy Easter Week! Easter Week starts with Easter Sunday and ends with Sunday after Easter. It is a very important time for Christians to reflect on a foundational belief in our faith. This is when we as Christians look past the Cross and the Empty Tomb and can rejoice in our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Many traditions are found around Easter, and I know we can all remember Easter’s past with family and friends; the Easter Egg hunts, the Easter baskets with candy and of course the Easter meal we have shared together. But since the second century AD, the rejoicing celebration we have most cherished is gathering with our brothers and sisters in Christ to rejoice that we have a Savior who is alive, a Savior who reigns and a Savior who is ready to hear and answer our prayers!

So, on this Easter Week I want to wish you a blessed and happy week in our Risen Savior.

~Chaplain Jack Stanek, Director of Spiritual Care at Martin Luther Campus

Seniors who call our community home expect the best, including a clean and healthy environment, compassionate health care providers, and vibrant programming to meet their social and emotional needs. Our health care team strives to exceed expectations each and every day, but now, with limitations associated with COVID-19, we must be more creative than ever to bring joy to our seniors.
 
We’ve thrown our normal calendar of activities out the window and quickly adapted our methods. The results are outstanding! Here’s what we’ve done thus far:

• Personalized approach – Just because we are practicing protective isolation doesn’t mean human interaction has disappeared. We’ve reallocated staff to focus specifically on resident life enrichment and activities. Our team members are assigned to specific areas of our community to build and maintain relationships with our residents. By getting to know our residents on an even more personal level, we can help build trust and calm fear in these stressful times.
• Small group activities – Our team is focused on activities that can be shared among residents in small groups of five people or less. This includes playing games, completing craft projects and spending time connecting to combat concerns of social isolation.
• Activity modification – We’ve adapted our BINGO to playing in rooms and residents enthusiastically ring bells to announce their BINGO. We have an indoor ice cream truck that plays fun music as it winds its way through the halls. Being silly, fun and finding moments to laugh is key.
• “Room Service” – To cater to our residents who would rather stay in their rooms, we offer Activities via “Room Service.” Our team delivers individualized activities like reading materials, books to journal, puzzles, cards and sensory kits, which are especially helpful for our memory care residents.
• Utilizing technology – We’re using our campus television channel to stream videos, listen to music, share news and resident stories and even encourage light exercises. We’re also utilizing online tours of museums and zoos to keep our residents engaged.
• Chaplain Services – The benefit of living in a senior community is the opportunity to take advantage of the wealth of resources that are available to all residents. One area that has been especially helpful recently is our chaplain services. Chaplains are available to provide spiritual support to our residents, both in small group and individualized settings. Our team is hosting worship services, chaplain chats, group rosary and a daily devotion.
• Family support – The absence of visitors has forced our families to flex their creative muscles! Families have made phone calls, video calls, window visits and hung signs up outside for their loved ones to see. We’ve delivered cards and letters from families, kids and neighbors who offer supportive thoughts to our residents. On St. Patrick’s Day, KARE 11 captured one of our residents celebrating his 87th birthday with his family singing, dancing and playing a trumpet outside his window. Now this is fun! To watch this celebration: https://www.kare11.com/video/news/local/breaking-the-news/surprise-birthday-party-at-bloomington-nursing-home/89-6e19be23-d9de-4087-af4c-b2e8f1a37821
  
  

Our health care team has always been devoted to creating enriching activities for residents in our senior community. Now, more than ever, we are steadfast in our commitment to ensuring our residents’ physical, emotional and social needs are being met. That’s why we’ve been named to the list of “Best Nursing Homes” by U.S. News & World Report. Contact us today to learn more about our exceptional community! You can reach Kate at 952-948-5181 for details.

​Although we cannot be with every senior during this time or peoples with compromised health systems, we still want to be a resource. Our Corporate Registered Dietitian will be putting together some short video segments to provide nutrition tips and fun little recipes for people to try on their own. We are hopeful that with these precautions we will be able to move on to our “normal lives” soon.
​
Nutrients found in foods can help boost our immune systems and provide our bodies with extra protection. That being said, it is not guaranteed that any of the foods will actually prevent you from ever becoming sick. However, here are just a few foods that can give us a little help in staying healthy!

• Carrots, mangos, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes and sweet potatoes- all contain Beta Carotene, a naturally occurring retinol precursor that can help stimulate the release of natural killer cells, lymphocytes and monocytes while inhibiting free-radical damage to DNA.
• Citrus fruits, berries, melons, bell peppers, broccoli and tomatoes- contain Vitamin C which supports other cellular functions and has antioxidant properties. Vitamin C helps direct immune cells (neutrophils) to sites of infections.
• Fatty fish, eggs and fortified milks & juice- contain vitamin D which has anti-inflammatory properties that can counteract microbial infections in addition to inflammation.
• Beef, seafood, bean, tofu and nuts- good sources of Zinc that is critical for normal development and function of cells that can help fight infection & heal wounds. Zinc may also reduce the duration of the common cold and reduce risk of upper respiratory infections in children.
• Cultured dairy products and fermented foods- provide probiotics to promote good gut health
• Dairy products, eggs, beef, chicken, seafood, nuts, seeds, beans and lentils- great sources of protein which is crucial to build, maintain and repair body tissue. Antibodies that help fight disease are made of protein (amino-acids).

During these trying times, focus on having a healthy balance in your life including eating well, moving (as much as possible) and getting adequate sleep. Aim for 5-7 servings of fruits and veggies daily to get these immune boosting minerals, vitamins and antioxidants!
Of course, proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective way to help prevent the spread of germs. We would also like to remind everyone to properly clean utensils, glassware and other serving dishes. Refrain from sharing silverware, cups, bottles, etc… to avoid the spread of germs from on to another.
The recipe today is one that our Registered Dietitian Becca thinks we all deserve at this time because it features steak! Steak is a wonderful source of protein, zinc and iron. Pairing foods like steak with other foods containing vitamin C (strawberries) helps our bodies absorb iron more efficiently too!

February is American Heart Month, making this the perfect time to focus on our heart health. Adopting a heart healthy lifestyle may seem daunting, but there are a few simple lifestyle changes seniors can make to protect their hearts.

​Do you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol? Are there other factors putting you at risk for heart attack or stroke? Talk to your doctor about your numbers, what they mean for your heart health, and what you can do to improve them.

​Experts agree that a Mediterranean diet is good for the heart. Focus on fruits and vegetables, nuts and whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats. In addition, eat foods that are rich in potassium, such as bananas, melon, cooked broccoli, sweet potatoes and mushrooms.

​Excess sodium can elevate blood pressure and increase your stroke risk. Avoid processed and prepared foods, which often contain a large amount of added sodium. When cooking, add herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt.

​If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your heart. Talk to your doctor for strategies and support.

​Physical activity doesn’t need to be intense to be effective. A simple walk around the block will help your heart. Incorporate movement however and whenever you are able.

​Stay active and healthy with Martin Luther Campus! Our adult day programs offer opportunities for seniors to get out and get moving, and our long term care and assisted living programs promote and prioritize healthy living. Contact us to learn more!

Martin Luther Care Center is part of the Ebenezer family of Senior Care Communities. We provide transitional care, long term care, assisted living apartments, and memory care for seniors in Bloomington, Minnesota. We also have adult day programs for seniors living at home. We’re located at 1401 East 100th St., in Bloomington, MN.
 
Are you or a loved one interested in learning more about assisted living care? Call Amy at 952-948-5167 for more information and to schedule a tour today