COVID-19 UPDATES

March 9, 2023

Since our last update on February 23, 2023, our community has had one staff member test positive for Covid-19 and no resident cases.

**Please note: Any changes since the last update are shown in highlighted text below.**

Transmissibility Level:
The Community Transmissibility Level for King County is ‘Substantial’. All members of our community, along with any guests or visitors, are required to wear a mask while in common areas, unless eating or drinking. Staff from every department will continue testing for Covid-19 twice a week. Testing should be done on the 1st and 3rd scheduled work days (i.e. if your regular schedule is M-F, you will test every Monday and Wednesday). 

Mask Mandate Changes Next Month:

• Due to the continued downward trend of Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths, effective April 3, 2023, the Washington State Department of Health will end the secretary mask order in health care, long-term care, and adult correctional facilities
  • Vaccinations will continue to be an important tool to keep people safe and protected
  • Health Care providers will continue to follow the DOH Infection prevention Control guidance when it comes to use of PPE (see link below)
  • We will continue to track The Hearthstone community transmission level
  • Staff will continue testing per the communities transmissibility rate
• Residents, employees and contractors will have the right to choose whether they want to continue using facemasks or other PPE while on-site
• Everyone is still required to mask until April 3rd, 2023

The Hearthstone is Fully Open to Guests:
As of Monday, February 20th, The Hearthstone has re-opened to visitors and guests are allowed to join residents for meals and activities. To have guests join you for dining, please make reservations at least 24 hours in advance by contacting the Dining Reservations Host at extension #5312 with your preferred dining time and the number of guests you’d like to have. At this time, we are limiting the total number of guests allowed at any meal in the main Lakeside dining room to a maximum of twenty. Therefore, reservations can only be accommodated and approved on a first-come basis. Guests are welcome to join in resident activities and dining at The Bistro without the need to make reservations. The Gift Shop is also open to visitors. All guests are still required to mask and will need to screen for Covid-19 and Flu systems at the AccuShield kiosk upon checking in at the front desk. For questions specific to guests attending Hearthstone activities, please contact the Director of Resident Engagement at extension #5435 or email ResEngage@hearthstone.org. 

February 9, 2023

Since our last update on January 26, 2023, our community has had one positive Covid-19 case, an IL resident.

Please note: Any changes since the last update are shown in highlighted text below.

Changes in Staff Protocol:
The Community Transmissibility Level for King County went from ‘Substantial’ to ‘High’ on February 6th. For this reason,  all employees must wear protective eyewear (goggles or face shields) effective immediately. Staff will continue wearing masks and testing for Covid two times a week. Testing should be done on the 1st and 3rd scheduled work days (i.e. Monday and Wednesday if you work Monday – Friday). 

Cove East Outbreak Status:
Currently, Cove East is considered in “Outbreak Status” due to a positive resident case. This status does not have any effect on the current resident guidelines.  

RESIDENT PROTOCOLS: No Changes

• It is still okay to co-mingle with other residents so long as they are not having any Covid or Flu symptoms and are not on isolation or in quarantine 
  • Although all of Lakeside is considered to be in outbreak status, there are no changes or further limitations to those in unaffected areas
    • This means co-mingling for vespers, internal activities, dining, etc. is allowed
    • Residents will still be required to wear a mask everywhere in the building except within their own apartments and when eating or drinking 
• All residents and visitors are still required to wear a mask while on-site

If you develop symptoms:

• Day 1: Perform a RAPID Covid-19 test as soon as possible
  • Notify the front desk for further instructions 
  • We ask that you self-isolate right away, even if your test results are negative for Covid as we need to be cautious about the Flu transmission as well
• Day 3 & Day 7:  Re-test for Covid
  • Remain quarantined until you have (2) consecutive negative test results with improved symptoms
    • Continue to wear a fitted mask and avoid eating meals in the main IL dining room until day 10
• Day 11: You may resume eating meals in the main IL dining room and are not required to test for Covid for the next (30) days
• Note: If at any point a test result comes back positive, please notify the front desk ASAP and begin isolation. A staff member will reach out to you shortly thereafter to guide you through this process.

General Reminder: We ask our residents, family and staff to be mindful and practice caution when we gather.  Please refrain from gathering if you are not feeling well, even if your symptoms are mild. This is to protect others and those who are immunocompromised. Keep your mask on in all public areas, practice social distancing best you can, to include limiting occupancy in elevators to (4) people, and wash your hands frequently. 
 

If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home.  Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well. 

For further information, please see the UPDATED (as of 11.04.22) Visitation Guidelines by clicking the link below.

https://mcusercontent.com/d6e700979292e9b8f91f1c05b/files/c8822d8a-81f5-221d-7b40-b7d459c659b0/Upd_11.04.22_Core_Principles_of_COVID__VISITATION_Guidelines.01.pdf

If you’d like to obtain a hard copy, they are located in the Lakeside Building reception area.

For the most recent Independent Living DOH COVID-19 Guidelines, please click the link below:

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/care/ILFtoolkit.aspx

For the most recent Recommendations for SARS-CoV2 Infection Prevention and Control in Health Care Settings, please click the link below: 

https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/420-391-HealthcareIPCCOVID.pdf

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times. 

February 9, 2023

Since our last update on January 26, 2023, our community has had one positive Covid-19 case, an IL resident.

Please note: Any changes since the last update are shown in highlighted text below.

Changes in Staff Protocol:
The Community Transmissibility Level for King County went from ‘Substantial’ to ‘High’ on February 6th. For this reason,  all employees must wear protective eyewear (goggles or face shields) effective immediately. Staff will continue wearing masks and testing for Covid two times a week. Testing should be done on the 1st and 3rd scheduled work days (i.e. Monday and Wednesday if you work Monday – Friday). 

Cove East Outbreak Status:
Currently, Cove East is considered in “Outbreak Status” due to a positive resident case. This status does not have any effect on the current resident guidelines.  

RESIDENT PROTOCOLS: No Changes

• It is still okay to co-mingle with other residents so long as they are not having any Covid or Flu symptoms and are not on isolation or in quarantine 
  • Although all of Lakeside is considered to be in outbreak status, there are no changes or further limitations to those in unaffected areas
    • This means co-mingling for vespers, internal activities, dining, etc. is allowed
    • Residents will still be required to wear a mask everywhere in the building except within their own apartments and when eating or drinking 
• All residents and visitors are still required to wear a mask while on-site

If you develop symptoms:

• Day 1: Perform a RAPID Covid-19 test as soon as possible
  • Notify the front desk for further instructions 
  • We ask that you self-isolate right away, even if your test results are negative for Covid as we need to be cautious about the Flu transmission as well
• Day 3 & Day 7:  Re-test for Covid
  • Remain quarantined until you have (2) consecutive negative test results with improved symptoms
    • Continue to wear a fitted mask and avoid eating meals in the main IL dining room until day 10
• Day 11: You may resume eating meals in the main IL dining room and are not required to test for Covid for the next (30) days
• Note: If at any point a test result comes back positive, please notify the front desk ASAP and begin isolation. A staff member will reach out to you shortly thereafter to guide you through this process.

General Reminder: We ask our residents, family and staff to be mindful and practice caution when we gather.  Please refrain from gathering if you are not feeling well, even if your symptoms are mild. This is to protect others and those who are immunocompromised. Keep your mask on in all public areas, practice social distancing best you can, to include limiting occupancy in elevators to (4) people, and wash your hands frequently. 
 

If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home.  Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well. 

For further information, please see the UPDATED (as of 11.04.22) Visitation Guidelines by clicking the link below.

https://mcusercontent.com/d6e700979292e9b8f91f1c05b/files/c8822d8a-81f5-221d-7b40-b7d459c659b0/Upd_11.04.22_Core_Principles_of_COVID__VISITATION_Guidelines.01.pdf

If you’d like to obtain a hard copy, they are located in the Lakeside Building reception area.

For the most recent Independent Living DOH COVID-19 Guidelines, please click the link below:

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/care/ILFtoolkit.aspx

For the most recent Recommendations for SARS-CoV2 Infection Prevention and Control in Health Care Settings, please click the link below: 

https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/420-391-HealthcareIPCCOVID.pdf

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times. 

February 9, 2023

Since our last update on January 26, 2023, our community has had one positive Covid-19 case, an IL resident.

Please note: Any changes since the last update are shown in highlighted text below.

Changes in Staff Protocol:
The Community Transmissibility Level for King County went from ‘Substantial’ to ‘High’ on February 6th. For this reason,  all employees must wear protective eyewear (goggles or face shields) effective immediately. Staff will continue wearing masks and testing for Covid two times a week. Testing should be done on the 1st and 3rd scheduled work days (i.e. Monday and Wednesday if you work Monday – Friday). 

Cove East Outbreak Status:
Currently, Cove East is considered in “Outbreak Status” due to a positive resident case. This status does not have any effect on the current resident guidelines.  

RESIDENT PROTOCOLS: No Changes

• It is still okay to co-mingle with other residents so long as they are not having any Covid or Flu symptoms and are not on isolation or in quarantine 
  • Although all of Lakeside is considered to be in outbreak status, there are no changes or further limitations to those in unaffected areas
    • This means co-mingling for vespers, internal activities, dining, etc. is allowed
    • Residents will still be required to wear a mask everywhere in the building except within their own apartments and when eating or drinking 
• All residents and visitors are still required to wear a mask while on-site

If you develop symptoms:

• Day 1: Perform a RAPID Covid-19 test as soon as possible
  • Notify the front desk for further instructions 
  • We ask that you self-isolate right away, even if your test results are negative for Covid as we need to be cautious about the Flu transmission as well
• Day 3 & Day 7:  Re-test for Covid
  • Remain quarantined until you have (2) consecutive negative test results with improved symptoms
    • Continue to wear a fitted mask and avoid eating meals in the main IL dining room until day 10
• Day 11: You may resume eating meals in the main IL dining room and are not required to test for Covid for the next (30) days
• Note: If at any point a test result comes back positive, please notify the front desk ASAP and begin isolation. A staff member will reach out to you shortly thereafter to guide you through this process.

General Reminder: We ask our residents, family and staff to be mindful and practice caution when we gather.  Please refrain from gathering if you are not feeling well, even if your symptoms are mild. This is to protect others and those who are immunocompromised. Keep your mask on in all public areas, practice social distancing best you can, to include limiting occupancy in elevators to (4) people, and wash your hands frequently. 
 

If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home.  Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well. 

For further information, please see the UPDATED (as of 11.04.22) Visitation Guidelines by clicking the link below.

https://mcusercontent.com/d6e700979292e9b8f91f1c05b/files/c8822d8a-81f5-221d-7b40-b7d459c659b0/Upd_11.04.22_Core_Principles_of_COVID__VISITATION_Guidelines.01.pdf

If you’d like to obtain a hard copy, they are located in the Lakeside Building reception area.

For the most recent Independent Living DOH COVID-19 Guidelines, please click the link below:

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/care/ILFtoolkit.aspx

For the most recent Recommendations for SARS-CoV2 Infection Prevention and Control in Health Care Settings, please click the link below: 

https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/420-391-HealthcareIPCCOVID.pdf

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times. 

Updated January 17, 2023

Since our last update on December 23, 2022 we have had one IL resident and two staff members test positive for Covid-19 in our community.

The Community Transmissibility Level for King County went up from ‘Substantial’ to ‘High’.
For this reason, all employees must test for Covid-19 three times a week and wear protective eyewear or a face shield along with a fitted N95 mask while in contact with any residents, effective immediately. 

Lakeside Outbreak Status:
Our 28-day outbreak status for the Lakeside Building restarted on January 6th, 2023. The new date for the outbreak status to be lifted is February 3rd, 2023. 

• What does this mean?
  • When a resident tests positive, they are placed on isolation status immediately 
  • Those identified with high exposure are placed on quarantine for monitoring and observation 
    • While in quarantine status, you are asked NOT to participate in group gatherings; this includes dining with other residents. 

RESIDENTS: No Changes

• It is still okay to co-mingle with other residents so long as they are not having any Covid or Flu symptoms and are not on isolation or in quarantine 
  • Although all of Lakeside is considered to be in outbreak status, there are no changes or further limitations to those in unaffected areas
    • This means co-mingling for vespers, internal activities, dining, etc. is allowed
    • Residents will still be required to wear a mask everywhere in the building except within their own apartments and when eating or drinking 
• All residents and visitors are still required to wear a fitted surgical or KN95 mask while on-site

If you develop symptoms:

• Day 1: Perform a RAPID Covid-19 test as soon as possible
  • Notify the front desk for further instructions 
  • We ask that you self-isolate right away, even if your test results are negative for Covid as we need to be cautious about the Flu transmission as well
• Day 3 & Day 7:  Re-test for Covid
  • Remain quarantined until you have (2) consecutive negative test results with improved symptoms
    • Continue to wear a fitted mask and avoid eating meals in the main IL dining room until day 10
• Day 11: You may resume eating meals in the main IL dining room and are not required to test for Covid for the next (30) days
• Note: If at any point a test result comes back positive, please notify the front desk ASAP and begin isolation. A staff member will reach out to you shortly thereafter to guide you through this process.

General Reminder: We ask our residents, family and staff to be mindful and practice caution when we gather.  Please refrain from gathering if you are not feeling well, even if your symptoms are mild. This is to protect others and those who are immunocompromised. Keep your mask on in all public areas, practice social distancing best you can, to include limiting occupancy in elevators to (4) people, and wash your hands frequently. 

If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home.  Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well.

For further information, please see the UPDATED (as of 11.04.22) Visitation Guidelines by clicking the link below.

https://mcusercontent.com/d6e700979292e9b8f91f1c05b/files/c8822d8a-81f5-221d-7b40-b7d459c659b0/Upd_11.04.22_Core_Principles_of_COVID__VISITATION_Guidelines.01.pdf

If you’d like to obtain a hard copy, they are located in the Lakeside Building reception area.

For the most recent Independent Living DOH COVID-19 Guidelines, please click the link below:

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/care/ILFtoolkit.aspx

For the most recent Recommendations for SARS-CoV2 Infection Prevention and Control in Health Care Settings, please click the link below: 

https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/420-391-HealthcareIPCCOVID.pdf

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times. 

Updated December 23, 2022

After no Covid-19 cases for the entire month of November and beginning of December, we had three IL residents and two MC residents test positive. No staff have tested positive at the community.

Please note: Any changes since the last update are shown in highlighted text below.

Lakeside Outbreak Status:
As of Monday, December 19th, our Lakeside Building is considered to be in outbreak status due to the positive cases in the Memory Care. The status will be lifted in (14) days if we have no further positive Covid-19 cases. Although we did not have a positive case in the AL units, the same precautionary measures are required in both AL & MC due to the level of exposure that was determined during contact tracing amongst staff and residents on the Lakeside 3rd and 4th floors. 

• What does this mean?
  • N95 masks and goggles or face shields are mandatory at all times for anyone on the 3rd of 4th floor. No exceptions.
  • When a resident tests positive, they are placed on isolation status immediately 
  • Those identified with high exposure are placed on quarantine for monitoring and observation 
    • While in quarantine status, you are asked NOT to participate in group gatherings; this includes dining with other residents. 

Note: AL/MC residents who are not positive for Covid, and who were not exposed to the positive cases, may continue to gather with others so long as masks are being worn by all parties at all times.

IL & HC RESIDENTS:

• It is still okay to co-mingle with other residents so long as they are not having any Covid or Flu symptoms and are not on isolation or in quarantine 
  • Although all of Lakeside is considered to be in outbreak status, there are no changes or further limitations to those in unaffected areas
    • This means co-mingling for vespers, internal activities, dining, etc. is allowed
    • Residents will still be required to wear a mask everywhere in the building except within their own apartments and when eating or drinking 

If you develop symptoms:

• Day 1: Perform a RAPID Covid-19 test as soon as possible
  • Notify the front desk for further instructions 
  • We ask that you self-isolate right away, even if your test results are negative for Covid as we need to be cautious about the Flu transmission as well
• Day 3 & Day 7:  Re-test for Covid
  • Remain quarantined until you have (2) consecutive negative test results with improved symptoms
    • Continue to wear a fitted mask and avoid eating meals in the main IL dining room until day 10
• Day 11: You may resume eating meals in the main IL dining room and are not required to test for Covid for the next (30) days
• Note: If at any point a test result comes back positive, please notify the front desk ASAP and begin isolation. A staff member will reach out to you shortly thereafter to guide you through this process.

STAFF:

• ALL persons must have an N95 mask and protective eyewear at all times while working on the 3rd of 4th floor (AL/MC)
• If staff from other departments have to go to AL or MC, you must wear your fitted mask and face shields
• Protective eyewear and N95’s are not required for staff working outside of AL and MC, unless the employee is working one on one with a resident who is positive for Covid-19 or the employee is under high exposure protocols
  • Currently, our community transmissibility level is ‘substantial’ which allows us to keep this protocol as is, however, levels are rising
    • If King County goes into a “high” transmission level, N95’s and protective eyewear will immediately be required for all staff in all areas
  • All employees, residents and visitors are still required to wear a fitted surgical or KN95 mask while on-site
• If any staff feel the need to wear an N95 to protect themselves, even if you are not in the affected area, please feel free to do so
• Staff will continue testing for Covid-19 once a week
  • This will be Monday for anyone who’s regular schedule is M-F otherwise it will be the day following your “weekend”
    • i.e. if you only work Wednesday and Fridays, you will need to test upon arrival every Wednesday Morning
    • Staff is also required to test immediately upon returning from any time off (ie vacation, sick, etc.)
  • If King County transmission level gets to “high”, all employees will be required to test 2-3 times per week

Holiday Gatherings:
We ask our residents, family and staff to be mindful and practice caution when we gather. The CDC recommends that anyone planning to partake in holiday events take a Covid test prior to traveling and before gathering with loved ones. Please refrain from gathering if you are not feeling well, even if your symptoms are mild. This is to protect others and those who are immunocompromised. Keep your mask on in all public areas, practice social distancing best you can and wash your hands frequently. 
 

Updated December 5, 2022

After no Covid-19 cases for the entire month of November, we have had one IL resident and no staff test positive. Keep up the good work and stay safe, team!

Please note: Any changes since the last update are shown in highlighted text below.

ALL RESIDENTS (IL, AL, MC & HC):

• It is officially okay to mix levels of care again at The Hearthstone!
  • This means co-mingling for vespers, internal activities, dining, etc. is allowed
  • Residents will still be required to wear a mask everywhere in the building except within their own apartments and when eating or drinking
  • Live performances will resume, however, all performers must be at least 6 feet from the front row.

**NOTE: A full list of current visitation guidelines can be found below. Please reference this for additional information**

STAFF (ALL):

• Protective eyewear and N95’s are no longer required for all staff, UNLESS the employee is working one on one with a resident who is positive for Covid-19 or the employee has been exposed and is under high exposure protocols
  • All employees, residents and visitors are still required to wear a fitted surgical or KN95 mask while on-site
• Staff is only required to test for Covid-19 once a week
  • This will be Monday for anyone who’s regular schedule is M-F otherwise it will be the day following your “weekend”
    • i.e. if you only work Wednesday and Fridays, you will need to test upon arrival every Wednesday Morning
    • Staff is also required to test immediately upon returning from any time off (ie vacation, sick, etc.)
• As of November 21st, 2022, the Lakeside Building is no longer on a 28-day outbreak status

• B5 NEW VARIANT ALERT: 
  • Positive cases for this this variant have been found to present COVID symptoms 4-5 days before having a positive test result
    • The first 4-5 days of symptoms is the most contagious phase
    • If you are symptomatic, please assume you have the virus, even if you are testing negative, and follow all guidelines accordingly while isolating 
  • Higher risk to exposure and vulnerability to reinfection of the virus
  • Can evade both vaccination induced and natural immunity 
  • Shown to be highly transmissible

As a reminder, If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home.  Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well.

For further information, please see the UPDATED (as of 11.04.22) Visitation Guidelines by clicking the link below.

https://mcusercontent.com/d6e700979292e9b8f91f1c05b/files/c8822d8a-81f5-221d-7b40-b7d459c659b0/Upd_11.04.22_Core_Principles_of_COVID__VISITATION_Guidelines.01.pdf

If you’d like to obtain a hard copy, they are located in the Lakeside Building reception area.

For the most recent Independent Living DOH COVID-19 Guidelines, please click the link below:

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/care/ILFtoolkit.aspx

For the most recent Recommendations for SARS-CoV2 Infection Prevention and Control in Health Care Settings, please click the link below:

https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/420-391-HealthcareIPCCOVID.pdf

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times.

Updated November 4, 2022

Since our last update on October 28th, we have had no new positive Covid-19 cases in our community.

Please note the following changes highlighted below, effective immediately:

ALL RESIDENTS (IL, AL, MC & HC):

• It is officially okay to mix levels of care again at The Hearthstone!
  • This means co-mingling for vespers, internal activities, dining, etc. is allowed
  • Residents will still be required to wear a mask everywhere in the building except within their own apartments and when eating or drinking
  • Live performances will resume, however, all performers must be at least 6 feet from the front row

**NOTE: A full list of current visitation guidelines can be found below. Please reference this for additional information**

STAFF (ALL):

• Protective eyewear and N95’s are no longer required for all staff, UNLESS the employee is working one on one with a resident who is positive for Covid-19 or the employee has been exposed and is under high exposure protocols
  • All employees, residents and visitors are still required to wear a fitted surgical or KN95 mask while on-site
• Staff is only required to test for Covid-19 once a week
  • This will be Monday for anyone who’s regular schedule is M-F otherwise it will be the day following your “weekend”
    • ie if you only work Wednesday and Fridays, you will need to test upon arrival every Wednesday Morning
    • Staff is also required to test immediately upon returning from any time off (ie vacation, sick, etc.)

The Lakeside building is still on “outbreak” status, however, this does not have any direct implications on our day-to-day routines and activities. Exposures are consistently being monitored by contact tracing and guidance from the King County Health Department and the Hearthstone COVID Committee.

• A 28-day outbreak status in the Health Center started October 3rd, 2022 and will be lifted October 30th, 2022 if we have no new positive cases
• The 28-day outbreak status in the Lakeside Building restarted October 24th, 2022 and will be lifted November 21st, 2022 if we have no new positive cases

• B5 NEW VARIANT ALERT: 
  • Positive cases for this this variant have been found to present COVID symptoms 4-5 days before having a positive test result
    • The first 4-5 days of symptoms is the most contagious phase
    • If you are symptomatic, please assume you have the virus, even if you are testing negative, and follow all guidelines accordingly while isolating 
  • Higher risk to exposure and vulnerability to reinfection of the virus
  • Can evade both vaccination induced and natural immunity 
  • Shown to be highly transmissible

As a reminder, If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home.  Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well.

 
For further information, please see the UPDATED (as of 11.04.22) Visitation Guidelines by clicking the link below.

https://mcusercontent.com/d6e700979292e9b8f91f1c05b/files/c8822d8a-81f5-221d-7b40-b7d459c659b0/Upd_11.04.22_Core_Principles_of_COVID__VISITATION_Guidelines.01.pdf

If you’d like to obtain a hard copy, they are located in the Lakeside Building reception area.

For the most recent Independent Living DOH COVID-19 Guidelines, please click the link below:

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/care/ILFtoolkit.aspx

For the most recent Recommendations for SARS-CoV2 Infection Prevention and Control in Health Care Settings, please click the link below: 

https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/420-391-HealthcareIPCCOVID.pdf

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times. 

Updated September 28, 2022

After weeks of NO new cases, we have had two staff members and one IL resident test positive for Covid-19.

Please note: Any changes from the last update are highlighted, as shown below:

The “outbreak” status doesn’t currently have any direct implications on our IL day-to-day routines and activities so long as we continue to work closely with the state in an effort to contain the virus from spreading. Exposures are consistently being monitored by contact tracing and guidance from the King County Health Department and the Hearthstone COVID Committee.

• Residents in licensed areas will continue to be tested weekly
• The 28-day outbreak status in the Lakeside Building restarted September 28th, 2022 and will be lifted October 26th, 2022 if we have no new positive cases
• B5 NEW VARIANT ALERT: 
  • GREAT NEWS!! The new Bivalent vaccine is finally here! This vaccine covers this Omicron variant and we are thrilled to be able to offer it to our community this week.  Reasons to get vaccinated? See new B5 variant findings as listed below:
    • Shown to be highly transmissible
    • Can evade both vaccination induced and natural immunity 
    • Higher risk to exposure and vulnerability to reinfection of the virus
    • Positive cases for this this variant have been found to present COVID symptoms 4-5 days before having a positive test result
      • The first 4-5 days of symptoms is the most contagious phase
      • If you are symptomatic, please assume you have the virus, even if you are testing negative, and follow all guidelines accordingly while isolating 

Additionally, the following still apply:

• There are currently no quarantine restrictions for IL residents.
• Independent and Assisted Living Residents in the Lakeside Building may continue to have visitors.  However, due to limited space in the Health Center specifically, visitations will be by appointment only to safely comply with the 6-feet distancing and allow all families time with their loved ones. 
  • Outdoor visitations are the safest form of visitation so we are still encouraging families to take advantage of the weather when it’s nice rather than meeting indoors. 
  • Health Center residents will have priority when requesting the Gazebo in the Woodlawn area.
• Although IL group activities remain available, all residents are encouraged to continue using all recommended virus safety protocols.
• The Seattle area Covid-19 Transmission for King County is at the highest level of ‘High’ which is more reason for us to continue taking ALL precautions here at The Hearthstone.

What it means for the Hearthstone staff:

• All staff members will continue testing for the virus three times a week.
• Dining staff is required to wear eye protection at all times.
• Fitted N95 masks and goggles are required in all licensed areas.                                       

Please note: All conditions listed above are subject to change at any time.

GUIDELINES FOR IL RESIDENTS (as of May 19th, 2022):

If you were EXPOSED to Covid-19 and up-to-date on vaccinations with NO symptoms, get tested at least 5 days after the exposure, continue wearing a well-fitted mask at all times and watch for symptoms up to 10 days after exposure. If you develop symptoms, ISOLATE IMMEDIATELY, get tested right away and continue to wear a well-fitted mask.

If you are exposed and NOT up to date on vaccinations, you are required to quarantine for 5 days whether you’re having symptoms or not, in addition to taking the same precautions as noted above for up-to-date vaccinated residents. 

IF YOU TESTED POSITIVE for Covid-19 OR have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, you are now only required to isolate for (5) days rather than (10) days so long as you are fever free for 24+ hours and all other symptoms are improving. 

As a reminder, If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home.  Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well.

For Independent Living DOH COVID-19 Guidelines (as of April 8, 2022), please click the link below:

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/care/ILFtoolkit.aspx

For Interim Recommendations for SARS-CoV2 Infection Prevention and Control in Health Care Settings (as of April 22, 2022), please click the link below: 

https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/420-391-HealthcareIPCCOVID.pdf

Please see the Visitation Guidelines for further information by clicking the link below. If you’d like to obtain a hard copy, they are located in the Lakeside Building reception area.

https://mcusercontent.com/d6e700979292e9b8f91f1c05b/files/d2242448-245b-7f25-e53c-000ebd63afdc/Interim_COVID_19_Visitation_Policy_3.22.22.pdf

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times.

Updated August 26, 2022

Since our last update on August 19th, 2022, we have had two staff members and two IL residents test positive for Covid-19.

Please note: Any changes from the last update are highlighted, as shown below:

Dining Services for IL Residents:

• Dinner for IL residents will continue on a two-night rotation, effective as of August 15th, 2022.
• We continue to work towards having all IL residents dine together every night. More information will follow prior to that change.

The “outbreak” status doesn’t currently have any direct implications on our IL day-to-day routines and activities so long as we continue to work closely with the state in an effort to contain the virus from spreading. Exposures are consistently being monitored by contact tracing and guidance from the King County Health Department and the Hearthstone COVID Committee.

• Residents in licensed areas no longer have to be tested every three days and will now be tested weekly
• The 28-day outbreak status in the Lakeside Building restarted August 23rd, 2022 and will be lifted September 20th, 2022 if we have no new positive casesB5 NEW VARIANT ALERT:
  • Shown to be highly transmissible
  • Can evade both vaccination induced and natural immunity
  • Higher risk to exposure and vulnerability to reinfection of the virus
  • A new vaccine is expected to be available closer to Fall of 2022
    • Until then, we must remember to be just as cautious as we were prior to receiving the vaccinations for the previous variants including social distancing when gathering, masking when appropriate, and planning ahead for safe travels, as needed.
  • Positive cases for this this variant have been found to present COVID symptoms 4-5 days before having a positive test result
    • The first 4-5 days of symptoms is the most contagious phase
    • If you are symptomatic, please assume you have the virus, even if you are testing negative, and follow all guidelines accordingly while isolating

Additionally, the following still apply:

• There are currently no quarantine restrictions for IL residents.
• Independent and Assisted Living Residents in the Lakeside Building may continue to have visitors.  However, due to limited space in the Health Center specifically, visitations will be by appointment only to safely comply with the 6-feet distancing and allow all families time with their loved ones.
  • Outdoor visitations are the safest form of visitation so we are still encouraging families to take advantage of the weather when it’s nice rather than meeting indoors.
  • Health Center residents will have priority when requesting the Gazebo in the Woodlawn area.
• Although IL group activities remain available, all residents are encouraged to continue using all recommended virus safety protocols.
• The Seattle area Covid-19 Transmission for King County is at the highest level of ‘High’ which is more reason for us to continue taking ALL precautions here at The Hearthstone.

What it means for the Hearthstone staff:

• All staff members will continue testing for the virus three times a week.
• Dining staff is required to wear eye protection at all times.
• Fitted N95 masks and goggles are required in all licensed areas.

Please note: All conditions listed above are subject to change at any time.

GUIDELINES FOR IL RESIDENTS (as of May 19th, 2022):

If you were EXPOSED to Covid-19 and up-to-date on vaccinations with NO symptoms, get tested at least 5 days after the exposure, continue wearing a well-fitted mask at all times and watch for symptoms up to 10 days after exposure. If you develop symptoms, ISOLATE IMMEDIATELY, get tested right away and continue to wear a well-fitted mask.

If you are exposed and NOT up to date on vaccinations, you are required to quarantine for 5 days whether you’re having symptoms or not, in addition to taking the same precautions as noted above for up-to-date vaccinated residents.

IF YOU TESTED POSITIVE for Covid-19 OR have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, you are now only required to isolate for (5) days rather than (10) days so long as you are fever free for 24+ hours and all other symptoms are improving.

As a reminder, If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home.  Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well.

For Independent Living DOH COVID-19 Guidelines (as of April 8, 2022), please click the link below:

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/care/ILFtoolkit.aspx

For Interim Recommendations for SARS-CoV2 Infection Prevention and Control in Health Care Settings (as of April 22, 2022), please click the link below: 

https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/420-391-HealthcareIPCCOVID.pdf

Please see the Visitation Guidelines for further information by clicking the link below. If you’d like to obtain a hard copy, they are located in the Lakeside Building reception area.

https://mcusercontent.com/d6e700979292e9b8f91f1c05b/files/d2242448-245b-7f25-e53c-000ebd63afdc/Interim_COVID_19_Visitation_Policy_3.22.22.pdf

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times.

Updated August 19, 2022

Since our last update on August 12th, 2022, we have had one staff member and two IL residents test positive for Covid-19.

Please note: Any changes from the last update are highlighted, as shown below:

Dining Services for IL Residents:

• Dinner for IL residents will move to a TWO-night rotation, effective Monday, August 15th.
• More information on the new schedule will be announced soon.
• We continue to work towards having all IL residents dine together every night. More information will follow prior to that change.

The “outbreak” status doesn’t currently have any direct implications on our IL day-to-day routines and activities so long as we continue to work closely with the state in an effort to contain the virus from spreading. Exposures are consistently being monitored by contact tracing and guidance from the King County Health Department and the Hearthstone COVID Committee.

• Residents in licensed areas no longer have to be tested every three days and will now be tested weekly
• The 28-day outbreak status in the Lakeside Building restarted August 14th, 2022 and will be lifted September 10th, 2022 if we have no new positive cases
  • Outbreak status for the Health Center was lifted as of August 16th
  • Outbreak status for Assisted Living was lifted as of August 17th

• B5 NEW VARIANT ALERT:
  • Shown to be highly transmissible
  • Can evade both vaccination induced and natural immunity
  • Higher risk to exposure and vulnerability to reinfection of the virus
  • A new vaccine is expected to be available closer to Fall of 2022
    • Until then, we must remember to be just as cautious as we were prior to receiving the vaccinations for the previous variants including social distancing when gathering, masking when appropriate, and planning ahead for safe travels, as needed.
  • Positive cases for this this variant have been found to present COVID symptoms 4-5 days before having a positive test result
    • The first 4-5 days of symptoms is the most contagious phase
    • If you are symptomatic, please assume you have the virus, even if you are testing negative, and follow all guidelines accordingly while isolating

Additionally, the following still apply:

• There are currently no quarantine restrictions for IL residents.
• Independent and Assisted Living Residents in the Lakeside Building may continue to have visitors.  However, due to limited space in the Health Center specifically, visitations will be by appointment only to safely comply with the 6-feet distancing and allow all families time with their loved ones.
  • Outdoor visitations are the safest form of visitation so we are still encouraging families to take advantage of the weather when it’s nice rather than meeting indoors.
  • Health Center residents will have priority when requesting the Gazebo in the Woodlawn area.
• Although IL group activities remain available, all residents are encouraged to continue using all recommended virus safety protocols.
• The Seattle area Covid-19 Transmission for King County is at the highest level of ‘High’ which is more reason for us to continue taking ALL precautions here at The Hearthstone.

What it means for the Hearthstone staff:

• All staff members will continue testing for the virus three times a week.
• Dining staff is required to wear eye protection at all times.
• Fitted N95 masks and goggles are required in all licensed areas.

Please note: All conditions listed above are subject to change at any time.

GUIDELINES FOR IL RESIDENTS (as of May 19th, 2022):

If you were EXPOSED to Covid-19 and up-to-date on vaccinations with NO symptoms, get tested at least 5 days after the exposure, continue wearing a well-fitted mask at all times and watch for symptoms up to 10 days after exposure. If you develop symptoms, ISOLATE IMMEDIATELY, get tested right away and continue to wear a well-fitted mask.

If you are exposed and NOT up to date on vaccinations, you are required to quarantine for 5 days whether you’re having symptoms or not, in addition to taking the same precautions as noted above for up-to-date vaccinated residents.

IF YOU TESTED POSITIVE for Covid-19 OR have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, you are now only required to isolate for (5) days rather than (10) days so long as you are fever free for 24+ hours and all other symptoms are improving.

As a reminder, If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home.  Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well.

For Independent Living DOH COVID-19 Guidelines (as of April 8, 2022), please click the link below:

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/care/ILFtoolkit.aspx

For Interim Recommendations for SARS-CoV2 Infection Prevention and Control in Health Care Settings (as of April 22, 2022), please click the link below: 

https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/420-391-HealthcareIPCCOVID.pdf

Please see the Visitation Guidelines for further information by clicking the link below. If you’d like to obtain a hard copy, they are located in the Lakeside Building reception area.

https://mcusercontent.com/d6e700979292e9b8f91f1c05b/files/d2242448-245b-7f25-e53c-000ebd63afdc/Interim_COVID_19_Visitation_Policy_3.22.22.pdf

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times.

Updated August 9, 2022

Since our last update on July 29th, 2022, we have had one staff member test positive for Covid-19 and NO residents.

Please note the following updates:

• Residents in licensed areas no longer have to be tested every three days and will now be tested weekly
• The 28-day outbreak status in the Lakeside Building restarted August 4th, 2022 and will be lifted August 31st, 2022 if we have no new positive cases 
  • Outbreak status for the Health Center will be lifted August 16th 
  • Outbreak status for Assisted Living will be lifted August 17th 

Updated July 29, 2022

Since our last update on July 20th, 2022, we have had one IL resident, two MC residents, one AL resident and five staff members test positive for Covid-19. 

Please note the following updates:

• Residents in licensed areas will continue be tested every three days until we reach fourteen days with no positive cases
• The 28-day outbreak status in the Lakeside Building restarted July 26th, 2022
  • Outbreak status will be lifted August 22nd, 2022 if we can reduce positive cases and maintain low transmissibility levels
• B5 NEW VARIANT ALERT:
  • Shown to be highly transmissible
  • Can evade both vaccination induced and natural immunity 
  • Higher risk to exposure and vulnerability to reinfection of the virus
  • A new vaccine is expected to be available closer to Fall of 2022
    • Until then, we must remember to be just as cautious as we were prior to receiving the vaccinations for the previous variants including social distancing when gathering, masking when appropriate, and planning ahead for safe travels, as needed.
  • Positive cases for this this variant have been found to present COVID symptoms 4-5 days before having a positive test result
    • The first 4-5 days of symptoms is the most contagious phase
    • If you are symptomatic, please assume you have the virus, even if you are testing negative, and follow all guidelines accordingly while isolating 

The “outbreak” status doesn’t currently have any direct implications on our IL day-to-day routines and activities so long as we continue to work closely with the state in an effort to contain the virus from spreading. Exposures are consistently being monitored by contact tracing and guidance from the King County Health Department and the Hearthstone COVID Committee. 

What it means for the Hearthstone staff:

• All staff members will continue testing for the virus three times a week.
• Dining staff is required to wear eye protection at all times.
• Fitted N95 masks and goggles are required in all licensed areas.                                             

Dining Services for IL Residents:

• Dinner for IL residents will continue with three-night rotations, as we’ve already been doing.
• In an effort to minimize positive cases, dining room seating has been configured for both breakfast and lunch with designated areas for ‘Lakeside IL Residents’ and designated areas specific to ‘Cove Residents’.
• This plan was designed to meet the requirements from the DOH in regards to IL residents to ensure compliance is maintained. 
• Once we’re able to show a decrease in positive cases, we’ll be able to return to co-mingling between IL residents while dining. 

Additionally, the following still apply:

• There are currently no quarantine restrictions for IL residents.
• Independent and Assisted Living Residents in the Lakeside Building may continue to have visitors.  However, due to limited space in the Health Center specifically, visitations will be by appointment only to safely comply with the 6-feet distancing and allow all families time with their loved ones. 
  • Outdoor visitations are the safest form of visitation so we are still encouraging families to take advantage of the weather when it’s nice rather than meeting indoors. 
  • Health Center residents will have priority when requesting the Gazebo in the Woodlawn area.
• Although IL group activities remain available, all residents are encouraged to continue using all recommended virus safety protocols.
• The Seattle area Covid-19 Transmission for King County is at the highest level of ‘High’ which is more reason for us to continue taking ALL precautions here at The Hearthstone.

Updated July 20, 2022

Since our last update on June 30th, 2022, we have had two residents and nine staff members test positive for Covid-19. Contact tracing determined these cases were acquired from outside the Hearthstone community and were not due to facility exposure internally.

Please note the following updates:

• Residents in licensed areas will be tested every three days until we reach fourteen days with no positive cases
• The 28-day outbreak status in the Lakeside Building restarted July 19th, 2022
  • Outbreak status will be lifted August 15th, 2022 if we can reduce positive cases and maintain low transmissibility levels
• B5 NEW VARIANT ALERT:
  • Shown to be highly transmissible
  • Can evade both vaccination induced and natural immunity
  • Higher risk to exposure and vulnerability to reinfection of the virus
  • A new vaccine is expected to be available closer to Fall of 2022
    • Until then, we must remember to be just as cautious as we were prior to receiving the vaccinations for the previous variants including social distancing when gathering, masking when appropriate, and planning ahead for safe travels, as needed.
  • Positive cases for this this variant have been found to present COVID symptoms 4-5 days before having a positive test result
    • The first 4-5 days of symptoms is the most contagious phase
    • If you are symptomatic, please assume you have the virus, even if you are testing negative, and follow all guidelines accordingly while isolating

The “outbreak” status doesn’t currently have any direct implications on our IL day-to-day routines and activities so long as we continue to work closely with the state in an effort to contain the virus from spreading. Exposures are consistently being monitored by contact tracing and guidance from the King County Health Department and the Hearthstone COVID Committee.

What it means for the Hearthstone staff:

• All staff members will continue testing for the virus three times a week.
• Dining staff is required to wear eye protection at all times.
• Fitted N95 masks and goggles are required in all licensed areas.

Dining Services for IL Residents:

• Dinner for IL residents will continue with three-night rotations, as we’ve already been doing.
• In an effort to minimize positive cases, dining room seating has been configured for both breakfast and lunch with designated areas for ‘Lakeside IL Residents’ and designated areas specific to ‘Cove Residents’.
• This plan was designed to meet the requirements from the DOH in regards to IL residents to ensure compliance is maintained.
• Once we’re able to show a decrease in positive cases, we’ll be able to return to co-mingling between IL residents while dining.

Additionally, the following still apply:
There are currently no quarantine restrictions for IL residents.

• Independent and Assisted Living Residents in the Lakeside Building may continue to have visitors. However, due to limited space in the Health Center specifically, visitations will be by appointment only to safely comply with the 6-feet distancing and allow all families time with their loved ones.
  • Outdoor visitations are the safest form of visitation so we are still encouraging families to take advantage of the weather when it’s nice rather than meeting indoors.
  • Health Center residents will have priority when requesting the Gazebo in the Woodlawn area.
• Although IL group activities remain available, all residents are encouraged to continue using all recommended virus safety protocols.
• The Seattle area Covid-19 Transmission for King County is at the highest level of ‘High’ which is more reason for us to continue taking ALL precautions here at The Hearthstone.

Please note: All conditions listed above are subject to change at any time.

GUIDELINES FOR IL RESIDENTS (as of May 19th, 2022):

If you were EXPOSED to Covid-19 and up-to-date on vaccinations with NO symptoms, get tested at least 5 days after the exposure, continue wearing a well-fitted mask at all times and watch for symptoms up to 10 days after exposure. If you develop symptoms, ISOLATE IMMEDIATELY, get tested right away and continue to wear a well-fitted mask.

If you are exposed and NOT up to date on vaccinations, you are required to quarantine for 5 days whether you’re having symptoms or not, in addition to taking the same precautions as noted above for up-to-date vaccinated residents.

IF YOU TESTED POSITIVE for Covid-19 OR have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, you are now only required to isolate for (5) days rather than (10) days so long as you are fever free for 24+ hours and all other symptoms are improving.

As a reminder, If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home. Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well.

For Independent Living DOH COVID-19 Guidelines (as of April 8, 2022), please click the link below:

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/care/ILFtoolkit.aspx

For Interim Recommendations for SARS-CoV2 Infection Prevention and Control in Health Care Settings (as of April 22, 2022), please click the link below:

https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/420-391-HealthcareIPCCOVID.pdf

Please see the Visitation Guidelines for further information by clicking the link below. If you’d like to obtain a hard copy, they are located in the Lakeside Building reception area.

https://mcusercontent.com/d6e700979292e9b8f91f1c05b/files/d2242448-245b-7f25-e53c-000ebd63afdc/Interim_COVID_19_Visitation_Policy_3.22.22.pdf

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times.

Updated June 30, 2022

Since our last update on June 15th, 2022, we have had one Health Center resident and nine staff members test positive for Covid-19.

Please note: There have been no new changes in policy or restrictions for IL residents since the last update however some slight revisions to wording were made to clear up confusion. For your reference, you can review these guidelines below. Changes to the Health Center restrictions and corrected verbiage to unchanged IL status will be highlighted as such. Thank you.

The Lakeside building is considered to be in an “outbreak” status. However, because the Hearthstone team has been so upfront and willing to comply with all guidelines, this does not have any direct implications on our IL day-to-day routines and activities so long as we continue to work closely with the state in an effort to contain the virus from spreading. Exposures are consistently being monitored by contact tracing and guidance from the King County Health Department and the Hearthstone COVID Committee. We received hopeful news today that if we have no further positive cases in the Health Center, our “outbreak” status will be lifted on July 13th. Additionally, communal dining in the Health Center will resume at lunch tomorrow.

What it means for the Hearthstone staff:

• Staff members will continue testing for the virus three times a week.
• Dining staff is required to wear eye protection at all times.
• N95 masks are required in all licensed areas.

Dining Services for IL Residents:

• Dinner for IL residents will continue with three-night rotations, as we’ve already been doing.
• In an effort to minimize positive cases, dining room seating has been configured for both breakfast and lunch with designated areas for ‘Lakeside IL Residents’ and designated areas specific to ‘Cove Residents’.
• This plan was designed to meet the requirements from the DOH in regards to IL residents to ensure compliance is maintained.
• Once we’re able to show a decrease in positive cases, we’ll be able to return to co-mingling between IL residents while dining.

Additionally, the following still apply:

• There are currently no quarantine restrictions for IL residents.
• Independent and Assisted Living Residents in the Lakeside Building may continue to have visitors.  However, due to limited space in the Health Center specifically, visitations will be by appointment only to safely comply with the 6-feet distancing and allow all families time with their loved ones.
  • Outdoor visitations are the safest form of visitation so we are still encouraging families to take advantage of the weather when it’s nice rather than meeting indoors.
  • Health Center residents will have priority when requesting the Gazebo in the Woodlawn area.
• Although IL group activities remain available, all residents are encouraged to continue using all recommended virus safety protocols.
• The Seattle area Covid-19 Transmission for King County is at the highest level of ‘High’ which is more reason for us to continue taking ALL precautions here at The Hearthstone.

Please note: All conditions listed above are subject to change at any time.
GUIDELINES FOR IL RESIDENTS (as of May 19th, 2022):

If you were EXPOSED to Covid-19 and up-to-date on vaccinations with NO symptoms, get tested at least 5 days after the exposure, continue wearing a well-fitted mask at all times and watch for symptoms up to 10 days after exposure. If you develop symptoms, ISOLATE IMMEDIATELY, get tested right away and continue to wear a well-fitted mask.

If you are exposed and NOT up to date on vaccinations, you are required to quarantine for 5 days whether you’re having symptoms or not, in addition to taking the same precautions as noted above for up-to-date vaccinated residents.

IF YOU TESTED POSITIVE for Covid-19 OR have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, you are now only required to isolate for (5) days rather than (10) days so long as you are fever free for 24+ hours and all other symptoms are improving.

As a reminder, If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home.  Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well.

For Independent Living DOH COVID-19 Guidelines (as of April 8, 2022), please click the link below:

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/care/ILFtoolkit.aspx

For Interim Recommendations for SARS-CoV2 Infection Prevention and Control in Health Care Settings (as of April 22, 2022), please click the link below: 

https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/420-391-HealthcareIPCCOVID.pdf

Please see the Visitation Guidelines for further information by clicking the link below. If you’d like to obtain a hard copy, they are located in the Lakeside Building reception area.

https://mcusercontent.com/d6e700979292e9b8f91f1c05b/files/d2242448-245b-7f25-e53c-000ebd63afdc/Interim_COVID_19_Visitation_Policy_3.22.22.pdf

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times.

Updated June 15, 2022

Since our last update on May 27th, 2022, we have had three Independent Living residents, three Health Center residents and ten staff members test positive for Covid-19.

As a result, the Lakeside building is considered to be in an “outbreak” status. However, because the Hearthstone team has been so upfront and willing to comply with all guidelines, this does not have any direct implications on our IL day-to-day routines and activities so long as we continue to work closely with the state in an effort to contain the virus from spreading. Exposures are consistently being monitored by contact tracing and guidance from the King County Health Department and the Hearthstone COVID Committee. For this reason, the Health Center communal dining and group activities are temporarily on hold until we’re able to complete an investigation in hopes to mitigate any further positives.

What it means for the Hearthstone staff:

• Staff members will continue testing for the virus three times a week.
• Dining staff is required to wear eye protection at all times.
• N95 masks are required in all licensed areas.                                         

Changes in Dining Services for IL Residents:

• In an effort to minimize positive cases, dining room seating will be configured for both breakfast and lunch with designated areas for ‘Lakeside IL Residents’ and designated areas specific to ‘Cove Residents’.
• We will resume with rotating pods for dinner.
• This plan was designed to meet the requirements from the DOH in regards to IL residents to ensure compliance is maintained. 
• Once we’re able to show a decrease in positive cases, we’ll be able to return to a two pod dinner rotation.

Additionally, the following still apply:

• There are currently no quarantine restrictions for IL residents.
• Independent and Assisted Living Residents in the Lakeside Building may continue to have visitors.  However, due to limited space in the Health Center specifically, visitations will be by appointment only to safely comply with the 6-feet distancing and allow all families time with their loved ones. 
  • Outdoor visitations are the safest form of visitation so we are still encouraging families to take advantage of the weather when it’s nice rather than meeting indoors. 
  • Health Center residents will have priority when requesting the Gazebo in the Woodlawn area.
• Although IL group activities remain available, all residents are encouraged to continue using all recommended virus safety protocols.
• The Seattle area Covid-19 Transmission for King County is at the highest level of ‘High’ which is more reason for us to continue taking ALL precautions here at The Hearthstone.

Please note: All conditions listed above are subject to change at any time.

GUIDELINES FOR IL RESIDENTS (as of May 19th, 2022):
If you were EXPOSED to Covid-19 and up-to-date on vaccinations with NO symptoms, get tested at least 5 days after the exposure, continue wearing a well-fitted mask at all times and watch for symptoms up to 10 days after exposure. If you develop symptoms, ISOLATE IMMEDIATELY, get tested right away and continue to wear a well-fitted mask.

If you are exposed and NOT up to date on vaccinations, you are required to quarantine for 5 days whether you’re having symptoms or not, in addition to taking the same precautions as noted above for up-to-date vaccinated residents. 

IF YOU TESTED POSITIVE for Covid-19 OR have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, you are now only required to isolate for (5) days rather than (10) days so long as you are fever free for 24+ hours and all other symptoms are improving. 

As a reminder, If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home.  Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well.

For Independent Living DOH COVID-19 Guidelines (as of April 8, 2022), please click the link below:

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/care/ILFtoolkit.aspx

For Interim Recommendations for SARS-CoV2 Infection Prevention and Control in Health Care Settings (as of April 22, 2022), please click the link below: 

https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/420-391-HealthcareIPCCOVID.pdf

Please see the Visitation Guidelines for further information by clicking the link below. If you’d like to obtain a hard copy, they are located in the Lakeside Building reception area.

https://mcusercontent.com/d6e700979292e9b8f91f1c05b/files/d2242448-245b-7f25-e53c-000ebd63afdc/Interim_COVID_19_Visitation_Policy_3.22.22.pdf

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times.

May 27, 2022 Update

Since our last update on May 20th, 2022, we have had two Independent Living residents and eight staff members test positive for Covid-19.

At this time, all areas of the Hearthstone, including the Lakeside Building, Cove East and Cove West, still remain open with no quarantine restrictions. In all recent cases, exposure was confirmed early and they’ve been able to remain in quarantine since.   

GUIDELINES FOR IL RESIDENTS (as of May 19th, 2022):

If you were EXPOSED to Covid-19 and up-to-date on vaccinations with NO symptoms, get tested at least 5 days after the exposure, continue wearing a well-fitted mask at all times and watch for symptoms up to 10 days after exposure. If you develop symptoms, ISOLATE IMMEDIATELY, get tested right away and continue to wear a well-fitted mask.

If you are exposed and NOT up to date on vaccinations, you are required to quarantine for 5 days whether you’re having symptoms or not, in addition to taking the same precautions as noted above for up-to-date vaccinated residents. 

IF YOU TESTED POSITIVE for Covid-19 OR have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, you are now only required to isolate for (5) days rather than (10) days so long as you are fever free for 24+ hours and all other symptoms are improving. 

What it means for the Hearthstone staff:

• Staff members will continue testing for the virus three times a week, rather than two times, effective as of 05/23/22.
• Dining staff is required to wear eye protection at all times.
• N95 masks are required in all licensed areas.                                             

Additionally, the following still apply:

• There are currently no quarantine restrictions for residents.
• Independent and Assisted Living Residents in the Lakeside Building may continue to have visitors.  However, due to limited space in the Health Center specifically, visitations will be by appointment only to safely comply with the 6-feet distancing and allow all families time with their loved ones. 
  • Outdoor visitations are the safest form of visitation so we are still encouraging families to take advantage of the weather when it’s nice rather than meeting indoors. 
  • Health Center residents will have priority when requesting the Gazebo in the Woodlawn area.
• The third floor Dining Room in Assisted Living is open for all meals. 
• The Main Dining Room (for Independent Living residents) on the second floor is open for lunch and dinner. However, we continue to rotate in pods for dinner on a 3-day cycle, at this time.
• Although group activities have resumed, residents are still encouraged to continue using all recommended virus safety protocols.
• The Seattle area Covid-19 Transmission for King County is currently at the highest level of ‘High’; more reason for us to continue taking ALL precautions here at The Hearthstone.

Please note: All conditions listed above are subject to change at any time.

As a reminder, If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home.  Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well.

  
For Independent Living DOH COVID-19 Guidelines (as of April 8, 2022), please click the link below:

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/care/ILFtoolkit.aspx

For Interim Recommendations for SARS-CoV2 Infection Prevention and Control in Health Care Settings (as of April 22, 2022), please click the link below: 

https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/420-391-HealthcareIPCCOVID.pdf

Please see the Visitation Guidelines for further information by clicking the link below. If you’d like to obtain a hard copy, they are located in the Lakeside Building reception area.

https://mcusercontent.com/d6e700979292e9b8f91f1c05b/files/d2242448-245b-7f25-e53c-000ebd63afdc/Interim_COVID_19_Visitation_Policy_3.22.22.pdf

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times. 

May 20, 2022 Update

Since our last update on May 11th, 2022, we have had two Independent Living residents and three staff members test positive for Covid-19

In addition to the two new IL resident cases above, it was discovered shortly after sending out the notice on May 11th, that the spouse of the previously reported IL resident also became positive for Covid-19 however they are past their quarantine time and no longer have any symptoms.

At this time, all areas of the Hearthstone, including the Lakeside Building, Cove East and Cove West, still remain open with no quarantine restrictions. In all recent cases, exposure was confirmed early and they’ve been able to remain in quarantine since.   

PLEASE NOTE THE NEW GUIDELINES FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING RESIDENTS:

If you were EXPOSED to Covid-19  and up-to-date on vaccinations with NO symptoms, get tested at least 5 days after the exposure, continue wearing a well-fitted mask at all times and watch for symptoms up to 10 days after exposure. If you develop symptoms, ISOLATE IMMEDIATELY, get tested right away and continue to wear a well-fitted mask.
If you are exposed and NOT up to date on vaccinations, you are required to quarantine for 5 days whether you’re having symptoms or not, in addition to taking the same precautions as noted above for up-to-date vaccinated residents.

IF YOU TESTED POSITIVE for Covid-19 OR have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, you are now only required to isolate for (5) days rather than (10) days so long as you are fever free for 24+ hours and all other symptoms are improving.

What it means for the Hearthstone staff:

• Staff members will resume testing for the virus three times a week rather than twice a week which will be effective immediately (05/23/22).
• Dining staff will be required to wear eye protection at all times.
• N95 masks are required in all licensed areas again.

Additionally, the following still apply:

• There are currently no quarantine restrictions for residents.
• Independent and Assisted Living Residents in the Lakeside Building may continue to have visitors.  However, due to limited space in the Health Center specifically, visitations will be by appointment only to safely comply with the 6-feet distancing and allow all families time with their loved ones.
  • Outdoor visitations are the safest form of visitation so we are still encouraging families to take advantage of the weather when it’s nice rather than meeting indoors.
  • Health Center residents will have priority when requesting the Gazebo in the Woodlawn area.
• The third floor Dining Room in Assisted Living is open for all meals.
• The Main Dining Room (for Independent Living residents) on the second floor is open for lunch and dinner. However, we continue to rotate in pods for dinner on a 3-day cycle, at this time.
• Although group activities have resumed, residents are still encouraged to continue using all recommended virus safety protocols.
• The Seattle area Covid-19 Transmission for King County is currently at the highest level of ‘High’; more reason for us to continue taking ALL precautions here at The Hearthstone.

All conditions listed above are subject to change at any time should additional cases be detected in any areas.

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times.

In addition to the COVID pandemic, it is Cold & Flu season. If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home.  Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well.
Please see the Visitation Guidelines for further information by clicking the link below. If you’d like to obtain a hard copy, they are located in the Lakeside Building reception area.

https://mcusercontent.com/d6e700979292e9b8f91f1c05b/files/d2242448-245b-7f25-e53c-000ebd63afdc/Interim_COVID_19_Visitation_Policy_3.22.22.pdf

May 11, 2022 Update

Since our last update on May 5th, 2022, we have had one Independent Living resident and one staff member test positive for Covid-19.

Please note: Due to the resident being IL and the staff member staying home immediately after exposure, these cases will not have any impact on our current protocols. These cases will not affect the Hearthstone’s daily operations, unless we experience more positive cases in the next month within the same department. At this time, all areas of the Hearthstone, including the Lakeside Building, Cove East and Cove West, still remain open with no quarantine restrictions. In both these cases, exposure was confirmed early and they’ve been able to remain in quarantine since.   

The following still apply:

• There are currently no quarantine restrictions for residents.
• Independent and Assisted Living Residents in the Lakeside Building may continue to have visitors.  However, due to limited space in the Health Center specifically, visitations will be by appointment only to safely comply with the 6-feet distancing and allow all families time with their loved ones. 
  • Outdoor visitations are the safest form of visitation so we are still encouraging families to take advantage of the weather when it’s nice rather than meeting indoors. 
  • Health Center residents will have priority when requesting the Gazebo in the Woodlawn area.
• The third floor Dining Room in Assisted Living is open for all meals. 
• The Main Dining Room (for Independent Living residents) on the second floor is open for lunch and dinner. However, we continue to rotate in pods for dinner on a 3-day cycle, at this time.
• Although group activities have resumed, residents are still encouraged to continue using all recommended virus safety protocols.
• The Seattle area Covid-19 Transmission for King County is currently at the highest level of ‘High’; more reason for us to continue taking ALL precautions here at The Hearthstone.
• Staff members have been approved to begin testing for the virus twice a week, rather than three times, effective immediately. 
• Dining staff will no longer be required to wear eye protection while cooking however must have it on before coming in contact with anyone outside the kitchen.
• N95’s are no longer required in the licensed areas, however everyone must wear a level 3 medical grade surgical mask or an KN95 at a minimum.

All conditions listed above are subject to change at any time should additional cases be detected in any areas.

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times. 

In addition to the COVID pandemic, it is Cold & Flu season. If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home.  Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well.
  

Please see the Visitation Guidelines for further information by clicking the link below. If you’d like to obtain a hard copy, they are located in the Lakeside Building reception area.

https://mcusercontent.com/d6e700979292e9b8f91f1c05b/files/d2242448-245b-7f25-e53c-000ebd63afdc/Interim_COVID_19_Visitation_Policy_3.22.22.pdf

April 27, 2022 Update 

Since our last update, we have had two Lakeside Independent Living residents and one staff member test positive for Covid-19.

Both residents were apparently exposed leading up to Easter weekend and had little to no symptoms. They have both made a full recovery and, thanks to exposure tracking, we were able to ensure minimal cross exposure and immediate quarantine from others. Additionally, today we learned about a staff member that tested positive during our twice weekly routine testing of all employees. That person is now isolating at home and will return to work once they’re in the clear.
Please note: THESE cases will not have any impact on our current protocols nor will they affect the Hearthstone’s daily operations, unless we have more positive cases as a result. At this time, all areas of the Hearthstone, including the Lakeside Building, Cove East and Cove West, still remain open with no quarantine restrictions.

The following still apply:

• Independent and Assisted Living Residents in the Lakeside Building (i.e. floors 3 through 10) are no longer under quarantine restrictions.
• Independent and Assisted Living Residents in the Lakeside Building may continue to have visitors. However, due to limited space in the Health Center specifically, visitations will be by appointment only to safely comply with the 6-feet distancing and allow all families time with their loved ones.
  • Outdoor visitations are the safest form of visitation so we are still encouraging families to take advantage of the weather when it’s nice rather than meeting indoors.
  • Health Center residents will have priority when requesting the Gazebo in the Woodlawn area.
• The third floor Dining Room in Assisted Living is open for lunch
• The Main Dining Room (for Independent Living residents) on the second floor is open for lunch and dinner however we’re still rotating in pods for dinner, at this time.
• Although group activities have resumed, residents are still encouraged to continue using all recommended virus safety protocols.
• The Seattle area Covid-19 Transmission for King County is currently at the highest level of ‘High’; more reason for us to continue taking ALL precautions here at The Hearthstone.
• Staff members have been approved to begin testing for the virus twice a week, rather than three times, effective immediately.
• Dining staff will no longer be required to wear eye protection while cooking however must have it on before coming in contact with anyone outside the kitchen.
• N95’s are no longer required in the licensed areas, however everyone must wear a level 3 medical grade surgical mask or an KN95 at a minimum

All conditions listed above are subject to change at any time should additional cases be detected in any areas.

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times.
In addition to the COVID pandemic, it is Cold & Flu season. If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home. Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well.

Want to help stop the spread by getting your 2nd booster shot? Here’s how…

Ottersen’s Pharmaceutical Services will be coming back to the Hearthstone for residents to receive a 4th (2nd booster) shot.

Here’s what you should know –

Who is eligible:
Anyone 50+ years of age who received their 1st booster 4+ months ago (BEFORE Christmas)

When:
There will be (2) dates for independent living residents as follows –
> COVE Residents (both): Thursday May 5th from 09:30-11:30 am
> LAKESIDE IL Residents: Friday May 6th from 09:30-11:30 am
> Note: Licensed areas (AL, MC & HC residents) will be scheduled
separately prior to the above clinics

Where:
> May 5th – The Bridge
> May 6th – Lakeside Lower Level

What to Bring:
> Insurance Card
> Vaccination Card

How to sign up or cancel existing RSVP:
Please email HSkelly@Hearthstone.Org or call extension 5210 and include name(s), apartment number and whether you received Moderna or Pfizer. You can utilize the Sign-Up Sheets located in each of the Cove’s mailrooms and on the lower level of the Lakeside Building.

Please DO NOT register again if you already sent a request in for next week as we will move everyone over to the new list.
If you are already signed up for next week’s canceled clinics and can’t attend the new clinic dates, please send a cancellation request to the above contact and you will be removed from the sign-up sheet.

Consent forms will be emailed a few days ahead of time OR you are welcome to fill out a printed hard copy out day of.
Please see the Visitation Guidelines for further information by clicking the link below. If you’d like to obtain a hard copy, they are located in the Lakeside Building reception area.

https://mcusercontent.com/d6e700979292e9b8f91f1c05b/files/d2242448-245b-7f25-e53c-000ebd63afdc/Interim_COVID_19_Visitation_Policy_3.22.22.pdf

March 25, 2022 Update – Great news! We have had NO new positive Covid-19 cases since update before last (02/22/22). As a reminder, all areas of The Hearthstone, including The Lakeside Building, Cove East and Cove West, are completely open with no quarantine restrictions. 

Please note the following still applies with a few added updates:
• Independent and Assisted Living Residents in the Lakeside Building (i.e. floors 3 through 10) are no longer under quarantine restrictions.
• Independent and Assisted Living Residents in the Lakeside Building may continue to have visitors. However, due to limited space in the Health Center specifically, visitations will be by appointment only to safely comply with the 6-feet distancing and allow all families time with their loved ones.

• Outdoor visitations are the safest form of visitation so we are still encouraging families to take advantage of the weather when it’s nice rather than meeting indoors.
• Health Center residents will have priority when requesting the Gazebo in the Woodlawn area
  • The third floor Dining Room in Assisted Living reopened for lunch on Thursday, February 17th.
  • The Main Dining Room (for Independent Living residents) on the second floor is open for dinner only.
  • Although group activities have resumed, residents are still encouraged to continue using all recommended virus safety protocols.
  • The Seattle area Covid-19 Transmission level has gone up from ‘Moderate’ to ‘Substantial’ in the last week, more reason for us to continue taking ALL precautions here at The Hearthstone.
  • Staff members have been approved to begin testing for the virus twice a week, rather than three times, effective immediately.
  • Dining staff will no longer be required to wear eye protection while cooking however must have it on before coming in contact with anyone outside the kitchen.
  • N95’s are no longer required in the licensed areas, however everyone must wear a level 3 medical grade surgical mask or an KN95 at a minimum.

All conditions listed above are subject to change at any time should additional cases be detected in any areas.

Please see the Visitation Guidelines for further information by clicking the link below. If you’d like to obtain a hard copy, they are located in the Lakeside Building reception area (bright green paper). 

https://mcusercontent.com/d6e700979292e9b8f91f1c05b/files/f0d70b93-6ea0-7f6b-114e-8256f8918701/Visitation_Guidelines_enlarged_font.pdf

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times. 

Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention

• Visitors who have received a positive viral test for COVID-19, have symptoms of COVID-19, or currently meet the criteria for Quarantine, should not enter the facility.  The facility will screen visitors and must comply with surveillance screening for anyone meeting exclusion. 
• Hand hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand rub is preferred)
• In accordance with CDC guidance, face masks (covering the nose and mouth) must be worn at all times and physical distancing of at least 6 feet between individuals must be maintained.
• Follow instructional signage throughout the facility (i.e. masking, hand hygiene, where to perform surveillance screening, COVID symptoms, designated visiting locations, elevator passenger restrictions).
• Ongoing cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces in the facility and designated visitational areas after each visit. 
• Appropriate Staff use of Personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Effective cohorting.
  • Avoid visits in shared rooms in the Health Center and use designated visiting area instead.
• Resident and staff testing conducted as required.
• Temperatures are no longer being required upon entry

The above guidance must be adhered to at all times to reduce risk of transmission and keep everyone safe. Visitors who are unable to adhere to the above Core Principles of COVID-19 infection prevention will not be permitted to visit and will be asked to leave.

In addition to the COVID pandemic, it is Cold & Flu season. If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home.  Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well.

Lastly, we want to THANK YOU for your continued efforts in following all of the recommended Covid-19 safety precautions. Now is a critical time to continue our safe practices so we can remain open. Nice work everyone!

February 22, 2022 Update – We had one staff member in Environmental Services test positive for Covid-19 since the last update. Fortunately, there was very minimal contact with others at The Hearthstone during the three days prior to discovering positive results. Additionally, those individuals have been notified and are closely monitoring for symptoms.

The Washington Department of Health has notified us that we can begin to reduce the impact of our recent 28-day quarantine at The Lakeside Building.

The following conditions remain in effect:

• Independent and Assisted Living Residents in the Lakeside Building (i.e. floors 3 through 10) are no longer under quarantine restrictions.
• The Health Center (Skilled Nursing Area) on the second floor remains under quarantine until the state-imposed 28-day timeline expires on March 6^th.
• Independent and Assisted Living Residents in the Lakeside Building may now have visitors.  However, no visitors are allowed on the second floor other than Compassionate Care Visits and Essential Support Persons.
• The third floor Dining Room in Assisted Living will reopen for lunch on Thursday, February 17th.
• The Main Dining Room (for Independent Living residents) on the second floor will remain closed until the 28-day timeline expires on March 6^th.
• Group activities will resume for Independent and Assisted Living Residents; however, residents are still encouraged to continue using all recommended virus safety protocols.
• The Coves are not impacted by these changes and there are no current restrictions for residents in either building.

All conditions listed above are subject to change at any time should additional cases be detected in any areas.

The following information is now specific ONLY to visits in our Health Center (Skilled Nursing Area) on the second floor which remains under quarantine until the state-imposed 28-day timeline expires on
March 6th.  

Compassionate Care Visits
The term “compassionate care situations” does not exclusively refer to end-of-life situations.  Other examples include, but are not limited to:

• A resident, who was living with their family before recently being admitted to a nursing home or Assisted living, is struggling with the change in environment and lack of physical family support.
• A resident who needs cueing and encouragement with eating or drinking, previously provided by family and/or caregiver(s), is experiencing weight loss or dehydration.
• A resident who is grieving after a friend or family member recently passed away
• A resident, who used to talk and interact with others, is experiencing emotional distress, seldom speaking, or crying more frequently (when the resident had rarely cried in the past) Allowing a visit in these situations would be consistent with the intent of, “compassionate care situations”
• In addition to family members, compassionate care visits can be conducted by any individual that can meet the resident’s needs, such as clergy or lay persons offering religious and spiritual support.

Furthermore, the above list is not an exhaustive list as there may be other compassionate care situations not included.
Visits should be conducted using social distancing; however, if during a compassionate care visit, a visitor and facility identify a way to allow for personal contact, it should only be done following all appropriate infection prevention guidelines, and for a limited amount of time. At all times, visits should be conducted using social distancing and visitors will wear PPE appropriate to the situation.  Children who are not fully vaccinated and unable to comply with Core principles are not allowed in the building at this time.

Essential Support Person (ESP) 

The Essential Support Person (ESP) concept is established to assist during times when limitations are placed on visitation due to a public health emergency or other threats to the health and safety of residents and staff. Facilities must allow private, in-person access to residents by ESPs in the resident’s room.  This right is subject to reasonable limitations designed to protect the health and safety of the ESPs, residents, and staff members.

Requirements – If the ESP visit occurs during the following situations, the ESP must be fully vaccinated or provide proof of a negative COVID test within the last 48 hours:

• If the resident is COVID positive
• If the resident is in quarantine
• If the facility or unit where the resident resides is in outbreak status

The ESP must meet the COVID testing requirement by providing the facility with proof of a negative test within the last 48 hours.  The ESP must wear all required PPE per DOH’s recommendations for PPE in Long Term Care.

An Essential Support Person (ESP) must be:

1. At least 18 years of age,
2. Designated by the resident, or by the resident’s representative (if the resident is determined to be incapacitated or otherwise legally incapacitated),
3. Necessary for the resident’s emotional, mental, or physical well-being during situations that include, but are not limited to:
   1. Circumstances involving compassionate care.
   2. Circumstances involving end-of-life.
   3. Circumstances where visitation from a familiar person will assist with important continuity of care.
   4. Situations where visitation from a familiar person will assist with the reduction of confusion and anxiety for residents with cognitive impairments.
   5. Other circumstances where the presence of an essential support person will prevent or reduce significant emotional distress to the resident.

If the resident is in the shared room, the responsible party must consent to having an essential support person for his/her roommate.  If the representative does not consent, an alternate visitation area will be considered.

The essential support person must comply with Infection Control guidelines in the facility including training and compliance to donning and doffing of PPE, fit testing for N95 masks, and the use of transmission-based precautions when in the building.  The facility reserves the right to disqualify and terminate visits for failure to comply with the Core principles of Infection Control (see below).

The protection and safety of our residents is very important to us.

Please note corrections to phone numbers as highlighted below and contact one of our Social Workers for further information or to determine if a resident qualifies for Compassionate Care and/or ESP visits:

Assisted and Independent Living residents:  Jun Cheff at (206) 517-2266    (updated)

Health Center residents:                         Deborah Ross at (206) 517-2229   (updated)

Other Visitation options
For those who do not qualify for Compassionate Care or Essential Support visits, please contact for our Life Enrichment team for reservations for the following alternative visits:

• Outdoor visits:
  • Reserve a time slot for the gazebo on Woodlawn should you choose to utilize this outdoor visitation option.
  • Go on a walk with your visitor.
• Virtual visits
  • Phone calls and Facetime/Zoom visits are encouraged.
• Window visits.

We welcome family and friends to drop off medications, flowers and other personal items for your loved one.  For your convenience, please contact the front desk for assistance.

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times.
Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention

• Visitors who have received a positive viral test for COVID-19, have symptoms of COVID-19, or currently meet the criteria for Quarantine, should not enter the facility.  The facility will screen visitors and must comply with surveillance screening for anyone meeting exclusion.
• Hand hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand rub is preferred)
• In accordance with CDC guidance, face masks (covering the nose and mouth) must be worn at all times and physical distancing of at least 6 feet between individuals must be maintained.
• Follow instructional signage throughout the facility (i.e. masking, hand hygiene, where to perform surveillance screening, COVID symptoms, designated visiting locations, elevator passenger restrictions).
• Ongoing cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces in the facility and designated visitational areas after each visit.
• Appropriate Staff use of Personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Effective cohorting.
  • Avoid visits in shared rooms in the Health Center and use designated visiting area instead.
• Resident and staff testing conducted as required.
• Essential support person may be asked to be tested by the facility.

The above guidance must be adhered to at all times to reduce risk of transmission and keep everyone safe. Visitors who are unable to adhere to the above Core Principles of COVID-19 infection prevention will not be permitted to visit and will be asked to leave.

In addition to the COVID pandemic, it is Cold & Flu season. If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home.  Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well.

Lastly, we want to THANK YOU for your continued efforts in following all of the recommended Covid-19 safety precautions.

February 17, 2022 Update – The Washington Department of Health has notified us that we can begin to reduce the impact of our recent 28-day quarantine at The Lakeside Building.

The following conditions will apply, effective immediately:

• Independent and Assisted Living Residents in the Lakeside Building (i.e. floors 3 through 10) are no longer under quarantine restrictions. 
• The Health Center (Skilled Nursing Area) on the second floor remains under quarantine until the state-imposed 28-day timeline expires on March 6^th. 
• Independent and Assisted Living Residents in the Lakeside Building may now have visitors.  However, no visitors are allowed on the second floor other than Compassionate Care Visits and Essential Support Persons.
• The third floor Dining Room in Assisted Living will reopen for lunch on Thursday, February 17th.
• The Main Dining Room (for Independent Living residents) on the second floor will remain closed until the 28-day timeline expires on March 6^th. 
• Group activities will resume for Independent and Assisted Living Residents; however, residents are still encouraged to continue using all recommended virus safety protocols.
• The Coves are not impacted by these changes and there are no current restrictions for residents in either building. 

All conditions listed above are subject to change at any time should

additional cases be detected in any areas.

COVID testing
Remember that the Centers for Disease Control are offering free at-home Covid-19 tests.  Every home in the U.S. can now order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free—there are no shipping costs and you don’t need to enter a credit card number.  The link to these tests is www.covidtests.gov

As always, we ask that if you test negative for COVID but have cold or flu like symptoms, please stay home until you no longer have symptoms.  If you test positive, stay home and self-isolate from others for 10 days (conventional mitigation) until you are symptom free and test negative.

The following information is now specific ONLY to visits in our Health Center (Skilled Nursing Area) on the second floor which remains under quarantine until the state-imposed 28-day timeline expires on
March 6th.  

Compassionate Care Visits

The term “compassionate care situations” does not exclusively refer to end-of-life situations.  Other examples include, but are not limited to: 

• A resident, who was living with their family before recently being admitted to a nursing home or Assisted living, is struggling with the change in environment and lack of physical family support. 
• A resident who is grieving after a friend or family member recently passed away. 
• A resident who needs cueing and encouragement with eating or drinking, previously provided by family and/or caregiver(s), is experiencing weight loss or dehydration. 
• A resident, who used to talk and interact with others, is experiencing emotional distress, seldom speaking, or crying more frequently (when the resident had rarely cried in the past) Allowing a visit in these situations would be consistent with the intent of, “compassionate care situations”
• In addition to family members, compassionate care visits can be conducted by any individual that can meet the resident’s needs, such as clergy or lay persons offering religious and spiritual support. 
• Furthermore, the above list is not an exhaustive list as there may be other compassionate care situations not included. 
• Visits should be conducted using social distancing; however, if during a compassionate care visit, a visitor and facility identify a way to allow for personal contact, it should only be done following all appropriate infection prevention guidelines, and for a limited amount of time. At all times, visits should be conducted using social distancing and visitors will wear PPE appropriate to the situation.  Children who are not fully vaccinated and unable to comply with Core principles are not allowed in the building at this time.

Essential Support Person (ESP)
The Essential Support Person (ESP) concept is established to assist during times when limitations are placed on visitation due to a public health emergency or other threats to the health and safety of residents and staff. Facilities must allow private, in-person access to residents by ESPs in the resident’s room.  This right is subject to reasonable limitations designed to protect the health and safety of the ESPs, residents, and staff members. 

Requirements – If the ESP visit occurs during the following situations, the ESP must be fully vaccinated or provide proof of a negative COVID test within the last 48 hours: 

• If the resident is COVID positive, 
• If the resident is in quarantine, 
• If the facility or unit where the resident resides is in outbreak status. 

The ESP must meet the COVID testing requirement by providing the facility with proof of a negative test within the last 48 hours.  The ESP must wear all required PPE per DOH’s recommendations for PPE in Long Term Care.

An Essential Support Person (ESP) must be: 

• At least 18 years of age,
• Designated by the resident, or by the resident’s representative (if the resident is determined to be incapacitated or otherwise legally incapacitated),
• Necessary for the resident’s emotional, mental, or physical well-being during situations that include, but are not limited to: 
  1. Circumstances involving compassionate care. 
  2. Circumstances involving end-of-life.
  3. Circumstances where visitation from a familiar person will assist with important continuity of care.
  4. Situations where visitation from a familiar person will assist with the reduction of confusion and anxiety for residents with cognitive impairments.
  5. Other circumstances where the presence of an essential support person will prevent or reduce significant emotional distress to the resident.

If the resident is in the shared room, the responsible party must consent to having an essential support person for his/her roommate.  If the representative does not consent, an alternate visitation area will be considered.

The essential support person must comply with Infection Control guidelines in the facility including training and compliance to donning and doffing of PPE, fit testing for N95 masks, and the use of transmission-based precautions when in the building.  The facility reserves the right to disqualify and terminate visits for failure to comply with the Core principles of Infection Control (see below). 

The protection and safety of our residents is very important to us.

Please contact one of our Social Workers for further information or to determine if a resident qualifies for Compassionate Care and/or ESP visits:

Assisted and Independent Living residents:  Jun Cheff at (206) 349-7713

Health Center residents: Deborah Ross at (206) 715-2229

Other Visitation options

For those who do not qualify for Compassionate Care or Essential Support visits, please contact for our Life Enrichment team for reservations for the following alternative visits:

• Outdoor visits:
  • Reserve a time slot for the gazebo on Woodlawn should you choose to utilize this outdoor visitation option.
  • Go on a walk with your visitor.
• Virtual visits
  • Phone calls and Facetime/Zoom visits are encouraged.
• Window visits.

We welcome family and friends to drop off medications, flowers and other personal items for your loved one.  For your convenience, please contact the front desk for assistance.

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times. 

Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention

• Visitors who have received a positive viral test for COVID-19, have symptoms of COVID-19, or currently meet the criteria for Quarantine, should not enter the facility.  The facility will screen visitors and must comply with surveillance screening for anyone meeting exclusion. 
• Hand hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand rub is preferred)
• In accordance with CDC guidance, face masks (covering the nose and mouth) must be worn at all times and physical distancing of at least 6 feet between individuals must be maintained.
• Follow instructional signage throughout the facility (i.e. masking, hand hygiene, where to perform surveillance screening, COVID symptoms, designated visiting locations, elevator passenger restrictions).
• Ongoing cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces in the facility and designated visitational areas after each visit. 
• Appropriate Staff use of Personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Effective cohorting.
  • Avoid visits in shared rooms in the Health Center and use designated visiting area instead.
• Resident and staff testing conducted as required.
• Essential support person may be asked to be tested by the facility. 

The above guidance must be adhered to at all times to reduce risk of transmission and keep everyone safe. Visitors who are unable to adhere to the above Core Principles of COVID-19 infection prevention will not be permitted to visit and will be asked to leave. 

In addition to the COVID pandemic, it is Cold & Flu season. If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home.  Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well.
  
Lastly, we want to THANK YOU for your continued efforts in following all of the recommended Covid-19 safety precautions. 

February 10 Update – Two additional staff members have tested positive since the last update.  Fortunately, there are no new resident cases reported.

Testing has identified two new positive cases among our staff members, both acquired outside The Hearthstone which is an indicator that transmissibility remains high in King County. Per the required measures, these employees will self-quarantine at home until they are cleared to return to work.  

Due to these new cases, the Department of Health has extended our quarantine for the licensed areas of the Lakeside Building (Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living and Memory Care).  Our target date to reopen the facility is March 07, 2022.  This is contingent upon no new cases developing. 

Visitation restrictions in the Lakeside building remain in place.  We discourage residents from moving between Hearthstone buildings to avoid cross-transmission and to try and contain the virus from spreading.  However, the guidance considers the physical, mental and psychosocial well-being essential for maintaining a high quality of life.  That said, Compassionate Care and Essential Support visits are allowed (see detailed descriptions of these types of visits further down in this update).  To clarify, residents can make trips outside the building and into the community, including non-medically-related trips to locations that are open to the public.  However, residents are encouraged to limit or avoid trips where appropriate precautions are not being followed.  We continue to encourage all residents to maintain social distancing at all times and be diligent regarding the use of masks whenever they are outside of their apartments.

As a reminder, Independent Residents in our Lakeside Building should adhere to the following restrictions:

• Independent Living Residents of the Lakeside Building are encouraged to limit community outings to essential activities and medical visits to help limit accidental exposure in the community. 
• Adherence to the Washington DOH masking mandate and social distancing recommendations is expected. We should avoid group activities in order to stay safe. This guidance also applies to families accompanying a resident.
• The CDC now recommends N95 or KN95 masks whenever possible.  Unfortunately, The Hearthstone is unable to provide masks for Independent Living Residents at this time.  Masks may be purchased online from sources like Amazon and Walmart.
• Group Activities inside the Lakeside Building remain paused.
• Residents may continue to retrieve their mail from the mailroom; however, residents should enter the mailroom one at a time and should not congregate in that area.
• Our dining rooms will remain closed and will not likely reopen until the quarantine is fully lifted for Assisted Living, Memory Care and the Health Center.
• All meals will continue to be delivered.  If you need additional meals, please contact the Dining Services Department to order.  We are offering grocery delivery to apartments in the Lakeside Building.  A list of available items is available from Dining Services. 

All conditions listed above are subject to change at any time should

additional cases be detected in any areas.

COVID testing
Remember that the Centers for Disease Control are offering free at-home Covid-19 tests.  Every home in the U.S. can now order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free—there are no shipping costs and you don’t need to enter a credit card number.  The link to these tests is www.covidtests.gov

As always, we ask that if you test negative for COVID but have cold or flu like symptoms, please stay home until you no longer have symptoms.  If you test positive, stay home and self-isolate from others for 10 days (conventional mitigation) until you are symptom free and test negative.

In addition to the COVID pandemic, it is Cold & Flu season. If you are sick, not feeling well, have cold symptoms, headache or achy, please stay home.  Contact your doctor for further instructions and let the front desk know you do not feel well.

Compassionate Care Visits
The term “compassionate care situations” does not exclusively refer to end-of-life situations.  Other examples include, but are not limited to: 

• A resident, who was living with their family before recently being admitted to a nursing home or Assisted living, is struggling with the change in environment and lack of physical family support. 
• A resident who is grieving after a friend or family member recently passed away. 
• A resident who needs cueing and encouragement with eating or drinking, previously provided by family and/or caregiver(s), is experiencing weight loss or dehydration. 
• A resident, who used to talk and interact with others, is experiencing emotional distress, seldom speaking, or crying more frequently (when the resident had rarely cried in the past) Allowing a visit in these situations would be consistent with the intent of, “compassionate care situations”
• In addition to family members, compassionate care visits can be conducted by any individual that can meet the resident’s needs, such as clergy or lay persons offering religious and spiritual support. 
• Furthermore, the above list is not an exhaustive list as there may be other compassionate care situations not included. 
• Visits should be conducted using social distancing; however, if during a compassionate care visit, a visitor and facility identify a way to allow for personal contact, it should only be done following all appropriate infection prevention guidelines, and for a limited amount of time. At all times, visits should be conducted using social distancing and visitors will wear PPE appropriate to the situation.  Children who are not fully vaccinated and unable to comply with Core principles are not allowed in the building at this time.

Essential Support Person (ESP)
The Essential Support Person (ESP) concept is established to assist during times when limitations are placed on visitation due to a public health emergency or other threats to the health and safety of residents and staff. Facilities must allow private, in-person access to residents by ESPs in the resident’s room.  This right is subject to reasonable limitations designed to protect the health and safety of the ESPs, residents, and staff members. 

Requirements – If the ESP visit occurs during the following situations, the ESP must be fully vaccinated or provide proof of a negative COVID test within the last 48 hours: 

• If the resident is COVID positive, 
• If the resident is in quarantine, 
• If the facility or unit where the resident resides is in outbreak status. 

The ESP must meet the COVID testing requirement by providing the facility with proof of a negative test within the last 48 hours.  The ESP must wear all required PPE per DOH’s recommendations for PPE in Long Term Care.

An Essential Support Person (ESP) must be: 

• At least 18 years of age,
• Designated by the resident, or by the resident’s representative (if the resident is determined to be incapacitated or otherwise legally incapacitated),
• Necessary for the resident’s emotional, mental, or physical well-being during situations that include, but are not limited to: 
  •  Circumstances involving compassionate care. 
  • Circumstances involving end-of-life.
  • Circumstances where visitation from a familiar person will assist with important continuity of care.
  •  Situations where visitation from a familiar person will assist with the reduction of confusion and anxiety for residents with cognitive impairments.
  • Other circumstances where the presence of an essential support person will prevent or reduce significant emotional distress to the resident.

If the resident is in the shared room, the responsible party must consent to having an essential support person for his/her roommate.  If the representative does not consent, an alternate visitation area will be considered.

The essential support person must comply with Infection Control guidelines in the facility including training and compliance to donning and doffing of PPE, fit testing for N95 masks, and the use of transmission-based precautions when in the building.  The facility reserves the right to disqualify and terminate visits for failure to comply with the Core principles of Infection Control (see below). 

The protection and safety of our residents is very important to us.

Please contact one of our Social Workers for further information or to determine if a resident qualifies for Compassionate Care and/or ESP visits:

Assisted and Independent Living residents:  Jun Cheff at (206) 349-7713

Health Center residents: Deborah Ross at (206) 715-2229

Other Visitation options

For those who do not qualify for Compassionate Care or Essential Support visits, please contact for our Life Enrichment team for reservations for the following alternative visits:

• Outdoor visits:
  • Reserve a time slot for the gazebo on Woodlawn should you choose to utilize this outdoor visitation option.
  • Go on a walk with your visitor.
• Virtual visits
  • Phone calls and Facetime/Zoom visits are encouraged.
• Window visits.

We welcome family and friends to drop off medications, flowers and other personal items for your loved one.  For your convenience, please contact the front desk for assistance.

To reduce transmission during visitations; the following Core Principles of COVID -19 Infection Prevention must be adhered to at all times. 

Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention

• Visitors who have received a positive viral test for COVID-19, have symptoms of COVID-19, or currently meet the criteria for Quarantine, should not enter the facility.  The facility will screen visitors and must comply with surveillance screening for anyone meeting exclusion. 
• Hand hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand rub is preferred)
• In accordance with CDC guidance, face masks (covering the nose and mouth) must be worn at all times and physical distancing of at least 6 feet between individuals must be maintained.
• Follow instructional signage throughout the facility (i.e. masking, hand hygiene, where to perform surveillance screening, COVID symptoms, designated visiting locations, elevator passenger restrictions).
• Ongoing cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces in the facility and designated visitational areas after each visit. 
• Appropriate Staff use of Personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Effective cohorting.
  • Avoid visits in shared rooms in the Health Center and use designated visiting area instead.
• Resident and staff testing conducted as required.
• Essential support person may be asked to be tested by the facility. 

The above guidance must be adhered to at all times to reduce risk of transmission and keep everyone safe. Visitors who are unable to adhere to the above Core Principles of COVID-19 infection prevention will not be permitted to visit and will be asked to leave. 

January 14 Update – Temporary Changes during Lakeside Quarantine 

COVID-19 Report  
Our daily employee testing for COVID-19 continues. Since our January 11 update, we have had one additional positive case among the staff, and two new resident cases in the Assisted Living area. Meanwhile, several staff members that previously tested positive have recovered and are returning to work. Residents should contact the Reception/Concierge desk if they develop any symptoms. 

Resident Updates
While the Lakeside building is under quarantine, our visitation policy is temporarily changing, and outside visits are not allowed at this time.  Only “compassionate care visitors” or “essential support personnel” as arranged with our Social Services Team are allowed. Please contact Reception Concierge for more information. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with these temporary restrictions to keep our residents and staff safe. 

We would also like to remind residents that the mail room is closed. Please contact the reception desk to coordinate delivery of mail and packages to your room. For more information about temporary changes to visitation, meal delivery, laundry and other daily activities during quarantine, please review the quarantine conditions listed in our previous update. 

Potential to Reduce Duration of Lakeside Quarantine
The Hearthstone is working to re-open the Independent Living portion of the Lakeside building as soon as possible. Until that is safe to do so, we are urging all Lakeside residents to remain in their apartments and refrain from gathering. It is possible to reduce the length of this quarantine, but we need everyone to follow these protocols diligently. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate the rapidly changing situation; we will continue to share updates as they become available.  

COVID-19 Report
Today, during routine testing, we learned that two staff members in our Assisted Living/Memory Care licensed area tested positive. These staff members are isolating at home. Assisted Living/Memory Care residents are currently undergoing testing and so far, all are negative for COVID-19.

At this time, all residents in these licensed areas (the 3rd and 4th floors of the Lakeside building) remain in quarantine and may not have guests through Wednesday, January 12. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they are available.

No Quarantine Required for Independent Residents
We are pleased to announce that our clinical leaders received additional guidance from the state department of health today, and our Lakeside building Independent Living residents are NOT under quarantine at this time. Additionally, our Health Center is not in an outbreak status and may still admit new residents.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate the rapidly changing situation; we will continue to share updates as they become available. Our priority is keeping all our residents and staff safe at the Hearthstone.

COVID-19 Report
One additional staff member tested positive on Tuesday, January 4.

Potential Quarantine at Lakeside Building 
Due to the increase in positive COVID cases among our staff, most of whom have minimal interaction with residents, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is considering placing all Lakeside residents under a 7-day quarantine pending an infection control investigation. If this occurs, residents may still go out for essential medical appointments. 

In the meantime, we have implemented the following measures to prevent further transmission of COVID-19: 

1. Dining rooms are closed and all meals will be delivered to residents. 
2. Group activities will be canceled through Monday, January 10 at the earliest. 
3. Visitation is paused for 7 days with one exception: Compassionate care visits may continue as long as family follows infection control protocols 
4. Staff will be tested 3 times per week.  
5. Staff will wear fitted N95 masks at all times in the licensed areas, plus goggles or face shields for those in our Dietary department. 

COVID Testing Availability
Test kits are in short supply, but the DOH will provide them for our staff testing and for residents in the licensed areas. Independent residents must contact their primary care provider for assistance. If you’re looking for a public testing site, find information about UW testing locations across the region. 

We will communicate any changes and updates as soon as possible. 

COVID-19 Report
Four staff members and one independent resident in the Lakeside building have tested positive for COVID-19. All individuals are isolating at home and additional safety measures have been put in place to minimize potential exposure to other residents and staff. Every team member will continue to test on-site twice a week.

Omicron Spreads Among Vaccinated Individuals
As was expected, this new Omicron strain of the Coronavirus is showing an uptick in transmissibility rates in King County and more specifically, at the Hearthstone.

The latest surge of positive cases, which includes five individuals (four staff and one independent resident), shows that masking, distancing and washing hands are more important than ever. If you can stay home, that is the best way to keep yourself safe.

In the meantime, we have closed all Lakeside dining rooms and will deliver meals to all residents at no charge until further notice. All staff will wear N95 or KN95 masks, plus goggles for dining services staff.

While this change may be an unpopular decision among many who wish to socialize and dine together, we know it is a necessary one to keep our community safe.

COVID-19 Report
Results from our twice weekly testing of all staff continue to be negative.

Ensuring 2022 is a Year of Recovery
After spending nearly two years in the COVID-19 pandemic, we all understand how frustrating it can be at times. Quarantining alone at home or celebrating holidays without family and friends are not things we expected to be doing in the last two years (or ever, for that matter). However, the situation has significantly improved, and we are optimistic about 2022. 

We know that masks and physical distancing help prevent infection from the virus. Plus, vaccines and boosters have been approved for a majority of the population. While we are not out of the woods yet, there are many things we can do to make 2022 a year of recovery.  

We hope you take this optimism into the new year and continue to do your part to end this pandemic. Stay safe this weekend and have a happy New Year! 

COVID-19 Report
Results from our twice weekly testing of all staff continue to be negative.

Have a Happy and Healthy Holiday
On behalf of the entire community at The Hearthstone, we hope your holiday is filled with love and joy. We understand many people may still be feeling uncertain about gathering, and some of you might be spending the holiday without loved ones. Please remember that your health and safety is most important, even if that means staying home this year.

Whether you are sacrificing a holiday with family to protect immunocompromised members or getting a booster before visiting relatives, we recognize and thank you for your efforts to protect our community. Please know that your consideration of others is one of the best gifts you can give this year.

Happy Holidays, whatever that looks like for you!

COVID-19 Report
Results from our twice weekly testing of all staff continue to be negative.

Approach the Holidays with Caution
The latest developments on the Omicron variant indicate that it is more contagious than any previous version of the COVID-19 virus. However, experts say we can protect our community by continuing to use strategies that are proven to work.

Dr. Jeffrey Duchin, the Health Officer for Public Health–Seattle & King County, says that multiple layers of protection will reduce risk of infection of COVID-19 variants. “Omicron may pose new challenges that we will need to respond to, but compared to the early days of the pandemic, we know much more about COVID-19 and we’re better prepared for it,” said Duchin. “We know layered protections work together to maximally reduce risk, and that will continue to be the case for delta and for Omicron.”

The best way to protect ourselves, Duchin says, is to improve our use of existing tools. “If there is room for improvement in how we are using our current tools and strategies, this is a good time to make those improvements,” said Duchin. “Especially vaccination and booster doses when eligible, good-quality masks indoors, improving indoor air quality and avoiding crowded indoor spaces along with other COVID-19 prevention measures.”

COVID-19 Report
Our twice weekly testing of all staff continues to produce negative results. 

Boost your protection against COVID-19
It has been several weeks since the COVID-19 omicron variant has been identified, but much remains unknown about its transmission rate and severity.  

The nation’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, has urged people to get a booster shot, which he said is likely to provide additional protection against severe disease. 

“We’ve said it over and over again and it deserves repeating. If you’re not vaccinated, get vaccinated, and get boosted if you are vaccinated,” Dr. Fauci said. “Continue to use the mitigation methods, namely masks, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.”  

The booster provides an additional layer of protection, and we are pleased that nearly every resident has already received one. 

COVID-19 Report
We received notice that residents in Memory Care and the Health Center may have been exposed to a contracted healthcare specialist who has tested positive. Based on contract tracing, we have identified and notified those residents and their family members of potential exposure.

This contractor is fully vaccinated but has not yet received the booster; they followed our standard protocol of testing before beginning work and self-isolated right away. Out of an abundance of caution, the potentially exposed residents have been placed on alert, and licensed staff will be checked for temperature and symptoms during every shift.

Taking Extra Precautions
We will continue to follow CDC guidelines and masking requirements as usual, and we will require all licensed staff to wear additional personal protective equipment for at least two weeks.

Additionally, we will conduct rapid COVID-19 tests for all residents and staff in Assisted Living, Memory Care and Health Center today, November 24.

We take these extra precautions because positive cases might not present themselves for up to five days after exposure, but individuals may still be contagious.

As we head into the holiday weekend, please be safe, wear your mask, keep six feet of distance, sanitize and encourage friends and family to get vaccinated and boosted, as the FDA recently expanded booster eligibility to all vaccinated adults.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping Hearthstone safe.

COVID-19 Report
We are pleased to report that twice weekly testing of all staff continues to produce negative results. 

Reminder to Gather Safely
As you gather with friends and family during the holidays, think about what you can do to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe from COVID-19. It is strongly recommended that you avoid contact with those who are unvaccinated; the safest option is to gather virtually.

If you choose to spend the holidays with family and friends in-person, read our guide to safer gatherings to remind yourself what steps you can take to keep everyone safe.

We hope you take these safety precautions seriously this holiday season; we can all help ensure the new year is a joyous one. Stay safe and have a happy Thanksgiving!

COVID-19 Report
We are pleased to report that twice weekly testing of all staff continues to produce negative results.

Infection Control is Critical to Protecting the Community
The state department of health is reporting that the COVID-19 transmission rate is high in King County. With the holidays approaching, it is critical that the guidelines for physical distancing and masking be followed. Thank you for your help in keeping our community safe. 

COVID-19 Report
We are pleased to report that twice weekly testing of all staff continues to produce negative results. Masking, distancing and regular handwashing work in protecting each other from infection.

Masks and Booster Shots Helping
While COVID vaccine booster shots extend protection against COVID-19, it is still important that we stay diligent and continue to follow infection control protocols. The Hearthstone’s own group of resident Mask Ambassadors have been gently reminding others to wear proper face coverings. Thank you to our residents for encouraging each other to follow these protocols.

We have also had good participation in Booster clinics this week, where many residents and staff received the Pfizer vaccine booster and flu shot. Next week, the Moderna booster and flu shot will be offered to residents and staff.

COVID-19 Report
Twice weekly testing of all staff continues to produce negative results. Please continue to wear your mask, avoid large indoor gatherings and follow infection control protocol to keep our community safe.

Flu and Booster Shot Clinics
The Hearthstone offered the Pfizer booster to eligible staff and residents in the licensed areas during several vaccination clinics this past week. Moderna booster and flu shots will be offered to residents and staff the first week of November.

We encourage family members and the community to arrange for a flu shot and/or booster through your local pharmacy. It is important that we all play our part in protecting the health of our seniors.

COVID-19 Report
We received notice that two fully vaccinated staff members tested positive during routine weekly testing. Both are now isolating at home and will not return to work for at least two weeks. These employees had limited interactions with residents and other staff members, and those individuals who may have been exposed have been notified.

Residents Test Negative
After learning of the two positive cases in vaccinated staff, Hearthstone residents in the licensed areas were tested and fortunately, all results have been negative. Visitations (by appointment only) and group activities in licensed areas have been cleared to resume by state officials, however, mask mandates and physical distancing are still required.

Activities have resumed for all levels of care. This includes:

• Visitors (visits to licensed areas by appointment only)
• Indoor gatherings between vaccinated and masked individuals with physical distancing
• Live presentations
• Fitness classes
• Salon services
• Room service will continue. The Main Dining Room remains closed until further notice

COVID-19 Report 
The quarantine at the Lakeside building has been lifted for our Independent Living residents, thanks to our community’s diligence and high vaccination rate. 

Resuming Activities 

The recently lifted quarantine at the Lakeside building comes after the state department of health updated its Safe Start Guidelines. These new guidelines allow us to reopen and resume temporarily closed amenities and activities in our community, including: 

• Visitors (appointments are still required for visits in the licensed areas)
• Indoor gatherings between vaccinated and masked individuals with physical distancing 
• Live presentations
• Fitness classes
• Salon services
• Room service
• Dining rooms remain closed until further notice 

COVID-19 Report
We are pleased to report that all staff and Lakeside resident test results returned negative.

Lakeside Quarantine Continues
After learning of a third breakthrough case Monday of this week, the Hearthstone tested all staff and residents in the Lakeside building. Fortunately, all returned negative. Unless we discover another case, we will continue limiting activities through October 27 to ensure the safety of all staff and residents.

During this quarantine period, the main dining room will remain closed, group activities are still temporarily canceled, and visitors are still not allowed. We are grateful for everyone’s cooperation to keep The Hearthstone a safe and healthy environment.

COVID-19 Report
During routine weekly testing, a vaccinated staff member tested positive for COVID-19. To prevent further transmission, residents in the Lakeside building are currently under quarantine.

Additional Safety Precautions
The health and safety of our residents and staff is our priority. After discovering another breakthrough case among staff, all residents in the Lakeside building will be quarantining through Saturday, October 9, unless there is another positive case. In the meantime, all Lakeside residents will be tested.

To minimize the spread within our community, the dining room is temporarily closed, and all meals will be delivered to residents. Likewise, we are temporarily cancelling group activities and not allowing visitors in the Lakeside building.

We are grateful for everyone’s understanding of our decision to prioritize the health and safety of our community. By getting vaccinated, wearing a mask indoors with others, and physical distancing in public, we are stronger against this virus, and we all have a role to play in eliminating it.

COVID-19 Report
We received notice that one fully vaccinated contractor tested positive during our routine weekly testing. The employee has mild symptoms and isolating at home for at least two weeks. They had very limited exposure to staff and virtually no exposure to residents. Per CDC, CMS and King County Public Health guidelines, we will continue conducting twice weekly staff testing.

Upcoming Flu, Booster Shot Clinics
If you received the Pfizer COVID vaccine and are anxious to get the booster, we encourage you to contact your health care provider for an appointment. We are working on arrangements for Pfizer booster clinics and hope the Moderna booster will be approved soon.

Hearthstone flu shot clinics will be scheduled soon for residents and staff. We will announce the dates and times when they are scheduled. If you prefer, flu shots are available now at many local pharmacies.

COVID-19 Report
We received notice that one fully vaccinated staff member tested positive during our routine weekly testing. The employee is asymptomatic and isolating at home. They will not return to work for at least two weeks.

While there are no other known cases in any of our buildings, we will continue conducting twice weekly staff testing per CDC, CMS and King County Public Health guidelines.

In addition, we have been notified by an Independent Living resident that they have been exposed to an individual who tested positive for COVID 19. Based on updated guidance, we have directed the resident to contact their primary care provider.

The Delta variant is very contagious and can be transmitted regardless of your vaccination status. The vaccine does not prevent infection or transmission of COVID-19.

Be safe, keep your mask on, keep 6’ of distance, sanitize and encourage friends and family members to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 Report
We are continuing to conduct twice weekly testing of all our staff. Please continue to wear your mask, avoid large indoor gatherings and encourage others to get their COVID-19 vaccine so we can keep our community healthy.

COVID-19 vaccine booster shots coming
The FDA authorized people aged 65 and older who have received Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to get a booster shot at least six months after their second dose.

Our Health Care team is preparing for the booster roll out for Hearthstone residents and staff that received the Pfizer vaccine. We expect approval for the Moderna booster in a few weeks and will schedule clinics as soon as possible.

We will provide updates as soon as information is available.

COVID-19 Report
Twice weekly testing of all staff continues to produce negative results. Please continue to wear your mask, avoid large indoor gatherings and encourage others to get their COVID-19 vaccine so we can keep our community healthy.

Plan Ahead for Flu Season and COVID-19 Fourth Wave
As Washington state experiences the fourth wave of COVID-19, the state department of health is requiring long term care providers in King County to test all staff twice weekly for COVID. The Hearthstone and other long term care facilities across the county are working hard to ensure our residents, staff and their families are protected from illness—but everyone needs to do their part.

Wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth is a critical preventative measure that we can all accomplish. You should also plan to get a flu shot. While clinics have not been scheduled at The Hearthstone, many retail pharmacies in the area are currently offering the flu vaccine.

The third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for immunocompromised individuals. Call you primary care provider to determine your eligibility and schedule an appointment.

COVID-19 Report
Twice weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results and we began including all staff in regular testing this week. Please continue to wear your mask, avoid indoor gatherings and encourage others to get their COVID-19 vaccine so we can keep our community healthy.

Return of Mask Mandates
The Hearthstone’s new twice weekly testing of all staff, regardless of vaccination status, aligns with the recent regional and statewide measures enacted to expand COVID-19 prevention methods. Gov. Jay Inslee announced yesterday that face coverings will be required at large outdoor events with 500 or more attendees effective September 13, similar to the measure recently ordered for King County.

With cases in Washington the highest they have been since the start of the pandemic, we urge all staff, residents and families to get vaccinated, wear your mask and keep each other safe.

COVID-19 Report
Twice weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results. Please continue to wear your mask, avoid indoor gatherings and encourage others to get their COVID-19 vaccine so we can keep our community healthy.

Delta Variant and Rising Infection Rate
The highly contagious delta variant is more than twice as contagious as previous variants. Fortunately, the COVID-19 vaccine is effective in preventing serious illness and hospitalization and we are grateful that most of our residents and staff are fully vaccinated. While this provides some peace of mind to friends and loved ones, we must remain vigilant and continue to take increased measures to protect our community.

COVID-19 Report
Bi-weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results. Please continue to wear your mask, avoid indoor gatherings and encourage others to get their COVID-19 vaccine so we can keep our community healthy.                                                                                                                          

Requirements for Visiting or Working at The Hearthstone
The COVID-19 Delta variant is contagious and spreading across the state, and we are hopeful that the upcoming plan to distribute COVID-19 vaccine booster shots this fall will help minimize the spread. In the meantime, the Hearthstone is taking every step needed to ensure our residents and staff stay healthy.

First, we are reinstating some visitation restrictions that were recently loosened. All visitors and residents, vaccinated or not, must wear masks at all times during visits. If possible, visit outdoors and maintain six feet of distance.

Likewise, we are adjusting requirements for our staff to ensure residents stay safe. By October 18, all our health care staff must be vaccinated. Since fully vaccinated individuals can still get infected and spread to residents who are immune compromised, this requirement is being implemented along with additional strict infection control practices.

COVID-19 Report
Weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results. Please continue to wear your mask, avoid indoor gatherings and encourage others to get their COVID-19 vaccine so we can keep our community healthy.                          

Updates to Resident Activities and Visitations
The Delta variant is very contagious and can be transmitted regardless of vaccination status. It’s important that our community continues to take extra precautions to limit transmission both at the Hearthstone and elsewhere.

At the Hearthstone, we are modifying some activities and allowing smaller group activities to continue if masked and distanced. We are also requiring everyone to wear masks in all common areas of our buildings.

While visitations may continue, we encourage outdoor visits and ask that families limit indoor visits unless they are essential. Please continue to be safe, keep your mask on, keep 6 feet of distance, sanitize and encourage friends and family members to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 Report
Weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results. Please continue to wear your mask, avoid indoor gatherings and encourage others to get their COVID-19 vaccine so we can keep our community healthy.                          

Get Vaccinated and Stay Cautious
The Hearthstone encourages all staff, residents and our community to get vaccinated. Since fully vaccinated individuals can still get infected and spread it to residents who are immune compromised, we must also continue to practice infection control methods to prevent an influx of cases.

The Delta variant is very contagious, and it’s important that our employees and staff continue to take these precautions seriously both inside and outside of our buildings.

Heat Wave Safety Tips
We urge our residents and community to stay hydrated during the current heat wave. Also, poor air quality from wildfires means it is crucial to keep windows closed and stay indoors, especially for those with respiratory issues.

COVID-19 Report
Weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results. Please continue to encourage others to get their COVID-19 vaccine so we can keep our community healthy.      

Visitation Guidance: Know Before You Go

The delta variant continues to spread, with COVID-19 cases rising. According a recent article in The Seattle Times, there are currently about 600 hospitalizations for COVID-19 statewide — about a 20% increase from last week. The percent of positive tests has also grown to 5%, up from 2% last month.

To help stop the spread of the delta variant and to keep our state’s hospitals from getting overwhelmed, The Hearthstone would like to remind residents and families of the Washington State Department of Health’s visitation guidance.

Upon arrival at The Hearthstone, you will be asked to confirm that you are not currently sick, and that in the past 14 days you have not been in close proximity to anyone currently sick with COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses.

During your visit, we respectfully ask that you:

• Clean your hands often by applying alcohol-based hand sanitizer or washing with soap and water.
• Wear a face mask while in the community.
• Follow the community’s infection prevention and control policies.
• Please reach out to a staff member if you have any questions or concerns.

The Hearthstone will continue to update its own safety policies per state and national guidance changes.

Thank you for doing your part to keep our residents and staff safe!

COVID-19 Report
Weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results. Please continue to encourage others to get their COVID-19 vaccine so we can keep our community healthy.      

Gov. Jay Inslee Urges Residents: Mask Up Indoors
Because of the spreading delta variant and rising COVID-19 cases around the state, Gov. Jay Inslee is urging all Washington residents, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks indoors. This update follows the CDC recommendations released Tuesday urging vaccinated people to wear masks indoors in public settings.

The governor reminded Washingtonians to stay vigilant amid the continued spread of the delta variant.

The Hearthstone continues to update its own safety policies per state and national guidance changes. We want to give a big thank you to our residents for stepping up and “taking the shot.” You make our community a safer place.

COVID-19 Report
Weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results. Please continue to encourage others to get their COVID-19 vaccine so we can keep our community healthy.      

How to Prevent Variant Spread
The Hearthstone continues to follow mandates and guidance from CMS regarding visitation, mask wearing and physical distancing. Experts have recently suggested additional guidance even for vaccinated people as COVID-19 variants spread in predominantly unvaccinated communities. On Friday, July 23, King County top public health officials recommended that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should wear masks again in indoor settings.

A recent article in the New York Times suggests that wearing a mask should depend on where you are, who you are with and whether they are vaccinated. Dr. Ashish K. Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, noted that masking is more important in poorly ventilated indoor spaces than outdoors, where risk of infection is low.

“While being fully vaccinated protects against serious illness and hospitalization from Covid-19, no vaccine offers 100 percent protection. As long as large numbers of people remain unvaccinated and continue to spread coronavirus, vaccinated people will be exposed to the Delta variant.”

Though the state of Washington is open and masking in most places is not required, it’s a good idea to avoid crowded spaces and wear a mask while indoors and wherever you don’t know the vaccination status of those around you. The Delta variant is twice as transmissible as the original strain of COVID-19. But even with this challenge, getting vaccinated is your best chance at preventing serious illness and hospitalization from COVID-19.

COVID-19 Report
Weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results. Please continue to encourage others to get their COVID-19 vaccine so we can keep our community healthy.      

Variant Spread Leads to Extra Precautions
While vaccinated members of the public continue to participate in reopened activities, the Delta variant continues to spread and according to State Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah, currently represents more than 40% of COVID-19 cases in Washington. 

Our primary concern continues to be our staff and residents. With the rise in Delta variant cases in Washington, our visitation guidelines remain stricter than other organizations to protect our residents.  

In our licensed areas (Assisted Living, Memory Care and Health Center), visitations can occur only when visitors schedule in advance and follow all precautions per their loved ones’ care level. Read our visitation guidelines prior to visiting and schedule a visit online at least one day in advance. 

Guests are not allowed in common areas including dining rooms, lounges, Chapel, library, and once they arrive, they need to screen, wear a mask and visitor’s badge, and go directly to their loved one’s apartment.  

These precautions are in place solely for the health and safety of our residents and staff. We will provide updates as guidelines change. Thank you for patience and understanding. 

COVID-19 Report
Weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results. Please continue to encourage others to get their COVID-19 vaccine so we can keep our community healthy.      

Help Us Keep Our Community Safe
We are excited to have more visitors at the Hearthstone, but we would like to remind all guests that we are committed to keeping our residents safe, and to do so, we need visitors and residents to adhere to infection prevention protocol while inside our buildings. This includes screening for symptoms, masking and social distancing.

Recent Changes to Restrictions at The Hearthstone include:

• Children may be allowed to visit, however, they must be well supervised. Visitors who bring children are responsible for ensuring they comply with handwashing, hand sanitizing, masking and social distancing requirements. Visitors should go directly to the visiting area (apartment) and directly out of the building when the visit has ended. Visitors may not bring pets at this time.
• Allowing groups of more than 10 residents to gather only if social distancing can be maintained. No visitors will be allowed in resident group gatherings.

The Hearthstone’s visitation policies are in place to manage visitor flow and ensure infection prevention requirements are followed. This may include limiting the number of guests visiting a resident at one time or limiting the total number of visitors in the community at one time.

For visits to licensed areas, we ask that you schedule in advance online. Our ability to allow visitors is dependent upon the county’s positivity rate and vaccination rate, and whether our building continues to have no active cases of COVID-19. We appreciate your help keeping our community safe and our doors open for visitation.  

COVID-19 Report
Weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results. Please continue to wear your mask, avoid indoor gatherings and encourage others to get their COVID-19 vaccine so we can keep our community healthy.                                                                                            

Prioritizing Safety Despite Loosened State Restrictions
Even though Washington state has officially reopened, masking rules will remain in place at health care settings including the Hearthstone community. All other restrictions will continue until further notice. Read our latest visitation restrictions and guidelines for Independent Living residents.

Dining Changes Likely to be Implemented July 6
We are planning to open the Main Dining Room to all residents from Cove E/W and floors 5-10. Once the July 6th date has been confirmed, Independent Residents will be able to enjoy dinner in the Main Dining Room any day of the week. No visitors or guests will be allowed at this time. We will extend meal service until 6:30pm and the dining room will close at 7:00pm. Room service will continue to be available for dinner with delivery between 4:15pm – 4:45pm.

June 25 Update

COVID-19 Report
Weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results. Please continue to wear your mask, avoid indoor gatherings and encourage others to get their COVID-19 vaccine so we can keep our community healthy. 

How to Stay Safe During Heat Wave
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a concern, but increased vaccinations locally and statewide provide hope for a healthy recovery. However, current health concerns are centered around the weather forecast. Seattle and other areas in the northwest are expected to hit record temperatures this weekend and into early next week. Given this unusual heat wave, Seattle and King County have shared information about local cooling centers and tips to stay cool and safe in this weather. A few ways to prevent heat-related illnesses include: 

• Drinking water frequently, even if you’re not thirsty 
• Limiting time outside in direct sunlight 
• Avoiding strenuous activities 
• Covering windows that receive afternoon sun 

June 18 Update

COVID-19 Report
Weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results. Please continue to wear your mask, avoid indoor gatherings and encourage others to get their COVID-19 vaccine so we can keep our community healthy.

The Hearthstone’s Mask Protocol
The Hearthstone will continue requiring masks or face coverings in common areas at the Lakeside building even after the state lifts restrictions. We are especially cautious and have stricter guidelines because we are operating under the Dept. of Health regulations. Our licensed areas such as Assisted Living and the Health Center serve residents, many of whom have underlying conditions, that require greater care. The safety of our at-risk residents will continue to take precedence over everything else, including reduced restrictions at the county and state level.

The state’s increasing vaccination rate means King County’s mask mandate will end right around the same time that all pandemic-related business restrictions in Washington disappear. We will provide updates to our community when restrictions change in our buildings. Until then, thank you to our community of residents and employees for getting us to this point. We look forward to the enjoyable summer ahead!

June 11 Update

COVID-19 Report
Weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results. Please continue to wear your mask, avoid indoor gatherings and encourage others to get their COVID-19 vaccine so we can keep our community healthy.

State Health Officials Continue To Encourage Mask Wearing Indoors
Washington state is reporting that more than 63 percent of people age 16 and older have received their first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. Reaching Gov. Jay Inslee’s goal of 70 percent will open the state fully. As we hoped, state officials say that with increased vaccinations, COVID-19 case numbers are “going in the right direction.” However, they remind us that caution is still key to keeping our communities healthy.

Dr. Scott Lindquist, the state’s epidemiologist for communicable diseases, said the most recent variant reports indicate that the alpha variant, first identified in the U.K., remains the most prevalent in Washington, and continues to spread across the state.

While the numbers are encouraging and trending in the right direction, it’s important to continue wearing a mask, avoid indoor gatherings and get as many people vaccinated as possible.

We are looking forward to loosening a few more restrictions when the state officially re-opens. Until then, please be patient and continue following the CDC and state guidelines.

June 4 Update

COVID-19 Report
We are pleased to report that weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results.  

Washington Lottery Program
Gov. Jay Inslee announced this week that Washington will conduct a lottery program for residents who are vaccinated against COVID-19. These residents will automatically be entered to win a variety of prizes, from airline tickets, Mariners and Sounders game tickets, to gaming consoles or a cash prize up to $1 million.

While this is an exciting opportunity, it’s a clear incentive for those not yet vaccinated to protect themselves and their community. This announcement comes less than a month before the proposed statewide opening June 30. As of today, 43 percent of Washingtonians are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. With the new incentives and ample vaccine appointments, we hope Washington can safely open and stay open this summer.

May 28 Update

COVID-19 Report
We are pleased to report that weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results.  

Expanded Dining Groups
We are excited to share the news that several resident floors will be joining together as a “pod” to eat in the main dining room once again! Other licensed areas will continue to dine with their “pods.”

Although it is a small change, it is one step closer to “normal.” Changes like these give our residents a chance to safely socialize with friends and loved ones as they used to.

As a reminder, masks are still mandatory for all visitors. Additionally, visiting pets are, unfortunately, not allowed to visit the Lakeside building at this time. Thank you for cooperating under our current restrictions and thank you to our community for continuing to stand by our side. We hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend. Happy Memorial Day!

May 21 Update

COVID-19 Report
We are pleased to report that weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results.

King County Public Health Directive: Keep Your Mask On
COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates are decreasing but remain at elevated levels. As a result, King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin has issued an updated directive strongly urging all residents, fully vaccinated or not, to continue wearing face masks in public indoor settings. King County has made great progress with vaccination rates, particularly with older adults, but rates are lower in many other groups. We want to avoid increasing the number of people who are unvaccinated without masks in indoor settings when we have substantial COVID-19 activity in the community.

As we have opened the Hearthstone to visitors, we have no way to know who is vaccinated and who isn’t. If unvaccinated people do not wear masks, the risk for COVID-19 spread increases. The most reliable way to ensure safety is for everyone to wear a face mask, until vaccination rates increase, and disease rates decrease.

May 14 Update

COVID-19 Report
We are pleased to report that weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results.

Masks Still Required in Hearthstone Buildings
The CDC has updated its guidance regarding mask wearing and cited the real-world effectiveness of the vaccines in preventing disease and reducing transmission. While fully vaccinated people can enjoy more freedoms, the Hearthstone is still requiring all visitors to wear masks. Residents are also required to wear masks in hallways, elevators and when passing through common areas. Staff continue to be required to wear masks at all times except when eating or drinking.

The CDC’s updated guidance means fully vaccinated residents can meet with one another and participate in group activities without masks. As of Monday, May 17, fully vaccinated residents may dine with up to four people per table. Thank you to all our residents, staff and visitors for adhering to mask and distancing guidelines while other activities open in our community. Your perseverance will keep those not yet vaccinated safe and healthy.

May 7 Update

COVID-19 Report
We are pleased to report that weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results.  

Screening Protocols Continue
All residents, family members, friends, guests and vendors must follow COVID safety protocol and screen when entering the Lakeside and Cove buildings. Although many residents and staff members have received the vaccine, there are visitors coming into our building and their vaccination status is unknown. It is easy to think we can drop our guard, but we must continue masking, keeping distance from others and washing hands frequently. We have come this far, so let’s continue to prevent the virus and variants from entering our community.

Thank You for your Support!
Thanks to all who donated to our GiveBig campaign! We continue to be incredibly grateful for our generous community. If you didn’t get a chance to donate, you can still support The Hearthstone by making everyday purchases on Amazon! Shop with Amazon Smile and a percentage of your purchase is donated to The Hearthstone. Use this link when shopping at Amazon to support us and our residents!

April 30 Update

COVID-19 Report
We are pleased to report that weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results.  

Outdoor Activities Encouraged
While masks are still required in all common areas of the Hearthstone, those who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus no longer need to wear a mask outdoors while walking, running, hiking or biking alone. The CDC’s updated public health guidance allows fully vaccinated people to gather in small groups small without wearing masks, but masks are still necessary in crowded outdoor venues like sports stadiums.

GiveBig to The Hearthstone
It’s time to GiveBig! Nonprofits like The Hearthstone rely on the support of our community to continue advancing our mission, especially after a year of unprecedented challenges.

As we continue to manage through the COVID-19 pandemic, and The Hearthstone is prioritizing resident and staff safety. Donate today to help us continue responding to new needs and delivering compassionate resident care. Your funds will help The Hearthstone support those with limited resources.

Thank you for your generosity and support of our mission. We are grateful for our community today and every day. Donate on our website or at www.givebigwa.org/the-hearthstone.

April 16 Update

COVID-19 Report

We are pleased to report that weekly testing of our licensed staff continues to produce negative results. We can attribute this success to the willingness of residents and staff to receive the COVID-19 vaccination and follow infection control guidelines. Thanks to our community, including our visitors who are cooperating with safety protocols, we can resume certain activities and give residents more opportunities to socialize with loved ones. Keep up the great work!

April 9 Update

COVID-19 Report

We are pleased that the majority of residents and staff have been vaccinated. As a reminder to our residents and their families, all visits to Assisted Living, Memory Care, or the Health Center must be scheduled ahead of time through Life Enrichment or one of our social workers. 

Before inviting friends or family to visit The Hearthstone, residents should share our visitation policies and ensure potential visitors understand what is required to be allowed into the building. When guests arrive for their appointment, they must follow all infection control protocol, which includes being screened, maintaining six feet of distance from others, masking, and washing hands frequently.  

COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting sick, but we’re still learning how vaccines affect the spread of COVID-19. Those who are vaccinated should continue taking precautions such as avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces until we know more. 

April 2 Update

COVID-19 Report
All COVID-19 test results for residents and staff continue to be negative. This allowed the Hearthstone to open for limited visitation last Monday, March 29. 

Visitors must follow all infection control measures in addition to specific guidelines depending on the level of care they visit. We will continue to update this information as the CDC and other health agencies provide new guidelines. 

We are excited to welcome visitors back to the Hearthstone but want to remind our community–including our residents–to stay safe for those who have not been vaccinated. 

“Finding evidence of vaccine breakthrough cases reminds us that, even if you have been vaccinated, you still need to wear a mask, practice socially distancing, and wash your hands to prevent spreading COVID-19 to others who have not been vaccinated,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health. “It is important   to remember that every vaccine on the market right now prevents severe disease and death in most cases. People should still get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible, and encourage friends, loved ones, and co-workers to do the same.” 

March 26 Update

COVID-19 Report
Potential Re-Opening Next Week
All COVID-19 test results for residents and staff continue to be negative. Unless we identify a positive case, we will re-open The Hearthstone to visitors on Monday, March 29 per the latest CDC and Department of Health guidelines. On that day, we will also resume in-person fitness classes and small group activities.

While we are excited to potentially welcome visitors back to The Hearthstone, we do so with caution. If there is one positive test, visitations and in-person activities will be put on hold.

March 19 Update

COVID-19 Report
New Guidance for Vaccinated Residents Away from the Hearthstone
Good news! The Department of Health just revised their updated risk of exposure assessment to include vaccination status. Our residents who received a second COVID-19 vaccine dose more than two weeks ago are no longer required to quarantine or get tested when away from the Hearthstone overnight. If a resident comes in contact with someone who tests positive or displays symptoms, we ask that they contact social worker Chiyo King at ext. 5265 for further guidance and support.

Vaccinations Continue for New Employees and Residents
Many residents and staff members have been fully vaccinated. In an effort to keep all our community safe, we are scheduling clinics on an ongoing basis to provide vaccinations for new employees and new residents.

Visitations and Group Activities on Hold
All group activities in our community remain on hold because of the previously reported positive COVID-19 test result from an employee. Weekly test results continue to be negative. If we proceed without new cases, we will resume small group activities and, potentially, begin scheduling visitations on March 29th. If we receive a positive test result or change our restrictions, we will let you know.

March 16 Update

COVID-19 Report
After receiving notice last week that one fully vaccinated staff member tested positive with mild symptoms, we quickly identified staff and residents who may have been exposed and conducted rapid and PCR COVID tests.

Last week, we notified our community that all rapid tests came back negative, and we are pleased to announce that all PCR test results have been negative. We will continue testing those who may have been exposed weekly and will provide an update if there are any positive results.

While there are no other known cases in any of our buildings, all group activities in our community are on hold until March 24. If there are no new cases by March 24, we will re-open our main dining room and library, and start in-person fitness classes.

All Assisted Living visitations are on hold until further notice. Our Health Center residents may receive limited visitation until we have cleared 14 days with no new cases.

March 10 Update

COVID-19 Report
One Staff Member Tests Positive, Community Activities On Hold
We received notice this week that one fully vaccinated staff member tested positive after experiencing mild symptoms. This employee is isolating at home and will not return to work for at least two weeks.

Through contact tracing, we identified residents and staff that may have been exposed and conducted both rapid and PCR COVID tests. All rapid tests returned with negative results and the PCR test results, which are more reliable, will return to us within 72 hours. We will provide an update when we receive the results.

While there are no other known cases in any of our buildings, all group activities in our community are on hold until March 24. We will continue conducting weekly staff and resident tests in the licensed areas per CDC and King County Public Health guidelines. If there are no new cases by March 24, we will re-open our main dining room, library and start in-person fitness classes.

Approaching Group Activities with Caution
This case is an example of why we must continue practicing physical distancing and wearing masks, even if we are vaccinated. The vaccine does not prevent infection or transmission of COVID-19.

When making decisions about restrictions and group activities for our independent living residents, the CDC advises us to consider the risks to those in our community, including underlying medical conditions, multiple comorbidities, and other factors that could put someone at increased risk for a severe case of COVID-19. The CDC’s recent announcement allowing small group activities for vaccinated individuals relates to a private setting. This guidance is not intended for individuals in a health care setting. We are developing a policy for group activities for vaccinated residents and will share that as soon as possible.

March 5 Update

COVID-19 Report
There are no known positive COVID cases in any of our buildings. Weekly tests continue to show negative results. Thank you to all our nursing and support staff for staying safe.

Virus Variants Threaten Our Progress
This week, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky warned that new, highly contagious COVID variants could reverse the nation’s progress against the pandemic. “How this plays out is up to us. The next three months are pivotal,” said Walensky. She also urged the public to continue following public health measures as they are necessary to curb the virus’ spread.

As we continue planning the reopening of our main dining room, we are emphasizing the importance of wearing masks and physical distancing. Though we are vaccinated, we are not immune from variants and we need to do everything we can to keep residents and staff safe. We are approaching the one-year mark of the pandemic, and we must remind our family, friends and community that this will only end if we all do our part.

February 26 Update

COVID-19 Report
Weekly tests continue to show negative results. Thank you to all our nursing and support staff for staying safe.

Vaccines Support Dining Room Reopening
The COVID-19 vaccination clinics have been successfully completed for Independent, Assisted Living and Health Center residents. As a result, The Hearthstone is one step closer to our goal of reopening the Main Dining Room in mid-March.

Although the dining experience will be different than what residents were accustomed to prior to the pandemic closures, it will be a safe step forward. Residents will be able to dine with residents from their “pod” or “social bubble” several times a week in the newly renovated dining room.

Once it opens, the dining room experience will be a safe way for residents to interact face-to-face with friends, rather than risk exposure to community members who haven’t received a vaccine. We will share more details about the opening when they are finalized.

February 19 Update

COVID-19 Report
Weekly tests continue to show negative results. Congratulations and thank you to all our nursing staff and support personnel for staying safe.

Weather Delays Vaccines
Winter weather has delayed vaccine deliveries for many states, including Washington, and vaccine providers such as the Hearthstone have had to cancel upcoming vaccination appointments. There is no immediate concern for those awaiting their second dose, as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that the second dose can be administered up to 42 days, or six weeks, after the first dose. Vaccine clinics will be rescheduled as soon as the vaccine arrives.

The County infection rate is on the decline, and with more people receiving vaccinations, we hope that trend will continue. In the meantime, we are following CDC guidelines and working to keep our residents and staff safe. As such, we have not made any changes to our visitation policy. We will share new information with you as updates become available.

February 5 Update

COVID-19 Report
We have no new cases of COVID-19 to report. Weekly testing continues for those employees working in the licensed areas.

Masks and Distancing Are Still Necessary
Most residents will be receiving their second dose of the vaccine in the next two weeks. This has been a monumental effort by staff, residents, and our pharmacy partners CVS and Ottersens. We are pleased to see the high level of participation in the vaccination program.

However, because the COVID-19 vaccines do not offer 100 percent protection — and because it’s possible that a person who has been vaccinated can unknowingly spread the virus to others — it’s essential to continue following proven public health measures, like universal masking and physical distancing.

January 29 Update

COVID-19 Report

We have no new cases of COVID-19 to report. Weekly testing continues for those employees working in the licensed areas.

Hopeful for the Future

We are grateful that Independent Living residents are scheduled to begin receiving their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in early February. While we continue to restrict visits to outdoors only and deliver meals to each floor, we are hopeful that case numbers will improve in our region as more people get vaccinated, and that we may soon begin safe, in-person activities.

In the meantime, we have a wonderful outdoor gazebo for residents to reserve for safe, masked visits with friends and family. Also, once it is safe to do so, we may partially reopen our main dining room for dinner service, including staggered service by floor and strict adherence to all requirements for indoor dining in King County. Although King County is entering Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan on Monday, February 1, which allows indoor dining at 25 percent capacity, we will continue to provide no-contact delivery meals to residents. As always, we will continue to follow state and federal guidelines on all in-person activities and will only proceed with fewer restrictions when it is safe to do so.

January 21 Update

COVID-19 Report

We have no new cases of COVID-19 to report. Weekly testing continues for those employees working in the licensed areas.

Thanks to the work of our pharmacy partners, CVS and Ottersens, all residents and staff have had the opportunity to receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and many have already received their second dose. Participation from residents and staff has been excellent. One hundred percent of our Assisted Living and Health Center residents have received their first dose of the vaccine, and 78 percent of Health Center residents received their second dose on Monday, January 18, and are fully vaccinated. We are pleased to hit this milestone on the road to recovery from the pandemic.

January 8 Update

COVID-19 Report
We have no active cases of COVID 19 at the Hearthstone. Weekly testing continues for those employees working in the licensed areas and all tests have returned negative results for more than 14 days.

Upcoming Vaccination Clinics

We are pleased to announce that The Hearthstone has partnered with Ottersens Pharmacy to provide vaccinations for our Independent residents. The health and safety of our residents and staff has always been our priority, and we are grateful they are some of the first to access this potentially life-saving vaccine.

We are communicating with residents and staff directly about how they can participate in the vaccine clinics.

Below is the current schedule for upcoming clinics:

January 14 – Independent Residents

• Independent Living residents will receive their first dose of the Moderna vaccine. The second dose will be given 28 days later, on February 11. Consent forms and scheduling information will be distributed to residents in the next few days.

January 18 – Health Center and Assisted Living Residents

• Residents who received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on December 28 will receive their second dose. Any Health Center or Assisted Living residents or staff that want to their first dose will receive one at this time.
• A third clinic will be scheduled to provide the second dose for those who receive their first dose on January 18.

December 30 Update

COVID-19 Report
Two staff members recently tested positive for COVID-19 and are isolating at home with mild symptoms. These two employees do not work in the licensed areas (Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Health Center) and have very limited contact with others. Our contract tracing practices indicate the exposure risk for residents and staff members is very low, however, we continue to follow all local, state and federal guidelines to prevent further spread in our community.

First Residents & Staff Vaccinated
Approximately 131 Health Center residents and staff received their first dose of the vaccine on Monday, December 28th. The date of our second clinic, and when this group receives the required second dose of the vaccine, is tentatively set for January 18th. Any Health Center residents or staff that missed the first clinic will receive their first dose at this time.

Currently, Washington state is limiting vaccine allocation to those in the CDC’s highest priority group (“Phase 1a”) which includes health care workers and long-term care residents. We are waiting on clarification about who is included in the next priority group and when they can get vaccinated. We will provide an update when we know more.

December 23 Update

COVID-19 Report
We are pleased to share that The Hearthstone has no new cases to report.

Enabling Safe Visits
The Hearthstone can continue outdoor visits per state and county guidelines, but our team has been working to make these visits safer and more comfortable for our residents and their guests. Andersen Construction, who has been working on renovations to the Lakeside building, installed a covered outdoor gazebo on the patio adjacent to Woodlawn Ave, funded by a grant from The Andersen Foundation.

The space is available to residents from all three of our buildings. We are very grateful for the gift and want to thank the Andersen Foundation for providing a space for residents to safely connect and spend time with family and friends.

Residents Join in Holiday Sing-Along
Since indoor visits and entertainment are not allowed right now, one of our residents wanted to share some holiday cheer by performing a sing-along piano recital to some of our favorite Christmas tunes. She invites residents to sing from their apartments and looks forward to the next time we can all sing together again. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/wkLV1JU9Tp4

December 18 Update

COVID-19 Report

We have no new cases of COVID-19 to report. Our twice weekly tests been negative for two consecutive weeks. This means we will resume weekly testing for staff in the licensed areas only, and we can begin admitting residents to the Health Center and Assisted Living.

Vaccine Distribution at The Hearthstone

More than 30,200 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine have already arrived in Washington and the Department of Health anticipates it will receive tens of thousands more doses this week. Vaccinations have begun for frontline health workers and long-term care residents and staff across the state.

As part of the initial roll-out, The Hearthstone is expecting CVS to be on-site over the next few weeks to provide vaccinations for residents and staff in the licensed areas of Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living.

Healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff are the first and only people eligible to receive the vaccine at this time. The department of health estimates that health providers will finish vaccinating these groups by mid- to late January. At that time, if supplies are available, the vaccine will be administered to the next eligible group.

As more information about vaccinations for Independent Residents becomes available, we will share more details with you. 

Your best protection from COVID-19 will be a combination of getting a vaccine, wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding crowds, and washing your hands often. No one tool alone is going to stop the pandemic. Learn about the benefits of a COVID-19 vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) so you’ll be informed and ready when it’s available to you.

December 10 Update

COVID-19 Report
We are saddened to announce the passing of a Health Center resident due to complications from COVID-19. Our thoughts and prayers are with this person’s family and friends. As a small community, we deeply feel the loss of one of our neighbors.

There are no known active cases in any of our buildings. Our weekly testing of Health Center and Assisted Living staff and residents continues, and all results have been negative.

King County Restrictions Extended to January 4
Per Governor Inslee’s recent press conference, King County restrictions on businesses and gatherings have been extended to January 4, 2021. Indoor gatherings with people outside of a person’s household are prohibited unless participants have quarantined for at least a week and tested negative for the virus. This news serves as a reminder that we must continue to stay home, wear masks in public and limit contact with others as much as we can.

We remain focused on keeping our whole community safe and cared for during this unique holiday season. We continue to follow guidance from the CDC and other agencies, and we remain in close contact with organizations such as LeadingAge Washington to ensure we are well-informed about safety steps that are specific to our community.

December 4 Update

COVID-19 Report

Protecting Our Residents
We received notice this week that one resident in our Health Center tested positive during routine testing. We quickly implemented isolation protocol and began alerting anyone who had recent contact with the patient. Our Health Center staff is working diligently to ensure this patient receives the care they need while preventing further transmissions.

There are no other known cases in the Health Center, Assisted Living or Independent Living. We will continue conducting weekly tests per CDC and King County Public Health guidelines and will provide updates as needed.

Thankful for Our Community
Our community of residents and staff has endured a very difficult year. We thank all our front line employees and health care workers that have worked incredibly hard through this year despite unprecedented circumstances. Without these leaders, we would be in an entirely different position this month. Thankfully, our residents are still finding ways to smile and enjoy the holidays in new ways. Our Independent Living residents were recently featured in this clip from Q13 News, sharing how they are making the most of this unique holiday season.

November 25 Update

COVID-19 Report

One Employee Tests Positive
We received notice this week that one staff member in our Health Center tested positive after routine testing. This employee is isolating at home and won’t return to work for at least two weeks. There are no other known cases in any of our buildings. We will continue conducting weekly staff and resident tests in the licensed areas per CDC and King County Public Health guidelines.

Staying Safe and Joyful for the Holidays
Along with ensuring our residents and staff are safe and healthy, The Hearthstone is working to help our community stay connected to family during the holidays. While our residents can’t be with their families in-person, our Life Enrichment team is making sure residents are set up for video calls and other virtual connections as well as window and outdoor visits.

We sincerely hope that our community stays safe through the holidays and beyond, because the sacrifices we make this year will help us celebrate together in the future. We are thankful for our residents and staff for their incredible resilience this year. It has been difficult for all, but we will get through this together. Wishing you all a safe, healthy and happy Thanksgiving.

November 20 Update

COVID-19 Report

Testing Continues Weekly

Per CDC and King County Public Health recommendations, we are continuing to test staff members who work in the licensed areas on a weekly basis. No staff member has tested positive over the last four weeks.

New Restrictions

Across the state including in King County, cases have risen to new highs and hospitalizations are up. We are worried about the increasing impact on the health of our community, healthcare system and economy. We must take immediate action to flatten the curve.

We understand that the holidays are normally a time spent with family and friends, however both local and state health officials have made it clear that this year, that cannot happen.

The King County Department of Health has stated that indoor social gatherings with people who do not live in the same household are prohibited for the next several weeks (this includes Thanksgiving and, most likely, Christmas), and outdoor gatherings have been restricted to 5 or less people from multiple households.  

We know what stops the spread and we need to continue to be vigilant and steadfast in our efforts by limiting our gatherings and discretionary activities, avoiding indoor spaces, wearing masks, and keeping interactions brief. This is a time for all of us to do our part to minimize the risk to our communities and our loved ones. The holidays will look different this year, but that does not mean they cannot be celebrated with new traditions. Our collective efforts now will help save lives as well as flatten the curve, and we will be able to celebrate together again in the future.

The Hearthstone is doing its part to keep everyone safe and has put the following restrictions in place:

• Temporarily closing the fitness center at Cove West and the Lakeside
• Cancelling in-person fitness classes
• Delaying the reopening of the main dining room

November 11 Update

COVID-19 Report

Assisted Living and Memory Care tests return negative
Following the report that an Assisted Living (AL) employee tested positive for COVID-19 last week, the Hearthstone tested all AL and Memory Care residents and staff over the weekend. We are pleased to report that all these residents and employees have tested negative.

Per CDC and King County Public Health requirements, we will continue testing weekly until we receive all negative results for two consecutive weeks. Additionally, we are conducting weekly testing for all staff in our Health Center. There are no reported cases for Independent Living residents.

Washington state reports record high COVID cases
Local and state health officials joined for a virtual news conference this week to discuss the rapid increase of cases in Washington in the past two weeks. These officials strongly discourage in-person gatherings for the next several weeks, including on Thanksgiving. We must minimize the risk to our communities and our loved ones, even if it means creating new holiday traditions. If you choose to celebrate with others, please review and follow the state’s guide to safer gatherings. With our collective efforts to reduce the risk now, we will put ourselves on a trajectory that will save lives down the road, and we will celebrate together again.

November 6 Update

COVID-19 Report

One Employee Tests Positive

Today, we received a report of a positive COVID-19 test result for a Hearthstone employee. This Assisted Living (AL) employee is asymptomatic and at home in isolation. Our AL staff members do not work with other levels of care and rarely interact with residents or staff outside of the Assisted Living community. We have no reports of cases in other levels of care or in any of our buildings.

Weekly Testing and Activity Restrictions Begin

We will promptly begin testing all Assisted Living residents and staff and provide an update once we receive results. In the meantime, all AL residents are being asked to self-isolate through the weekend. We will continue to test AL staff and residents each week until we no longer have positive results for two weeks.

Life Enrichment will temporarily pause activities and interactions with our residents. Except for our essential Compassionate Care visits, all visitations will be put on hold.

Cases are rising in King County and we encourage all residents to limit contact with others and monitor for symptoms daily. This is a challenging time for all of us, particularly for our residents, their families and our employees. We are continuing to work hard and provide high-quality care. We appreciate the outpouring of support we have received this year and thank our community for continuing to stand with us.

October 30 Update

COVID-19 Report

No New Cases to Report

We are pleased to announce that the Hearthstone has no new cases to report, and we have no known cases in any of our buildings.

Taking Steps to Protect Our Community

While our residents and staff have successfully kept COVID cases out of all Hearthstone buildings, we remain focused on keeping our whole community safe. We continue to follow guidance from the CDC and other agencies, and we remain in close contact with organizations such as LeadingAge Washington to ensure we are well-informed about safety steps that are specific to our community.

October 23 Update

COVID-19 Report

No New Cases to Report

We are pleased to announce that the Hearthstone has no new cases to report, and we have no known cases in any of our buildings.

Commit to fewer, shorter, smaller gatherings

With the holidays approaching, the growing number of COVID cases in Washington state and other parts of the country is cause for concern. Now is the time to plan for alternative holiday gatherings to reduce you and your family’s risk. Refer to the CDC website for other ideas and find guidelines on how to reduce your risk at holiday celebrations.

By limiting the number of people you have contact with and the length of time you’re with them, you can help prevent spread of COVID-19. Staying home is still safest. If you do go out, whether you are at the grocery store or getting prescriptions, you must wear a mask and keep six feet of distance from others. The Department of Health offers the following recommendations to ensure community safety:

• Wear a cloth face covering. Make sure the face covering fits snugly over your nose and mouth.
• Avoid confined spaces. Outdoor activities are safer than indoor activities.
• Avoid close contact with people outside of your household. Stay at least 6 feet away from all other people who are not part of your own household.
• Wash or sanitize your hands often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Stay home if you are sick or were recently exposed to someone with COVID-19.

October 16 Update

COVID-19 Report

No New Cases to Report

We are pleased to announce that the Hearthstone has no new cases to report, and we have no known cases in any of our buildings. As always, we are focused on the health and safety of all our residents and employees, and we’re proud of our community’s efforts.

Although we are optimistic about our situation, we are aware that the virus is spreading in our community. The Washington State Department of Health reports that COVID-19 case counts are increasing for all ages and in broad areas—including western Washington. This trend suggests that communities are spreading the virus, rather than specific activities. The rising case numbers among older people are particularly concerning because they are at a higher risk of severe illness and other complications with COVID.

We’re listening to the experts

We continue to look to our local and state health experts for the latest guidance for communities like ours. State Secretary of Health John Wiesman cautions that we must be vigilant as we enter the colder months and spend more time indoors where there is a higher risk of infection.

“We must be especially careful to avoid gathering in groups inside, including with family and friends outside of our immediate household. That includes limiting group size, gathering outside or improving ventilation inside, cleaning and washing hands frequently, wearing face coverings (including inside our homes) and staying over six feet apart,” says Secretary of Health John Wiesman.

October 9 Update

COVID-19 Report

Thank you residents and staff

We would like to give a big shout-out to all residents and staff at the Hearthstone, as there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 in any of our buildings for more than two months. This success is directly related to your diligence in wearing masks and maintaining distance from others. Thank you and keep up the great work!

Support The Hearthstone

You can help support our efforts at The Hearthstone when you shop with AmazonSmile. Use our link and a percentage of your purchase is automatically donated to The Hearthstone—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! Shop here: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-0743702

More activities to open

Gov. Jay Inslee announced on Tuesday, October 6 that while counties are not able to advance phases in Washington’s Safe Start reopening plan, several activities will resume in some phases. These new guidelines for King County will allow increased capacity for restaurants and libraries and will open more activities at parks and indoor water recreation facilities.

With more activities opening, we must do everything we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Our individual actions make a difference. Fewer, shorter and safer interactions are crucial to protecting our community.

October 2 Update

COVID-19 Report

No New Cases

We are pleased to report another week without any known COVID-19 cases at The Hearthstone. Our community has continued to remain diligent in distancing, wearing masks and limiting contact with others. We hope to continue this trend.

Flu Season and the Covid-19 Pandemic

The arrival of the fall and winter months signals many things, including the beginning of flu season. However, because both the flu and COVID-19 affect the respiratory system and there is some overlap in symptoms, it can be difficult to determine whether you have the flu or COVID-19.

If you believe you have the flu or COVID-19, please call your doctor and describe your symptoms before going to a facility to seek care. Doing so will ensure that you receive the medical attention you need without risking the spread of COVID-19.

September 25 Update

COVID-19 Report

No New Cases

The Hearthstone continues to keep COVID-19 from infecting residents and employees thanks to our community’s diligence in staying distanced, wearing masks and limiting group activities.

Masks Are Our Best Defense

Face coverings are “the most powerful public health tool” the nation has against the coronavirus and might even provide better protection against it than a vaccine, the head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told lawmakers Wednesday, September 16th. “We have clear scientific evidence they work, and they are our best defense,” CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield said.

Show you care for your neighbors and wear a mask whenever you leave your apartment. The mask needs to cover your nose and mouth and fit snugly. Do not lower your mask to talk. Talking is one of the ways the virus spreads and it is very important to keep the mask over your mouth when you speak.

September 18 Update

COVID-19 Report

No New Cases in 42 Days

We are pleased to report that The Hearthstone has not had a new case of COVID in 42 days. There are no known active cases at the Lakeside building, Cove East or Cove West. We are thankful for our community’s diligence in staying distanced, wearing masks and limiting contact with others.

Washington Numbers Improving

Recent news from King County shows that over the past two weeks, there are fewer than 75 cases per 100,000. This news is promising and shows that physical distancing, hand washing and masks work to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, clusters of cases pop up often as people break guidelines and gather in large groups.

Our community’s health and safety depend on our collective behavior. We ask all residents and family members to seriously consider the risk of contracting COVID-19 when making decisions about going out into the broader community. We hope King County can transition to Phase 3 of the state’s “Safe Start” plan in the future, but that will require everyone to follow guidelines for infection control.

August 28 Update

COVID-19 Report

No New Cases to Report  

We are pleased to report that as of August 28^th the entire Hearthstone community is outbreak-free. We have no known active cases at the Lakeside building, Cove East or Cove West. This is great news, but we are continuing to remain vigilant.

Tips for Staying Healthy

We are reminding our residents and their families that our individual actions make a difference. Staying home is still safest. Fewer, shorter and safer interactions are crucial. If you do go out, keep it quick, keep your distance and wear a face covering. Limit your trips to just the essentials, like grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions. We encourage everyone to  maintain at least six feet of distance away from others, even when outside. If you feel symptoms of COVID-19, or have been around someone with a confirmed case, get tested. Stay healthy by washing your hands frequently with soap and water and keep surfaces clean.

Together, we will get through this. For more information, visit coronavirus.wa.gov/

August 25 Update

COVID-19 Report

No New Cases

We are pleased to report that there are no known active cases of COVID-19 in any of our buildings.

Outdoor Visits for Health Center 

Although there are no known active cases in the Health Center, all visitations were on hold until we cleared 28 days without a positive case. As of this morning, we have cleared 28 days with no new cases and outdoor visits for Health Center residents may resume. Please schedule your visits through our Life Enrichment Team.

Assisted Living Tests Return Negative

After previously identifying an on-call staff member in Assisted Living who tested positive for COVID-19, we have been testing Assisted Living residents and staff members weekly to prevent further spread of the virus. We re-tested the Assisted Living staff and residents this past week, and all results were negative. We will resume limited activities such as the hallway exercise classes.

August 14 Update

COVID-19 Report

Assisted Living Tests Return Negative

After identifying an on-call staff member in Assisted Living who tested positive for COVID-19, we have been testing the community weekly to prevent further spread of the virus. We are pleased to report that our Assisted Living residents and staff were tested this week and all results were negative for COVID-19.

We will re-test the Assisted Living staff and residents this coming Sunday and Monday, and if all results are negative, we will resume activities that were temporarily put on hold.

Outdoor Visits on Hold

Although there are no known active cases in the Health Center, all visitations are on hold until we have cleared 28 days without a positive case. If there are no new cases by Tuesday, August 25, 28 days after we reported an active case in the Health Center, we will resume outdoor visits.

August 7 Update

COVID-19 Report

On-call Staff Member Tests Positive; All Health Center Tests Return Negative

We recently learned that one of our on-call staff members in Assisted Living has tested positive. While they are asymptomatic, this staff member is isolating at home for at least two weeks and must obtain two negative tests before returning. We are taking the following precautions until all Assisted Living staff and residents test negative:

• Requesting that all Assisted Living residents stay in their apartments for at least two weeks
• Temporarily prohibiting Assisted Living visits and outings, except for any essential medical appointments
• Temporarily canceling all group activities, including hallway exercises

We recently re-tested all Health Center staff and residents and received all negative results, including the resident and staff member who previously tested positive. Although there are no known active cases in the Health Center, all visitations are on hold until we have cleared 28 days without a positive case, per Gov. Jay Inslee’s new phased plan for long-term care facility visits.

It is critical that we remain vigilant and work together to keep our community safe during this pandemic. Thank you for continuing to practice physical distancing, wearing a mask when around others, staying home whenever possible and washing your hands frequently.

July 31 Update

COVID-19 Report

No New Cases; Testing Continues Weekly

We have no new cases to report today. We are continuing to test staff members who work in the Health Center and will provide results as they are available. The only active case at The Hearthstone is an asymptomatic resident in the Health Center, who continues to be carefully monitored by staff while in isolation. We will continue to test Health Center residents weekly until all tests are negative.

July 29 Update

COVID-19 Report

Health Center Re-Tested; One Resident Tests Positive

All Health Center residents and high-risk staff members were tested for COVID-19 on Monday, July 20, and all tests came back negative. As a precaution, these employees and residents were re-tested Monday, July 27, and today we learned one resident tested positive despite being asymptomatic.

This resident is being carefully monitored by our staff while in isolation and will be re-tested in 7 days. Staff assigned to the Health Center do not enter other levels of care to avoid cross contamination, and there are no known cases of COVID-19 in our Assisted Living, Memory Care or Independent Living communities. Our Cove East and Cove West buildings are also COVID-Free.

Businesses and activities continue to open with screening and physical distancing requirements. If residents choose to leave their apartments, we encourage them to practice physical distancing and wear their masks correctly – covering their faces snugly from the bridge of their noses to under their chins – the whole time they are out, and washing their hands before and after they wear their masks.

But the best way to stay safe is to stay home. Our residents’ continued cooperation in this effort will help us prevent the spread of COVID-19.

July 22 Update

COVID-19 Report

Health Center Residents & High-Risk Staff Test Negative

All Health Center residents and high-risk staff members were tested for COVID-19 on Monday, July 20 following an announcement last Friday, July 17, that a staff member tested positive. We are pleased to report that all these tests came back negative.

We are continuing to test other staff members who are at lower risk for infection and will report results as soon as they are available.

It is critical that we remain vigilant and work together to keep our community safe during this pandemic. Thank you for continuing to practice physical distancing, wearing a mask when around others, staying home whenever possible and washing your hands frequently.

July 17 Update

COVID-19 Report

One Employee Tests Positive; Health Center Residents and Staff to be Tested

The Hearthstone recently learned that an employee in our Health Center tested positive for COVID-19. This employee does not interact with any other levels of care, such as our Assisted Living, Memory Care or Independent Living communities. The employee is isolating at home for at least two weeks and is required to test negative twice before returning to work.

The Hearthstone is putting all Health Center admissions on hold and will test residents and direct care staff  for COVID-19 in the coming days. We will report test results as they become available.

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community, The Hearthstone’s outdoor visiting spaces are temporarily closed. The safety of our residents, staff and family members is our priority, and we apologize for any inconvenience. We will provide an update when outdoor visitations may resume.

As cases rise in Washington state and Gov. Jay Inslee restricts counties from advancing phases, we remain focused on protecting our residents and employees. Please continue to follow all safety guidelines for infection control. These include:

• Wearing masks that fully cover your mouth and nose when around others
• Maintaining six feet of distance from others
• Regularly washing your hands

The diligence of our residents and employees in following these precautions and monitoring their health daily will help keep us all safe. Thank you all for your cooperation.

July 2 Update

COVID-19 Report

COVID-Free for More Than 30 Days

We are happy to report that our community had no new cases of COVID-19 throughout the month of June. As we enter July, we are encouraged and hopeful that better times are ahead, but we understand that wearing masks and physical distancing will be our new normal, and it will take all of us to maintain a safe and healthy environment.

Safe Visiting Opportunities

Visitors to The Hearthstone are still restricted to essential personnel only, but we are establishing additional outdoor spaces for residents to meet with their family and friends. We will be opening up a covered “outdoor lounge” that will be a comfortable place for safe visiting. In these spaces, we are requiring all residents and family members to wear masks and maintain physical distance. Have a safe 4^th of July!

June 25 Update

COVID-19 Report

No New Cases for 30 Days

The Hearthstone is celebrating its 30^th consecutive day with no new cases of COVID-19! There are no known cases of COVID-19 on our campus. Thank you to our staff for their diligence and our residents for their cooperation. We know this is difficult, but we’re proud of our community for pulling together to protect themselves and others.

Masks Required Statewide Starting Friday

Per Gov. Jay Inslee’s statewide mandate effective Friday, June 26, all Washington residents in an indoor space, or in an outdoor space when unable to physically distance, are legally required to wear a mask or face covering. In response to increasing cases across the state, health officials recommended this mandate to prevent our health care system from being overwhelmed.

Although more businesses are opening, the safest thing you can do is stay home. The risk is still there, particularly for those with underlying health conditions and over the age of 60. If you choose to go out, please remember to wear a mask, keep at least six feet of distance between yourself and others and regularly wash your hands.

June 18 Update

COVID-19 Report

We are happy to report another week with no known cases of coronavirus at The Hearthstone. 

Additionally, we are pleased to share that one of our staff members who previously tested positive and was recovering at  home has retested negative and returned to work. We now only have one employee recovering at home.

As we approach the start of the summer season, we face new and familiar challenges. While Washington’s phased openings might encourage small group outings, social gatherings and other activities, we recognize the prevalence of COVID-19 and the dangers it poses to our residents and employees. Our dedicated staff will continue working hard to ensure our community receives the trusted, compassionate care our residents expect from us.

June 10 Update

COVID-19 Report

No Active Cases at The Hearthstone; Hospitalized Resident Discharged

There are currently no active cases of COVID-19 at The Hearthstone.

We are happy to hear that the resident who has been recovering from COVID-19, and who received a negative test result last week, has been discharged from the hospital.

Two of our staff members who previously tested positive continue isolating at home, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.

Thank you to all our residents for prioritizing each other’s safety as our region begins to reopen businesses and resume activities.  As a community of residents  who are at higher risk of complications from COVID-19, the Governor asks that we continue to Stay Home and Stay Healthy.

June 4 Update

COVID-19 Report

We have no new positive cases of COVID-19 to report today.

Well Wishes to our Resident

We are pleased to learn that our resident who has been receiving care at a nearby hospital for COVID-19 has tested negative. We are grateful to hear this news and are hoping this resident feels better very soon.

Physical Distancing Activities

Our residents have become exemplary mask wearers! We appreciate their cooperation and are pleased to see them protecting themselves and others as they come and go from our Community. In addition to wearing a mask, we remind our residents to follow these steps to limit exposure to COVID-19:

• Maintain six feet of distance from others
• Regular, thorough hand washing

Thanks to our wellness director, residents have adapted to physical distancing measures while focusing on their physical health. With help from Zoom, our residents are taking exercise classes with each other again. Virtual technology has been instrumental in keeping residents connected.

Take Care

Virtual technology is not only helpful for physical health. Mental health is just as important in these distressing times. We understand the news across the country and around the world can be overwhelming, but even with physical distancing, our residents are not alone.  We have a social worker, Life Enrichment department and a chaplain who are standing by and ready to help.

May 29 Update

COVID-19 Report

We have no new positive cases of COVID-19 to report today.

Yesterday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced that skilled nursing facilities must test all residents and staff for COVID-19 by June 12, and assisted living facilities must test all residents and staff by June 26. Thanks to King County Public Health and Seattle Fire Department, The Hearthstone is already in compliance with this mandate.

In addition to already completing the required testing, this program made it possible for us to offer testing to all 245 of our residents and 189 staff at all levels of care, including independent residents. We hope Gov. Inslee’s mandate will help other facilities across Washington keep residents and health care workers safe.

May 26 Update

COVID-19 Report

One Employee Tests Positive

Today we learned that one Hearthstone employee has tested positive for COVID-19.

This employee does not work around residents or other employees and is self-isolating at home. We have no other new cases to report.

Caring for our residents’ health and safety is our highest priority, and we continue to be grateful to our employees for their courage and dedication to caring for our residents.

May 19 Update

COVID-19 Report

Celebrating 26 Days Without New Cases 

We have no known active cases of COVID-19 at The Hearthstone! 

We haven’t had a positive resident case since April 22, and our last employee case was reported on April 23. Our success with slowing and preventing the spread of COVID-19 has only been possible through the diligence of our dedicated staff and the cooperation of residents.  

Currently, we have one independent resident recovering at a nearby hospital and we are sending our hopes for a full and speedy recovery. The other two residents who tested positive during our community-wide testing have been cleared to leave isolation after their retests were negative. 

We are welcoming back several residents who have been away with family or staying at other locations. We require these residents to self-isolate for 14 days, unless they have made arrangements to receive a COVID-19 test. Only with a negative result may they return to The Hearthstone without self-isolating. 

May 13 Update

COVID-19 Report

No New Cases; Residents Staying Active

We are pleased to report no new cases of COVID-19 today.

The Hearthstone also received additional donations of masks and gowns from Sewstrong this week! We are incredibly grateful for community partners like these who are stepping up to support us in a difficult time.

Getting Creative to Stay Active and Engaged

We are very appreciative of our Wellness Director who has been finding opportunities to get residents moving. Participating residents are asked to wear masks and stand in their doorways, which are more than six feet apart, and follow along with exercise classes led at the end of the hall.

Additionally, our Life Enrichment team is personally calling each resident to check in with them. These calls have helped gauge their interest in virtual Zoom activities such as current events, book club, music and happy hour. The team plans to start coordinating virtual activities soon. We appreciate our staff for keeping our residents engaged in these difficult times.

Thank You for Donating

Thank you to all who donated to the Hearthstone’s GiveBIG campaign. Your gifts make a direct impact on the lives of our residents and are greatly appreciated.

The annual GiveBIG! fundraiser for nonprofits will continue to accept donations through May 15. Please consider donating to help our residents in financial need.

Senior living communities everywhere are under enormous strain during these unprecedented times. The Hearthstone could use your support now more than ever. Please donate today.

May 7 Update

COVID-19 Report

As the state of Washington prepares to reopen more businesses and activities, we at The Hearthstone are proceeding with an abundance of caution. 

We have been successful in preventing a widespread outbreak in all three of our buildings and at all levels of care. This has only been possible through the diligence of our dedicated staff and the cooperation of our residents. 

Our increased safety protocols combined with our residents who are staying home, wearing masks when they go out, practicing physical distancing and diligently washing their hands are helping us keep our infection rate low. But as a community for residents age 62 and older, we continue to be at greater risk of serious symptoms. 

We continue to follow guidance from CDC and other agencies, and we remain in close contact with organizations such as LeadingAge Washington to ensure we are well informed about the steps we need to take to keep our residents and employees safe. 

This has been a challenging time for all of us. We are encouraged and hopeful that better times are ahead, but we understand that we are in a new normal, and it will take all of us to maintain a safe and healthy environment. 

GiveBIG! Through May 15 

The annual GiveBIG! fundraiser for nonprofits will continue to accept donations through May 15. Please consider donating to help our residents in financial need. 

Senior living communities everywhere are under enormous strain during these unprecedented times.  The Hearthstone could use your support now more than ever. Please donate today. 

It’s Nurses Week!

It’s Nurses Week, and we’re celebrating our wonderful nursing staff at The Hearthstone!

We’re so grateful for these #HealthcareHeroes this week, and every week.

May 5 Update

COVID-19 Report

It’s time! This is your opportunity to GiveBIG and respond to the unprecedented needs caused by COVID-19.

Click GiveBIG image to donate

GiveBIG is an annual effort to raise funds for nonprofit organizations. The Hearthstone has been a participating organization for the last five years.

Senior living communities everywhere are under enormous strain during these unprecedented times. The Hearthstone could use your support now more than ever. Please donate today. Donations accepted through May 15.

We have an urgent need for funds to support our Benevolent Care/Resident Assistance program. This program provides assistance to residents in financial need, providing quality of life when one needs it the most. Would you consider making a gift to help your neighbors who, through no fault of their own, have outlived their financial resources?

We are grateful for you and your gifts that support our mission. May you and those you love be blessed with good health.

May 3 Update

COVID-19 Report

No Known Cases in Lakeside Building; Opportunity to GiveBIG

We are delighted to report that two employees who previously tested positive for COVID-19 have tested negative and returned to work, and we have no known cases of COVID-19 in our Lakeside building.

Your Opportunity to GiveBIG Coming Soon

The annual GiveBIG campaign is coming up next week, and it couldn’t come at a better time. GiveBIG is an annual effort to raise funds for nonprofit organizations. The Hearthstone has been a participating organization for the last five years.

Senior living communities everywhere are under enormous strain during these unprecedented times. The Hearthstone could use your support now more than ever. Please donate today.

April 27 Update

COVID-19 Report

We have completed more than 350 tests in our Hearthstone community-wide testing program and received results from all those tested so far. We are pleased to have no new cases of COVID-19 to report today.

As happy as we are to receive so many negative test results, we also know that a negative test today doesn’t protect us from infection tomorrow, and not having symptoms doesn’t guarantee that we haven’t contracted the disease. With that in mind, if our residents do choose to leave their apartments, we encourage them to practice physical distancing and wear their masks correctly – covering their faces snugly from the bridge of their noses to under their chins – the whole time they are out, and washing their hands before and after they wear their masks.

But the best way to stay safe is to stay home. Our residents’ continued cooperation in this effort will help us prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Kindness for Our Community

We’re feeling lots of love in the form of flowers and chocolate at The Hearthstone.

Many thanks to See’s for the generous donation of more than 240 pounds of candy to The Hearthstone. Our residents and employees are enjoying jellybeans, chocolate bunnies and other sweet treats.

We are also delighted that Fiori Floral Design returned with another donation of flower arrangements. Thank you!

These gifts have certainly brightened the days that have otherwise started to run together for many of us.

We will post our next update when we have news to report.

April 23 Update

COVID-19 Report

We have received results from all tests completed so far through our community-wide, voluntary testing effort, made possible by King County Public Health and the Seattle Fire Department.

Today we learned two employees tested positive despite having no symptoms. They are self-isolating at home. We have no new resident cases to report. We have had a total of five positive results identified through this program – three residents reported yesterday and the two employees today.

So far, we have completed:

• 153 employee tests
• 206 resident tests

That’s a total of 359 tests! Additional tests will be completed as needed.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Findings

As part of our continued commitment to open and transparent communication, we wanted to provide information about findings from a recent Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services survey.

CMS identified issues with our infection control procedures in our skilled nursing area during a site visit and survey conducted March 25 – 27. Our immediate actions corrected the identified process lapses, and we returned to full compliance with infection control mandates and guidance on April 6.

These are the specific corrective actions we took:

• We immediately retrained all skilled nursing management and staff on proper hand hygiene, appropriate use and storage of PPE per new CMS guidelines and appropriate signage for droplet precautions.
• We are following up by conducting daily audits, then we will conduct monthly and random audits to check that compliance is maintained.
• A nursing assistant was excluded from work for 14 days as soon as we were notified of possible exposure. This employee was tested for COVID-19, and the test result was negative.

Additional information:

• The CMS survey was specific to our skilled nursing area, which we call our Health Center. It did not include memory care, assisted living or independent living.
• All residents in our Health Center have been tested and their test results are negative.
• No Health Center employees have tested positive for COVID-19.
• We continue to evaluate and enhance procedures based on new information.

We appreciate the CMS surveyor’s help in identifying issues at our facility, and we understand their oversight is essential to providing a safe environment for our residents receiving skilled nursing care. We take their findings seriously and understand that even small mistakes can have serious consequences. That’s why we acted quickly and thoroughly to correct all identified issues.

We will continue to closely follow all county, state and federal mandates and guidance for the protection of our residents and employees.

Relevant information about The Hearthstone:

The Hearthstone accommodates a variety of living styles and levels of care, including skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, and apartments for independent residents.

Our campus is made of up three separate buildings: Lakeside, Cove East and Cove West.  

The CMS survey was specific to our skilled nursing area (Health Center) in our Lakeside building. This building accommodates all levels of care. The other two buildings are for independent residents only. 

Our community consists of 245 residents and 189 employees, including: 

• 21 patients in skilled nursing care with capacity for 40 patients 
• 13 memory care residents
• 32 assisted living residents
• 179 independent residents

Caring for our residents’ health and safety is our highest priority, and we continue to be grateful to our employees for their courage and dedication to caring for our residents.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support. This is a difficult time for all of us, and we will get through it together.

April 22 Update

COVID-19 Report

Test results from our community-wide testing program continue to come in, and we are happy to report no new cases of COVID-19 today. 

Today, we completed tests for: 

• 20 staff members 
• 45 residents 

That’s a total of 65 tests for the day and 359 overall. Additional testing will be provided as needed. We’ll share numbers of positive and negative results when that information is available.

Thank you to all our residents and employees who participated in the testing. The results are essential information that helps us understand the extent of the disease in our community and determine who needs to self-isolate to protect their neighbors. 

We encourage our residents to continue to practice social distancing and wear a mask when they leave their apartments. 

Thanks, also, to the King County Health Department and Seattle Fire Department for making it possible for us to offer testing to all 245 of our residents and 189 staff.

April 21 Update

COVID-19 Report

Thanks to the first round of community-wide testing provided Sunday to The Hearthstone, we have learned that two independent residents from our Cove East building and one from our Cove West building have COVID-19, despite not feeling symptoms.

This information is invaluable in our efforts to protect residents and employees from this virus. The residents who tested positive have been asked to self-isolate. We are also encouraging all Cove residents to stay home and monitor for symptoms.

The outcome of this testing validates what we know from recent studies: Even if you are asymptomatic, you can still be a carrier and unknowingly put others at risk. It also demonstrates the importance of social distancing, so we are asking all residents to please continue to wear masks if they leave their apartments and stay at least 6 feet away from others. 

Testing continued today. We completed tests for: 

• 85 staff members 
• 97 independent residents 

That’s 182 tests for the day and 294 overall. Another round of testing will take place tomorrow. 

We are grateful to the individuals and public agencies who have made it possible to offer testing to all 245 of our residents and 189 staff.

April 20 Update

COVID-19 Report

Thanks to King County Public Health and the Seattle Fire Department, we began testing all residents and staff for COVID-19 on Sunday, April 19. We are pleased to have received broad cooperation from our community for this voluntary testing program. In one day, we tested:

• 48 staff members
• 12 Health Care Center residents (who were not previously tested)
• 52 independent residents

That’s a total of 112 tests! The fire department will be back on Tuesday to resume testing.

We are grateful for the opportunity to gain clarity about the extent of infection and bring some peace of mind to our community. 

Residents Recovering  

We have no new cases of COVID-19 to report today, and we are pleased that two residents in the Health Center who previously tested positive have recovered and been cleared to leave isolation with two consecutive negative tests each. 

One independent resident is recovering at home in isolation and will be re-tested this week. 

Our employee who was hospitalized continues to improve at home.  

We want to thank our residents and family members for doing their part to observe physical distancing guidelines to keep our community safe. 

And thank you to our dedicated staff members who continue to provide care to our residents during this difficult time. You are heroes and we are so very grateful. 

April 17 Update

COVID-19 Report

Coronavirus testing will soon be available to all Hearthstone residents and staff. Working in partnership with King County Public Health Department and the Seattle Fire Department, we will have access to enough test kits next week to test our whole community.

We are grateful to the individuals and public agencies that are making this possible. Broad-based testing at retirement communities, nursing homes and assisted living communities is a critical step in preventing the spread of the virus.

In other positive news, we have no new cases of COVID-19 to report today. We will post the next update when we have new information.

Thank you for your kindness and support during this difficult time.

April 15 Update

COVID-19 Report

We are happy to report no new cases of COVID-19 today.

Even with news reports suggesting we may be past our peak infection rate in the Seattle area, we continue to encourage our residents to practice physical distancing. We must remain vigilant and work together to protect the health of our residents, employees and families.

We already know that as a community for people age 62 and older, our residents are more vulnerable to severe symptoms. At the same time, some studies show that many people with COVID-19 show no symptoms at all and can still be contagious.

Our best defense against this invisible threat is to observe the governor’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.

We continue to follow county, state and federal mandates and guidance, and our employees continue to provide outstanding care to our residents. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and support during this difficult time.

April 14 Update

COVID-19 Report

We have no new cases of COVID-19 to report today, and we are all pleased to learn that another resident’s test came back negative.

Our employee who was hospitalized has been discharged and is now at home recovering.

We appreciate our residents for doing their part by observing the physical distancing necessary to keep our community safe. But we understand how difficult it is to miss out on holiday traditions, so we were grateful to celebrate Easter this year as a community—but in a unique way.

On Easter morning, residents went out on their balconies to sing “Amazing Grace” together at a safe distance. When they began singing, people in the adjacent Green Lake Park stopped to listen, and family members, distancing from the sidewalk, watched an entire building join in a song of hope. As residents waved to each other and called out to friends across the way, some were moved to tears as they saw people they haven’t seen in weeks. We are incredibly grateful for our Hearthstone community and their ability to sing through these tough times. It was an Easter to remember!

April 13 Update

COVID-19 Report

One of our residents in an Independent Living apartment in our Lakeside building has tested positive for COVID-19. 

The resident began self-isolating last week upon feeling minor symptoms. The resident’s personal doctor ordered the test, which came back positive over the weekend. The resident, who shared the news of the positive test with us, plans to continue self-isolating until cleared by their doctor. 

Neighbors who may have come in contact with this resident have been notified and encouraged to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms. 

We very much appreciate this resident taking proactive steps to protect their neighbors and our employees, and we hope for a speedy recovery. 

Our employee who was hospitalized continues to improve. We are also happy to welcome another employee back to work today after a full recovery and no symptoms for at least 72 hours.

April 9 Update

COVID-19 Report

We are pleased to have another day with no new cases to report.

In addition to the courageous work of our employees, our residents’ diligence in practicing social distancing will help us limit, and hopefully prevent, the spread of COVID-19.

Staying home is helping to keep us safe, but we understand that it can also lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Plenty of research shows that even without social distancing, loneliness can be a problem for seniors, increasing the risks of depression, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

The social opportunities of a senior living community are part of what make us just that – a community. Recognizing the importance of our social connections to the hearts and minds of seniors, The Hearthstone’s Life Enrichment coordinators are hard at work thinking up creative ways to keep our residents feeling connected.

Here’s some of what we’ve been doing:

• We’re setting up residents with FaceTime and Skype so they can talk to each other and their loved ones.
• Our Program Coordinator, Jennifer Lynch, has been using her skills as a music therapist, going door-to-door with her guitar to bring live music to residents.
• We are helping our residents get out in the world virtually, using technology to offer books on tape, personalized music selections and videos of virtual tours and animals in nature.
• Students from Green Lake Elementary, just across the street from us, are missing their Grandpals – friends at The Hearthstone who they met through the school’s longstanding program. With kids and seniors alike stuck at home, we’re keeping these special relationships going by converting their in-person activities to a letter-writing program. Now their Grandpals can be pen pals, too.
• This Sunday, we are inviting all our residents to step out onto their balconies to sing “Amazing Grace,” to bring our community together through song while keeping our physical distance.

We’re taking a break from updates to celebrate religious holidays this weekend, so unless there is important news, our next update will be Monday, April 13. Whether it’s Passover, Easter or the coming of Spring you celebrate, we wish you joy and good health!

April 6 Update

COVID-19 Report

We were delighted to welcome back two more employees to work today after they made a full recovery and had two consecutive negative tests each.

In other positive news, one of the residents in our Health Center who tested positive has recovered and been cleared to leave isolation after two negative tests. Also, test results for one of our residents with minor symptoms came back negative.

We are continuing to send our hopes for a full recovery to one of our employees who is improving at a nearby hospital.

Testing at The Hearthstone

With recent news about testing at senior living communities, we thought this might be a good time to explain our testing practices and the reasons behind them. We have heard from several of our residents and their families asking about whether we will begin testing all our residents and employees.

We understand why testing everyone sounds comforting, especially with the greater susceptibility of our residents to severe symptoms. At this time, however, current guidance for communities like ours that are not experiencing widespread resident infections continues to be to limit testing to those who have symptoms, and for those who may have been exposed, to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms.

First, it is an important distinction that The Hearthstone offers a variety of living styles to accommodate our residents’ needs. Our campus is not classified as solely a skilled nursing facility. For those residents receiving skilled nursing care in our Health Center, our medical director is responsible for ordering tests according to current protocols. Our staff contacts the primary care physicians for our Assisted Living residents and those providers are responsible for requesting tests. Independent Living residents should continue to reach out to their own primary care doctors to request a test.

In addition, we have been advised against facility-wide testing because – although many labs recently increased their capacity to process tests – not enough test kits are available.

Also, we understand from many years of experience battling viral infections that a negative test one day doesn’t protect against exposure another day and can even lead to a false sense of security and higher infection rates.

We are monitoring infection rates and continuously evaluating our procedures. If infections begin to climb, or if the CDC changes its guidance, we will immediately change course to protect our residents’ and employees’ health.

In the meantime, our best defense against COVID-19 is to continue to comply with the governor’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy executive order, and to continue to practice social distancing.

We are encouraged by a recent University of Washington Medical Center study that shows these measures seem to be working.

We continue to be focused on the health and safety of our residents and employees, and we appreciate your support during this challenging time.

April 3 Update

COVID-19 Report

We have no new cases of COVID-19 to report today.

As previously reported, a total of four residents, seven employees and three physical therapy contractors have tested positive for COVID-19.

Three of the residents are receiving care in isolation in our Health Center.

One of our residents who tested positive recently passed away after receiving care at a nearby hospital.

Two of the employees who tested positive were cleared and have returned to work.

Four employees are recovering at home in self-isolation, two of whom have been cleared to return to work early next week.

One of our employees continues to receive care in a nearby hospital.

All three of the physical therapy contractors have recovered and have been cleared to return to work.

This continues to be a challenging time. We are so grateful to our employees for their courage and dedication to caring for our residents. And, thank you to our residents and their families who continue to follow the Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order.

Unless there is urgent news, the next update will be Monday, April 6.

April 2 Update

COVID-19 Report

Our thoughts and prayers are with one of our employees who previously tested positive for COVID-19 and is receiving care at a hospital. We hope for a full and speedy recovery.

We have confirmation today of another positive test result for an employee, bringing our total to seven employees, four residents and three physical therapy contractors with confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Status of resident cases

We continue to mourn the loss of our resident who passed recently after receiving care at a nearby hospital. The other three residents are receiving care in isolation in our Health Center.

We continue to have no reports of cases in either of our Cove Buildings.

Status of employee cases

Of our seven employees, one employee was hospitalized (mentioned above) and four employees are recovering at home in self-isolation.

Two employees have recovered and were cleared to return to work after two weeks in self-isolation and at least 72 hours with no fever. We are happy to have them back at The Hearthstone.

We have notified residents who we believe may have come in contact with infected employees and asked them to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms.

The challenges posed by COVID-19 have been and continue to be difficult for residents and staff alike. Our staff have demonstrated extraordinary courage, compassion and resilience during this time and we’re grateful for their commitment, energy and effort in caring for our residents. And thank you to our residents for their continued cooperation and encouragement.

April 1 Update

COVID-19 Report

The Hearthstone is saddened to learn of the passing of a member of our community yesterday, following a battle with COVID-19 at a nearby hospital.

Our thoughts and prayers are with this person’s family and friends. As a small community, we deeply feel the loss of one of our neighbors.

We have no new cases of COVID-19 to report today.

We have had six total employees with positive tests. Five are recovering at home in isolation and one has returned to work after two weeks of self-isolation and no symptoms or fever for at least 72 hours.

We have notified residents who we believe may have come in contact with infected employees and asked them to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms.

A total of four of our residents have previously confirmed COVID-19 infections, including our resident who passed yesterday. Two Health Center residents are receiving care in isolation in the Health Center. The Independent Living resident from our Lakeside building who was receiving care at a local hospital  has been discharged to the Health Center and is recovering in isolation.

Test results are pending for a Health Center resident with minor symptoms.

Three physical therapy contractors who previously tested positive are continuing their recovery at home in isolation.

We continue to have no reports of cases in either of our Cove Buildings.

We encourage all residents to self-isolate.

March 31 Update 

COVID-19 Report 

We have one new positive COVID-19 test result for a Hearthstone employee today, bringing the total number of employees with confirmed infections to six. Five are recovering at home in isolation and one has returned to work after two weeks of self-isolation and no symptoms or fever for at least 72 hours.  

We have notified residents who we believe may have come in contact with infected employees and asked them to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms.  

We have no new resident cases today. A total of four of our residents have previously confirmed COVID-19 infections. Two Health Center residents are receiving care in isolation in the Health Center. Another Health Center resident continues to receive care in a nearby hospital. The Independent Living resident from our Lakeside building is receiving care at a local hospital and is expected to be discharged to the Health Center in the next few days. 

Test results are pending for a Health Center resident with minor symptoms. 

Three physical therapy contractors who previously tested positive are continuing their recovery at home in isolation.  

We continue to have no reports of cases in either of our Cove Buildings. 

We encourage all residents to self-isolate. 

Gratitude for the Mask Brigade 

We are delighted to share that the Mask Brigade delivered a donation of new medical grade N95 masks. This group is a God send! 

Just like senior living communities everywhere, we are watching our supply of PPE dwindle, and yet our staff come to work every day, knowing they are at risk of contracting this highly contagious disease. They risk their lives to protect and care for our residents. Many say it is their calling. 

The arrival of the masks was an answer to our prayers and a boost to our staff morale.  

This timely donation will help us focus our efforts on caring for our residents. Thank you, Mask Brigade, for helping us protect our healthcare workers who are bravely working on the frontlines. 

We deeply appreciate everyone who made this possible! 

March 30 Update

COVID-19 Report

We have new positive COVID-19 test results for three Hearthstone employees. They are recovering at home in isolation.

We have notified residents who we believe have come in contact with the employees and asked them to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms.

Two Health Center residents with previously confirmed COVID-19 infections are receiving care in isolation in the Health Center. Another Health Center resident who previously tested positive continues to receive care in a nearby hospital.

The Independent Living resident at our Lakeside building who tested positive over the weekend is recovering well at a local hospital and expected to be discharged to the Health Center in the next few days.

Test results are pending for a Health Center resident with minor symptoms.

One staff member and three physical therapy contractors who previously tested positive are continuing their recovery at home in isolation.

We continue to have no reports of cases in either of our Cove Buildings.

We encourage all residents to self-isolate.

This is a challenging time for all of us in the senior living community – our residents, their families and our employees.

We are continuing to work hard to provide high-quality care, and we appreciate your support.

March 28 Update

COVID-19 Report

The Hearthstone has a new case of COVID-19 reported from an Independent Living resident at our Lakeside building. The resident is receiving care at a local hospital. Our Environmental Services team is deep cleaning and sanitizing common areas.

Our two Health Center residents with previously confirmed COVID-19 infections continue to recover in isolation – one in our Health Center and the other at a nearby hospital.

Another Health Center resident who has remained on isolation since 3/17 and was tested, had test results come back positive last night. Of the 3 Health Center residents that have tested positive, we have 2 residents currently in the Health Center receiving care and the other remains in the hospital. We also have pending test results for one resident with very minor symptoms.

One of our staff members who tested positive has recovered and returned to work after 14-days in quarantine and cleared with no symptoms for the last 7 days including no fever for 72 hours. The other staff member and the three physical therapy contractors who tested positive are continuing their recovery at home in isolation.

We have no reports of cases in either of our Cove Buildings.

All residents are asked to continue to self-isolate.

We are grateful to the members of our community who continue to offer help.

We are also incredibly grateful for our dedicated staff. They are working hard to ensure our community continues to receive the trusted, safe and compassionate care our residents expect from us.

Unless there are other developments this weekend, The Hearthstone’s next web and hotline updates will be on Monday.

March 27 Update

COVID-19 Report

We have no new cases of COVID-19 to report again today.

Two of our residents with confirmed COVID-19 infections continue to recover in isolation – one in our Health Center and the other at a nearby hospital.

Our two staff members who tested positive are continuing their recovery at home in isolation, as are the three physical therapy contractors.

We have no reports of cases in either of our Cove Buildings.

Other residents and staff who we believe may have been exposed have self-isolated as a precaution.

As an added safety measure, we will begin door-to-door delivery of meals to all residents this evening.

In some positive news, we are delighted that KIRO Radio’s Gee and Ursula Show have included our staff and residents in their “Letters of Hope Project,” inviting people to send a letter or card to lift the spirits of people in retirement homes. Find out more on the MyNorthwest website.

Unless urgent news develops over the weekend, The Hearthstone will resume web and hotline updates on Monday.

Our dedicated staff is working hard to ensure our community continues to receive the trusted, compassionate care our residents expect from us.

March 26 Update

COVID-19 Report

We have no new cases of COVID-19 to report today.

Our two Health Center residents who tested positive for COVID-19 are continuing to recover. One resident remains in isolation in the Health Center, while the other resident is recovering at a nearby hospital.

Two Hearthstone staff members who tested positive are recovering well at home in isolation, as are the three physical therapy contractors.

No cases have been reported in either of our Cove buildings.

We have contacted other residents and staff who we believe may have been exposed and asked them to self-isolate as an added precaution.

In addition to safety measures we have already undertaken, we are taking steps in support of social distancing and to reduce potential exposure, including:

• Delivering meals to all residents
• Canceling all group activities, including movies and vespers
• Screening all staff, essential personnel and residents who leave and re-enter the Lakeside building
• Encouraging all residents and family members to stay home

We also understand the importance of mental and emotional health during this important period of social distancing. With that in mind, our Life Enrichment staff is helping set up Skype/FaceTime calls, and other virtual socializing.

The Hearthstone’s staff is working diligently to limit, and ideally prevent, the spread of COVID-19. We continue to closely follow guidance from health and regulatory agencies.

We are committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our dedicated employees by providing the trusted, compassionate care they expect from us.

March 25 Update

COVID-19 Report

We have two residents in our Health Center who have tested positive for COVID-19. One of the residents was hospitalized due to requiring a higher level of care, and we are sending our hopes for a full and speedy recovery. The other resident is recovering well in our Health Center. As a heightened precaution, we have tested other residents and results are pending.

Contracted physical therapists associated with our rehab company and Hearthstone staff who tested positive are recovering at home in self-isolation.

We have encouraged a few Independent Living residents in the Lakeside building to self-isolate due to possible exposure.

There are no cases at either of the Cove buildings.

We are delivering meals to all residents, and, for Independent residents, meals are delivered to the lounges on each floor and residents are picking up their meals while paying close attention to social distancing.

We continue to screen all staff, essential personnel and residents who leave and return to the Lakeside building.

The care and well-being of our residents informs every decision we make and is our highest priority.

We are following the mandates and recommendations of county, state and federal officials and will adjust as the situation changes.

Thank you for your support of the Hearthstone during this difficult time!

March 19 Update

COVID-19 Report
As previously stated, we have two staff members with confirmed cases. In addition, one resident in our Health Center has tested positive and they are continuing to recover in insolation. A therapist associated with our contracted rehab company has tested positive for COVID 19. We’ve asked those residents and employees who had close contact with these individuals to self-isolate for 14 days. Both the resident and staff members are recovering well from the virus.

As of Friday morning March 20th all meals will be delivered to residents and the dining room is closed.

We continue to screen all staff and essential personnel and residents that come and go from the Lakeside building.

We are following the mandates and recommendations of county, state and federal officials and will adjust as the situation changes.

Communication and Updates
We will continue to update the Family Hotline as new information is available.

Family Hotline (206) 517-2255
If you have any questions, please call our main line at (206) 525-9666.

Thank you. We appreciate your cooperation as we take these precautionary steps. Please share this information with your family.

March 16 Update

COVID-19 Report
Last week, two Hearthstone employees quickly developed symptoms associated with a respiratory illness. They were immediately sent home to self-isolate. On Thursday, March 12th, the employees contacted their Primary Care Providers and subsequently, they were tested for the Coronavirus. On Monday, March 16th, both test results came back as positive for COVID 19. At this time, the employees are now at home recovering.

Based upon communications with the King County Public Health Department and out of an abundance of caution, we’ve asked other staff members who had close contact with these individuals to self-isolate for 14 days. Heightened infection control continues, especially in high touch areas.

Transportation
All group trips have been cancelled but medical and shuttles are available. We are glad to see that most residents are following the guidelines to stay home and we have seen a drop in requests for transportation. Subsequently, we are staffing the department with only one driver for now.

Dining
Room Service is available for those that prefer to dine in their apartments. The Health Center residents are restricted to room service only. Assisted Living and Memory Care are to have meals on their respective floors.

In the Main dining room, social distancing will be facilitated by moving tables away from each other and putting more space between the chairs.

Fitness modifications
We want to continue to promote Wellness within in our community and that includes keeping fit. The fitness classes have already been modified to avoid using equipment. In addition, we are implementing stricter protocols:

• Do not attend classes, if you go out of the building frequently.
• Residents will be spaced further apart than normal to practice safe social distancing.
• Limiting class size to leave plenty of distance between participants. Classes will be divided up by floors and buildings. Cove classes will only be for the Cove residents and LL will only be for Lakeside residents.

Movies Reinstated
Please take precautions. Wash hands frequently and practice social distancing. The chairs are wiped down daily.

Vespers Reinstated
Attendees must follow the guidelines for social distancing, hand washing, etc.

Massage
Massage services have been cancelled for now because both therapists work at other locations.

Salon
Open by appointment for independent residents.

Communication and Updates
We will continue to update the Family Hotline as new information is available.

Family Hotline (206) 517-2255
If you have any questions, please call our main line at (206) 525-9666.

Thank you. We appreciate your cooperation as we take these precautionary steps. Please share this information with your family.

March 11 Update

While there currently are no cases of Coronavirus identified at the Hearthstone, we are taking aggressive actions to keep our residents and staff safe within our community. The Hearthstone is following strict rules enacted by Governor Inslee and the directives from the Washington State Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization.

Visitor Restrictions as of March 12th
No visitors will be allowed in any of our buildings. This will be firmly enforced to protect our community until further notice; exceptions are essential licensed personnel, hospice nurses and end of life family visitation. Alternative methods of visitation (Face Time, etc.) are available.

Staff and Vendor screening
All staff including ancillary services, contractors and external providers are screened at the beginning of their shift for fever and respiratory symptoms. Staff will be prohibited from working unless they have been screened and cleared at the start of every shift. If they have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or above, shortness of breath, cough or sore throat, they will be required to put on a facemask and will be sent home to self-isolate. This is currently required by the Governor’s emergency proclamation.

Resident Monitoring and Restrictions
We are actively monitoring all Assisted Living, Memory Care and Health Center residents daily for possible signs of respiratory infection.

Infection Control
We have increased our already strong infection control cleaning.

How the Residents can help
We ask that you be judicious about going out in public and when you return to the community please observe infection control measures such as washing your hands thoroughly and frequently. These precautions will help protect your neighbors, especially those who are most at risk.

Communication and Updates
We will continue to update the Family Hotline as new information is available.

Family Hotline (206) 517-2255
If you have any questions, please call our main line at (206) 525-9666.

March 5 Update

Limiting Events and Activities
In response to the new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control for preventing the spread of the Coronavirus, the Life Enrichment department is making some modifications to scheduled programming. The Hearthstone will be limiting activities for the next few weeks, starting today, March 5th through 20th and then we will reevaluate our approach.

• We will not have any volunteers enter the community during this time.
• Any program that involves groups from outside the Hearthstone will be cancelled or modified. This includes support groups, certain musicians, groups involving children, Bookmobile, etc. Specific changes will be noted on the daily sheets and displayed once the changes are made. Staff will be calling groups and individuals to discuss changes that need to be made.
• One staff member from Life Enrichment will be stationed in each of the licensed areas to run programs for residents that live within those areas. We will not be bringing residents to other areas of the building, for example taking someone from Memory Care into the Health Center.
• We encourage Independent Residents to take responsibility and to be very thoughtful about at-risk residents and refrain from visiting licensed areas after going out in public. Our goal is to be mindful about protecting the residents who are the most vulnerable, especially those in the Health Center.
• We are continuing with our scheduled programs that are small groups of Hearthstone residents that don’t involve outside participation.
• We will not provide food at programs.
• All visitors are going through a screening process at the front desk prior to entering the community.

Transportation Changes
Transportation will modify their schedule and cancel excursions that involve crowded places such as Alderwood Mall and Fred Meyer. The mystery sack lunch trips will continue because residents stay on the bus and are not exposed to the public. Scenic drives will continue as well.

March 4 Update

As of 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2020, we have no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our community. The entire Hearthstone Emergency Management Team is meeting daily, often multiple times a day, to make sure we are doing everything possible to keep our residents, staff and families safe. We are committed to providing updates on the current situation of the coronavirus, COVID-19 and want to share proactive steps we are implementing:

Screening

• All potential visitors will be screened at the front desk for any symptoms and turned away if they are at risk of infecting our community.
• Daily surveillance is conducted in the Health Center and Assisted Living.
• Hand sanitizers are available throughout the community.
• Masks are available to residents with onset of respiratory symptoms.

Increased Cleaning

• Increased cleaning & sanitation in common areas, including cleaning door handles, tables, elevators, and high-touch surfaces.
• The Hearthstone is actively educating staff, residents and families on symptom awareness for Coronavirus and we have clear protocols for staff to stay home if they are ill or symptomatic.

We are closely monitoring the latest information from the Washington Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In the meantime, these are the following policies put in place as a safety precaution.

Limiting Events and Activities
In response to the new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control for pre-venting the spread of the Coronavirus, the Life Enrichment department is making some modifications to scheduled programming.

• The Hearthstone will be limiting activities for the next few weeks, starting today, March 5th through 20th and then we will reevaluate our approach.
• We will not have any volunteers enter the community during this time.
• Any program that involves groups from outside the Hearthstone will be cancelled or modified. This includes support groups, certain musicians, groups involving children, Bookmobile, etc. Specific changes will be noted on the daily sheets and displayed once the changes are made. Staff will be calling groups and individuals to discuss changes that need to be made.
• One staff member from Life Enrichment will be stationed in each of the licensed areas to run programs for residents that live within those areas. We will not be bringing residents to other areas of the building, for example taking someone from Memory Care into the Health Center.
• We encourage Independent Residents to take responsibility and to be very thoughtful about at-risk residents and refrain from visiting licensed areas after going out in public. Our goal is to be mindful about protecting the residents who are the most vulnerable, especially those in the Health Center.
• All visitors are going through a screening process at the front desk prior to entering the community.
• Transportation will modify their schedule and cancel excursions that involve crowded places such as Alderwood Mall and Fred Meyer. The mystery sack lunch trips will continue because residents stay on the bus and are not exposed to the public. Scenic drives will continue as well.