News &  Resources

McVey Monthly Musings: November 2020

McVey Monthly Musings

We Are All Hoping for Something

A blog I read recently completely captured my attention by explaining that hope is not an emotion, it’s a way of thinking that is learned and you can teach others. “I hope I have taught it to my kids,” is the first thought I had.

The new “next” that we are creating at Sequoia Living is our hope for what will be while we live fully in what is and seize every single day with our best intentions.

We are all hoping for something. Every day we are resetting our expectations and emotions around adjusting how we celebrate with family and friends and being asked to not gather indoors with people outside our household. Hope right now is about harvesting the possibilities and opportunities we can control and continuing to be creative with how we stay connected during this time of distance.

Together, we all are doing a tremendous job keeping Sequoia Living a safe place to live, work, and thrive. I am grateful to be part of this remarkable effort and urge us all to continue taking precautions so that we may stay Sequoia Strong.

Viamonte Opens in December

Move-in days are almost here at Viamonte! The Viamonte team have put their hearts, minds, and souls into creating a vibrant, exciting, and gorgeous community.
We can’t wait to welcome residents into their beautiful new homes in December and January. Wait until you see the artwork!

COVID-19 Case Update

As of Tuesday, November 24, Sequoia Living has two resident COVID-19 cases, one at The Tamalpais and one at The Sequoias San Francisco (SSF). Two Tamalpais staff members and one SSF employee have tested positive and are also self-isolating. Several of these cases were asymptomatic and discovered during routine weekly testing of residents and staff. Although it is disconcerting to see new cases, we are grateful that cases were identified early. As always, we are actively taking steps to prevent further spread in our communities.

Second Sequoia Living COVID-19 Resident Survey Underway

Sequoia Living is conducting another survey about residents’ experiences during the pandemic. Surveys were emailed from Key People Seattle to residents with email addresses on file. Residents who do not use email or prefer hard copies will receive paper surveys. If you have questions about the survey, please email David Madson or call 415-722-5885.

Sequoia Living Registers for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Program

You have probably heard the good news that several COVID-19 vaccines may become available in phases over the coming months. Sequoia Living has registered to be part of the Pharmacy Partnership for Long Term Care Program, a federal program in which pharmacy retailers deliver and administer the first phase of COVID-19 vaccines to long term care residents (and possibly staff) free of charge. The program focuses on skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and congregate living settings where most people are 65 years old or older.

According to HHS, once the government provides an Emergency Use Authorization for a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, pharmacies will schedule on-site immunization dates directly with long-term care facilities. It is refreshing to have positive news to share. We will keep you informed about vaccine distribution timelines when this information becomes available.

A New Chapter for Tamalpais Dining Services

Next year will bring an exciting opportunity to support and strengthen The Tamalpais’ dining services team. Beginning January 1, 2021, the Tam’s dining services staff will become employees of Morrison Living, a national leader in hospitality and dining services operations. This partnership will focus on providing greater consistency and variety across all levels of care, expert staff training and career mobility, and dynamic menu items that lead to resident satisfaction.

Sequoia Living and Morrison are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible. Most importantly, as Morrison Living employees, the dining services team will still be part of the Tam family.

Open Board Meeting on Monday, December 7

Residents are invited to join an Open Meeting of Sequoia Living’s Board of Directors via Zoom on Monday, December 7, 2020 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Zoom meeting invites will be emailed to residents who have email addresses on file.

Administrative Assistants at each location will distribute the agenda on Monday, November 30. The agenda includes time for the Board to address residents’ questions.

Sara McVey

Sara McVey
President & CEO, Sequoia Living