Coronavirus at Keystone in Indianapolis, Indiana

Keystone Senior Management Services, Inc. Coronavirus Updates


Keystone Coronavirus Update: February 11, 2021


Latest Exciting News!

I am thrilled to report that all of our Keystone Communities across the country were fully registered for priority COVID-19 vaccination for both residents and staff and that the long-awaited vaccinations are in progress!

 

All of our residents and staff that wanted to participate, have already had their first dose of the vaccination and some have even completed their second dose. The remainder are scheduled to receive their second dose within the next week.  

 

I have been so humbled by the outpouring of comments and feedback we have received from our residents and the exceptional effort from our staff during this entire process:  

 

“Arranging for vaccinations was a terrific accomplishment in the path of managing during these unique times!!! Hooray Keystone staff!!! We would like to thank you for the opportunity you gave us to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine at Keystone.  It was well organized and it showed a lot of effort that was given to the residents.”

 

“This is a monumental day and a part of history we will all be involved in.  You should be proud.  Can’t not thank you enough for all your efforts in making this happen.”

 

“I am so happy for this opportunity. Thankful would be an understatement!”

 

What touched me, even more, was how our staff made these vaccine “clinics” a joyous and fun experience for all our residents. Enjoy some of these great moments of celebration.

 

 

I’m thrilled to share that some of our communities have had a 100% participation rate!

 

With a proven 95+% protection provided by the second dose, we are well on our way to achieving a vital level of herd immunity across all our communities. This offers a higher level of safety and peace of mind to residents, staff and their families. 

 

We couldn’t be more excited to begin a safe return to ALL our beloved activities, events and visitations and to MOVE FORWARD into a new life at Keystone!

 

For community-specific information or to learn more about the potential availability for vaccination for new Keystone residents please reach out to your community of interest and our highly trained and loving staff will assist you in getting all your questions answered.

 

Sincerely,

David M. Kingen

President and Co-Founder

 

Keystone Coronavirus Update: December 16, 2020


Breaking News!
Residents and staff of Keystone Communities will be among the first wave of the priority groups set to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 

You’ve likely seen the headlines circulating - the long-awaited Covid-19 vaccine is finally here!

Our entire Keystone family has been devoted to weathering the COVID storm, and we are overjoyed to celebrate this long-anticipated news along with our wonderful residents, prospective residents and all of their loved ones!

 

The Advisory Committee to the CDC has advised that residents of Senior Housing Communities be in the highest priority group known as “Phase 1a” to receive the vaccine.

 

What you need to know:

✓Keystone residents will jump near the front of the line for the vaccine’s potential life-saving protection from this devastating virus.

✓The vaccine will be offered at no cost to residents and staff.

 

✓ Keystone communities are registered to have our beloved residents and staff members vaccinated if they choose. Vaccines will be administered by CVS pharmacy staff during on-site vaccination clinics.

 

✓ While information is arriving daily, we fully expect distribution of the vaccine to our communities to begin within the next two weeks.

 

✓ Seniors that live in personal, stand-alone residences are not currently included in the priority group, meaning that older adults living on their own may not have access to the vaccine until later in 2021. This is an enormous benefit for older adults that live at Keystone communities.

If you or your loved one have not yet chosen to make Keystone your home, NOW IS THE TIME! 

Even beyond the truly incredible news about the vaccine, there have never been more compelling and important reasons to say YES to living in a Senior Living Community.

 

After the negative impacts of many months of isolation, I have never been more aware of the vital need for the safe socialization and holistic wellbeing we provide at Keystone.

 

As a Keystone resident, you or your loved one will massively benefit from a return to the safe interaction, stimulation and fun that has helped all of our residents thrive, even through the challenges of this year. This will be especially true as the vaccine allows us to move forward to our full schedule of life-enriching events, entertainment and activities in the very near future.

 

Yet another reason to consider making the transition now (instead of later) is the current red hot real estate market and record-low mortgage rates. These factors are driving huge increases in sale prices across the country, making this the very best time in recent history to sell your home. 

 

If you or your loved one have considered selling your home in preparation for the transition within the next three years, experts say NOW is the best time. Selling your home now could alleviate financial stress and worries - giving you far more options for your future.

It is an understatement to say this has been a trying time for us all. However, in so many ways, there is a bright light and an exciting future at the end of the tunnel! There couldn’t be a better time to make your move and leave the challenges and dangers of isolation behind!

Whether you are one of our beloved residents, part of our extended Keystone family of loved ones or just starting to explore your options, we are here to help. 

 

I sincerely encourage you to reach out today by calling your nearest community to schedule a time that is convenient for you to have all your questions answered.

 

For more in-depth info on the vaccine, read below: 

The Vaccine:

  • Two of the biggest pharmaceutical companies, Pfizer and Moderna, have recently released preliminary results for their mRNA based COVID-19 vaccine studies. 
  • These studies documented the efficacy of these vaccines between 94% and 95%, even when used for individuals over the age of 65. 
  • Both vaccines will require two-doses, given three weeks apart. It is reported that recipients are protected from Covid beginning 28 days after the first shot.
  • Up to 40 Million doses may be available by year-end, meaning 20 million people could be vaccinated in a 2-dose process before the start of 2021.

The Approval Process/Timeline:
The vaccines are on track to begin to be used as early as mid-late December. 

  • Both companies have filed for ‘Emergency Use Authorization’, which allows the FDA to facilitate the availability of medical countermeasures (including vaccines) during public health emergencies. 
  • Both vaccines have gone through rigorous clinical trials with tens of thousands of study participants of diverse ages and ethnic backgrounds to generate scientific data to prove safety and effectiveness. 
  • On December 11th, 2020 the FDA issued Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer vaccine, which has already begun distribution. The decision on the Moderna vaccine is expected soon.
  • Although timelines are rapidly changing as new information becomes available, all Keystone residents and staff should have access to the COVID-vaccination as early as December 2020 (this is well before older Americans living independently or receiving private care, who may have to wait until late in the third or fourth quarter of 2021, prolonging the risk of infection and necessitating continued vigilance and isolation).

Who will receive the vaccine:
The CDC advisory committee has recommended that the first wave of vaccinations be delivered to front-line healthcare and residents of long term care facilities.  Essential workers, high-risk health individuals and people over 65 all would be eligible later. This means ALL of our residents and staff will fall in the early priority group. 

  • All Keystone staff and residents will be among those slotted for first wave vaccine disbursement.
  • Both long term and short term (respite) residents are eligible for the vaccine.

What Keystone is doing: We are dedicated to doing everything we can to ensure that our residents can receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. 

  • Keystone has completed all the necessary paperwork for the federal registration to receive early access to the vaccine.
  • Our team is dedicated to going above and beyond to ensure we receive access to the vaccine as soon as possible and our staff is prepared and ready to assist with the vaccination process as soon as we receive the vaccine. 
  • We are in consistent communication with CVS Pharmacy, who will be distributing and administering the vaccines at our communities, to ensure a seamless process.
  • Our team is constantly reviewing and monitoring all vaccine-related updates from state agencies and trade organizations. 

Our dedicated staff is standing by to assist you and answer any questions you might have about the vaccine process and how Senior Living at one of our life-enriching Keystone communities can move you or your loved one to the front of the line for the vaccine. 

Sincerely,

David M Kingen

President and Co-Founder

Keystone Senior 

For additional resources from the CDC regarding the vaccine click below:

Frequently Asked Questions About The Vaccine

Understanding mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines


Keystone Coronavirus Update: October 29, 2020


Dear Residents, Families and Friends,

As we head into the final months of 2020, I am excited to share some positive updates.

The return of in-person visitation:

At Keystone, we know that the past 8 months of weathering the COVID-19 Pandemic has been challenging for everyone, especially those who have been separated from those they love.

I am so excited to share that after a long wait, extensive research and implementation to ensure we exceed all current safety protocols, the vast majority of our communities are now able to offer scheduled in-person visitations and tours with family members, loved ones or friends!

Each community has created their own protocol to meet county, state, and CDC standards. To schedule a visit with your loved one, please contact your community to learn more about specific requirements and necessary screenings.

As we’ve rolled out the new guidelines and opened back up to in-person visitation, I have been overjoyed to witness and hear stories about the powerful reunions that are taking place between residents and their loved ones. These stories have made all the effort, hard work and commitment to weather this storm more than worth it!

Connect to your loved one anytime, anyplace, with the power of TV and a simple app:

I am also extremely pleased to announce our brand new partnership with Independa, a tv-based remote engagement, education, and care platform, which is currently in the process of being rolled out to all residents at Keystone Communities.

We recognize that even though most of our communities are now open for scheduled in-person visitation, it has been extremely hard for our residents and extended Keystone family to be separated from loved ones for so many months. Even prior to Covid, busy schedules, illness or relocation often made connecting in person challenging.

Our commitment to providing the highest level of service and state of the art, easy to use technology to our residents made rolling out this investment to all of our communities a clear and easy choice.

With Independa in place, our residents can now easily switch between watching their favorite TV shows and engaging with family, friends and/or staff — no tablets or computers required, passwords or software updates — nothing complicated to learn.

Approved family members and loved ones will now be able to connect live with residents as frequently as they want via the resident’s television and a simple app on your phone. You will enjoy real-time connection without worrying about putting them at risk or dealing with logistical and time restraints.

Additionally, Independa’s platform is easy to install and use by residents and staff members alike and transforms any TV with a HDMI connection into an engagement window to the world and to one’s community. The exciting range of features includes activity calendars, broadcasts, video delivery, dining menus and much more.

Our residents continue to THRIVE:

Because we know these past months have been challenging, we have doubled down on our commitment to the holistic wellness of our residents. We remain focused on the highest standards for sanitation and physical health, while never compromising our resident’s social, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.

As always, we have continued to be extremely creative and dedicated to social engagement for all of our residents. Despite the challenges and changes required to ensure safety, we have kept our activities calendars full of safe, socially distanced activities to make sure our residents continue to laugh, remain active and thrive, each and every day.

From a socially distanced Johnny Cash lawn concert for Keystone Place at Buzzards Bay’s “Cowboy Up!” day, to filling Halloween goodie bags at Keystone Place at Terra Bella, to Doorway Bingo at Keystone Place at Legacy Ridge, the photos tell a wonderful tale. Each and every one of our communities has gone above and beyond to provide residents with full, happy, and enriched days, all while continuing to prioritize health and safety and holding the highest standards for mask-wearing, social distancing, cleaning and sanitation protocols.

Even during these trying times, Keystone has maintained our belief and commitment that connection and socialization remain one of the most important pieces of the puzzle that ensures our resident’s true wellbeing. I am so deeply proud that we have worked so hard to create a model that remains focused on creative solutions while refusing to compromise safety.

After all, our residents and their families and friends deserve nothing less! If you would like to learn more about the wonderful, safe activities we have enjoyed or have coming up, simply contact your local community to request an event calendar, or check out the community event page or Facebook Page for details.

Sincerely,

David M. Kingen
President & Co-Founder
Keystone Senior

Keystone Coronavirus Update: June 3, 2020


Dear Residents, Families and Friends,

Despite all of the changes resulting from Covid-19, our Keystone Family continues to weather the storm in style. We are adaptable, creative, and committed to making the most of every possibility for joy, connection, and vital socialization.

To date, in our combined 40+ Keystone Communities with over 1,500 residents, we have had 2 COVID positive cases and ZERO outbreaks. We will continue to go above and beyond to meet and exceed all recommended protocols. The safety and wellbeing of our residents and staff is always our highest priority.

I was touched when I saw “Not all heroes wear capes” written on one of the handmade signs outside our Keystone Place at Newberry Brook Community.

I can’t think of a more fitting title for every last one of our devoted staff and residents. They are all heroes in my eyes!

Here are just a few of the ways we are continuing to create a culture of safe connection and staying Keystone Strong!

✔ Room service with a smile (even happy hours on the go!)

✔ Parking lot concerts for residents to enjoy from their patios

✔ Flower, ice cream and cookie deliveries.

✔ Zoom birthday parties and anniversary celebrations

✔ Safe and socially distanced outside exercise

✔ Puzzles and art to go

✔ Tree and flower planting

✔ Puzzles, art, and card making projects

✔ Much needed (and appreciated) socially distanced family visitation.

Enjoy these videos to see how our beautiful residents and dedicated staff are dedicated to creating a culture of safe connection, joyful celebration and keeping the Keystone spirit flourishing through these challenging times.

Watch the video below to see how Keystone Place at Newbury Bridge is keeping life flourishing for our residents. This video showcases the dedication, warmth and joy that exudes from our staff AND residents, even during all the challenges of current times.

Keystone communities have always prided themselves on their connections to the community at large. For example when people in Iowa started ‘The Iowa Wave’ to show love and support to the children in the hospital, Keystone Place at Forevergreen added to this love by creating this video to wave to loved ones, essential personnel and to all who need love and support at this time.

And last (but not least) enjoy this collective effort from 12 of our Keystone Communities, as we took our pandemic experiences and created an interactive poem that got everyone involved!

We know how vital socialization and stimulation are to our residents (and you), now more than ever. And as you can see, even a global pandemic can’t keep our residents and staff from finding safe ways to celebrate and enjoy life!!

We know there are seniors out there that need the kind of vibrant community, safe and supportive care and opportunity for joy in their lives that Keystone provides. Our doors are open and we currently have room for new residents.

As always, the health and well-being of our residents is our foremost concern and will remain our highest priority for the duration of this time and beyond. Our working group of leaders is in constant communication to be sure communities implement all recommended measures in real time.

We continue to encourage you to stay up to date on recommendations from the CDC and state health services agencies. The best resource for this is www.coronavirus.gov. If you scroll down to read the previous updates, you can see a list of changes and accommodations we have made to minimize all possible risks.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your community’s Executive Director by calling the community directly.

Sincerely,
David M. Kingen
President


Keystone Coronavirus Update: April 28, 2020


Dear Residents, Families and Friends,

I recognize that as the country is well into the second month of COVID-19 related quarantine and shutdowns, that you may be coping with a great deal of unprecedented fear and uncertainty, especially concerning the health and wellbeing of your loved ones. 

I want to take a moment to assure you that at Keystone we will continue to maintain the highest level of adherence to all state and national guidelines as a part of our utmost commitment to the health and safety of our residents and staff. Although times are challenging for everyone, we also wanted to share some wonderful highlights of all the ways our Keystone family is rolling with the changes. 

Even though we have had to make many adjustments to daily life and community programming, we have also made a promise to continue to provide continued access to opportunities for celebration, entertainment, and much needed social connection and support.

We know how vital socialization and stimulation are to our residents, now more than ever. Each of our staff members is well-versed and updated in all COVID-19 related protocols and all planned activities fully maintain proper standards for social distancing and resident health while continuing to maintain a sense of normalcy for our residents. 

When the going gets tough, Keystone gets creative. During my 28 years of building Keystone I have continually worked to create a culture that always goes above and beyond. It brings me so much joy and pride to see our employees at all our communities demonstrate their commitment to our residents by rising to this challenging occasion. 

I wanted to share a few special stories with you that highlight how our Keystone spirit stays strong, even now.

Watch the video below to see how the staff, family and friends of Keystone Place at Buzzards Bay threw their energy into creating a successful Family and Friends Car Parade. More than 40 Cars showed up and were decorated with flags, balloons and personalized messages of love and appreciation. As the cars drove by, loved ones honked and cheered and blew kisses while residents looked on. 

“I’m so overwhelmed with all the care & love in this community. We chose the right place for our mom thank goodness, due to all the great people working there. They are committed - have a calling - they are angels.” - Roseanne Ternullo Gilligan

At Keystone Place at Legacy Ridge, staff recognized the continued importance of fresh air and movement and took to the courtyard to lead residents in a much needed stretching and exercise class in a space that allowed for proper social distancing. 

In the video below you can enjoy the site of our Keystone Place at Terra Bella residents enjoying some much needed entertainment, fresh air and movement as The Boomer Band circled the community in a flatbed truck. The moving concert provided everyone with the opportunity to step onto their patios and dance and sing to some familiar golden oldies. 

As long time resident Shirley Thorton shares, 
“They have done so much to keep us safe and happy here. I have been here since the third day they opened. I love it. “

And even a global pandemic couldn’t keep us from finding safe ways to celebrate important milestones. When Keystone Place at Newbury Brook resident Ruth Fagerstrom-Underwood celebrated her 100th birthday recently, over 30 friends and family members from around the world gathered on Zoom to sing her a virtual Happy Birthday, while a staff member outfitted Ruth with a mask and brought her outside to wave to her grandsons as they sang in person from a safe distance.  

Picture of Keystone

As always, the health and well-being of our residents is our foremost concern and will remain our highest priority for the duration of this time and beyond. Our working group of leaders is in constant communication to be sure communities implement all recommended measures. 

We encourage you to stay up to date on recommendations from the CDC and state health services agencies. The best resource for this is www.coronavirus.gov. If you scroll down to read the previous updates, you can see a list of changes and accommodations we have made to minimize all possible risks. 

Please note: any new critical developments that directly impacts one of our communities will be posted on that community’s “emergency information page” (located at the bottom right of each community website). We will also do our best to update you personally, however attending to our resident’s immediate needs is always our first priority. If you have any questions, please reach out to your community’s Executive Director by calling the community directly.

Sincerely,
David M. Kingen
President


Keystone Coronavirus Update: March 27, 2020


IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF KEYSTONE ADDRESSING COVID-19


Keystone Coronavirus Update: March 24, 2020


Dear Residents and Families,

We know that we are in the midst of an unprecedented time. Rest assured, the health and well-being of our residents is always our foremost concern and will remain our highest priority for the duration of this time and beyond. 

We continue to encourage you to stay up to date on recommendations from the CDC and state health services agencies. The best resource for this is www.coronavirus.gov.

Our working group of leaders is continuing to correspond multiple times daily to ensure we have the most up to date information and take all recommended measures so that we may continue to provide the safest and healthiest home possible for our residents.

Things have been moving rapidly with many changes in how we operate at our communities based on recommendations and guidance from the CDC and other health agencies.

In addition to what we have previously shared with you, here is a summary of the latest measures and practices we have implemented at Keystone Communities: 

 

Meals and shopping:

  • All of our residents are now receiving hot meals, freshly prepared by our executive chefs, delivered to their apartment without additional charge for their convenience and safety.

  • We are using disposable paper products when available and special warming carts to keep food at safe temperatures. 

  • At several of our communities, our caregiving team is helping our residents by doing personal shopping to alleviate the risk of exposure from outings. 

  • Some of our locations have created special “mini-markets” to allow our residents to obtain items they desire immediately, without the need to leave the building, in order to reduce exposure. 

 

Activities and events:

  • We have postponed all group activities and have strong social distancing measures in place, however, we continue to recognize the importance of socialization for our residents so we are doing creative things to allow for socialization at a distance. 

  • Our Life Enrichment Directors have risen to the challenge and are continually implementing creative and stimulating programs and utilizing virtual technology to continue to provide physical and mental stimulation as well as spiritual well-being. 

           Some examples include:

  • Virtual museum and cultural tours.

  • Crossword, or other brain-teasing puzzles, delivered to residents’ apartments.

  • Caregivers assisting residents with accessing and using meditation apps and other mental stimulation via their personal devices. 

  • Providing information regarding the availability of religious and other spiritual services online.

 

Communication and connection: 

Our devoted Executive Directors and caring staff are continually checking in with all of our residents, and making sure they are able to stay as connected as possible to family and friends. 

  • Facetime, zoom and google hangouts are becoming regularly used by our residents to communicate with family and friends. If you need assistance setting this up for your family, please let us know. 

  • Caregivers can help residents step outside on their patio or other safe outdoor area to see family at a safe distance, while still following all CDC and state recommendations. 

  • Our staff is devoted to creating a bridge of communication between residents and concerned family members so that nobody feels left in the dark. 

  • We encourage families to write and send us letters that we can deliver to our residents - nothing quite brightens their day like a handwritten letter from a loved one. 

  • Alternatively, you can write and photograph your message and send it by email to our team. We will happily print it out and deliver it to your loved one for you! (if you need help with how to do this, our team will gladly walk you through it over the phone)

 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all work together in keeping our residents, staff and Keystone families safe.

As we previously stated, any new critical developments that directly impact one of our communities will be posted on that community’s “emergency information page” (located at the bottom right of each community website). We will also do our best to update you personally, however attending to our residents will be our first priority.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your community’s Executive Director by calling the community directly.

Sincerely,

David M. Kingen
President


Keystone Coronavirus Update: March 16, 2020


Dear Residents and Families,

At Keystone, the health and well-being of our residents and dedicated staff is always foremost in our mind. Especially during times like these when public health conditions are compromised. We have already implemented our extensive and thorough preparedness plan that is appropriate for all viruses, including things like the flu and norovirus.

We recognize there is a lot of misinformation and fear due to COVID-19 virus news. We’ve set up this landing page to keep you informed on the preventative measures Keystone is taking to help ensure residents and staff stay healthy and safe.

Additionally, we encourage you to stay up to date on recommendations from the CDC and state health services agencies. The best resource for this is www.coronavirus.gov.

As always, our entire Keystone team is fully engaged in the protection of our residents. We have established a working group of leaders that corresponds multiple times daily to ensure we have the most up to date information and take all recommended measures so that we may continue to provide the safest and healthiest home possible for our residents.

While we will do our best to minimize any disruptions to everyday activities and overall lifestyle, we know you will agree that resident well-being needs to be our top priority. All changes in practices are based on recommendations and guidance from the CDC and other health agencies.

There have been many measures we have already implemented including the following:

  • Ongoing education to our staff and residents on recommended best practices
  • Enhancing cleaning to disinfect all areas of our communities
  • Restricting unnecessary visitors to our buildings
  • Screening necessary visitors prior to gaining access
  • Assisting residents who choose to stay in their apartments with meal deliveries and other accommodations.

Keystone will continue to make adjustments as needed or recommended along the way to ensure the safety of our residents. We hope that you will follow CDC recommended steps to prevent illness as well.

We will update this page frequently to help keep you informed. In the event of a new critical development that directly impacts one of our communities specifically, we will post on that communities “emergency information page” which you can find at the bottom right of each community website. We will also do our best to update you personally, however attending to our residents will be our first priority.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we all work together in keeping our residents, staff and Keystone families safe.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your community’s Executive Director by calling the community directly.

 

Sincerely,

David M. Kingen
President