The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus has reached double figures at Country Side Living, a privately owned facility in downtown Canby that serves only residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. A seventh resident tested positive this week, along with three employees, for a total of 10.
The seven residents includes a 93-year-old woman who died there Monday, from complications of Covid-19 and other underlying conditions. So far, staff have been successful in their strategy of isolating the outbreak to the Country Side’s north building, which is the larger of their two licensed facilities on Northwest 2nd Avenue.
Beyond the residents with confirmed cases, there are no others showing symptoms at this time, Country Side spokeswoman Michele Quinn said.
“All the residents are doing well,” she said. “But they are all still quarantined, so it’s a bit of a challenge.”
Colorful, weather-proof hearts continue to accumulate on residents’ exterior windows, a local effort that is part of a wider movement called “World of Hearts,” which is intended to demonstrate love and hope to those in isolated settings.
All residents have been isolated to their rooms to help mitigate the risk of spread, and are being cared for with staff members wearing personal protective equipment. Those residents who have tested positive are being assigned dedicated caregivers whenever possible, while staff members with confirmed cases have been instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Residents’ family and primary care physicians are being contacted immediately if it is suspected that they may have contracted the virus, the facility said. Free testing has been made available for employees who want to get tested and don’t have an established primary care provider.
“Country Side Living’s dedicated staff continues to provide the best care possible, working additional hours and covering shifts in different departments,” said a recorded message from the facility at the daily information line (971-900-9894). “We are working in conjunction with Oregon Health Authority, the CDC and Clackamas County daily and following their guidelines to ensure the health of the residents and staff, as well as prevent further spread of Covid-19.”
