While the pandemic may have slowed some things down around town, it has not stopped the construction for the two new Memory Care Households, Community Life Center or Maintenance Shop at OMM. These three major new construction projects are in full swing.

Phase II of the Generation to Generation Campaign construction consists of two new 12-bed Memory Care Households, a Community Life Center that includes a great hall attached to the new Holliman Center, and a new Maintenance Shop. The construction projects are happening simultaneously. The building pads for the Memory Care Households and Community Life Center are complete and the foundation work is well

underway.

“I am very pleased with how the construction is going,” said Dennis Graham, VP of Operations. “We are hoping to have the slab poured and in place on or before the middle of June. Once the slab is completed the framing will begin immediately and should be complete by late August.”

The Memory Care Households, which will be called the Barnes House and Marshall-Gaddy House, have foundations and the mechanical and plumbing rough-in process has started. The mechanical rough-in process will take about two weeks to complete. The slab process will begin immediately following the rough-in completion.

“We just received the building permit for the new Maintenance Shop and are excited to start that project,” said Jesse Stark, OMM Project Coordinator. “The new Maintenance Shop will be located on the northwest corner of the campus and requires the demo of three houses. The new building is a pre-engineered metal building and is scheduled to arrive in late June.”

The Community Life Center Great Hall foundation is completed. The below grade walls for the Great Hall will be completed by the end of May along with the remainder of the foundation work for the entire building. The mechanical rough-in process for this building will be completed by the middle of June.

Steve Dickie, Oklahoma Methodist Manor CEO, COVID-19 Update – June 2020

COVID-19 has impacted nearly every aspect of living and working at Oklahoma Methodist Manor, and we continue to balance the need to protect those who live and work on our campus with allowing the freedoms that make life worth living and our work meaningful. There is no doubt our process to balance protection with freedom will continue to evolve as this pandemic continues.

We have officially re-opened our campus to visitors to the residential living areas (Felt House, Villas, Patio Homes, Lakeside Homes, and Crestwood). Additionally, we have created “LOV Stations” on our campus that allow for residents of the Healthcare Households and Holliman Center to receive visitors safely. The restoration of guests to our campus has produced a great deal of joy, but it comes with increased responsibility for all.

Now, more than ever, we ask our community members, employees and their guests to please be mindful of these crucial infection control practices: wash your hands or use sanitizer frequently, always wear a face covering in public, and maintain physical distance from others whenever possible.

In addition to those most critical practices, please also be aware that all visitors to our campus are required to enter campus through our West Gate entrance (near New Haven Avenue and 31st Place). At that entrance, all persons who enter campus are screened for symptoms, contact with those potentially infected, and travel to or from COVID-19 “hotspots” to provide for the safety of our campus. Everyone entering campus must be symptom-free, not have been in contact with anyone suspected or confirmed COVID-positive and must not have recently been in a “hotspot.” We appreciate your cooperation with these requirements as you plan your visit. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns regarding visiting our campus.

Meanwhile, rest assured we will continue to follow recommendations from the CDC across all parts of our campus, and guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) in the Healthcare Households and Holliman Center.

COVID-19 continues to require new levels of commitment to improve, grow, and change. I am confident that we will emerge with a renewed sense mission and purpose. We ask that you keep us in your prayers and please give as generously as you can if you are so led. Thank you for trusting us and helping to ensure there will always be a home where elders find a life worth living.

Steve Dickie, Oklahoma Methodist Manor CEO, COVID-19 Update – Monday, May 18, 2020

Plans to Ease Restrictions on the OMM Independent Living Community 

We recognize the concern many OMM community members have voiced about the need to ease the restrictions imposed on the Residential Living community (Crestwood, Felt House, Villas, Patio Homes and Lakeside Homes.) In response to these concerns our Leadership Team has developed a plan to open the campus. What follows is our plan to progressively ease the restrictions for the community members of the Residential Living:  

Monday, May 18th   

• The Spann Wellness Center reopens for individual workouts by appointment only. 
• Staff-directed fitness classes will not resume at this time. 
• The Swimming Pool and Hot Tub will remain closed. 
• Staff-directed programming resumes with revised social distancing guidelines in place. (i.e., Bible study, Lunch-N-Learns, Wii Bowling and presentations.) 
• The Hobby Zone, Members Club and Game Room will reopen with revised capacity guidelines to ensure appropriate social distancing.  
• At this time, members still on quarantine cannot participate in programming or Spa Appointments. 
• Weekly check-in calls with members will stop. Certain members may still receive calls and visits as needed. 

Friday, May 22nd  

• OMM will resume transportation for community members to the grocery store for shopping.  
• Residential Living Members may leave campus and return. OMM strongly cautions members to only leave for essential trips due to the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Should a community member choose to leave campus, we recommend, the following: 
• Limit the number of people with whom you have close contact.   
• Clean your hands often, either with soap and water for 20 seconds or a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.  
• Put distance between yourself and other people (at least 6 feet.)  
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.  
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily. 
• Members who leave campus will have a brief health screening upon their return.  
• Visitors to all areas of the campus will still be prohibited, except for immediate family in end-of-life situations. 
• If someone comes to OMM to pick up a Member, the Member should be taken to the west gate security building by another Member or transportation. 
• Deliveries to the residential living campus will resume. 

Information for People Under Quarantine  

• The 14-day quarantine requirement will end unless a member has symptoms of a respiratory illness or has tested positive for COVID-19. 
• Members that return from medically necessary appointments will not have to be quarantined.  
• Members that have been living away from campus can return without having to be quarantined.  
• Members that receive in-home care will not have to be quarantined.  

Visitors Still Prohibited in Healthcare Households and Holliman Center  

The Oklahoma State Department of Health continues to prohibit all visitation, except for end-of-life, into the Healthcare Households and Holliman Center. Accordingly, this prohibition will now extend to all Members of the Residential Living community. Deliveries to the Healthcare Households and Holliman Center must still be brought to the West Gate entrance.  

Factors That Could Influence Progress   

• Suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the OMM campus. 
• Increase in new cases, hospitalizations, or deaths in the Tulsa area. 

Fact or Fiction: A face mask cannot prevent me from catching COVID-19, but I can help reduce the spread by wearing one.

Fact. Common surgical face masks are not designed to block viral particles – the little droplets that are expelled into the air when you cough or sneeze while sick. These types of masks do not create a seal around your nose and mouth and therefore are not an effective method for keeping germs out.  

They are, however, an effective way to reduce the spread of viral particles. You might be saying to yourself – wait a minute, how is that possible? A mask can help keep me from spreading germs if I’m already sick, but it can’t prevent me from getting sick in the first place?  

Yes. That is exactly what we are saying here. The CDC indicates that surgical facemasks can help prevent further spread of viral particles for those who are feeling unwell. This guidance focuses on the 25% of Americans who may be positive for COVID-19, but are not exhibiting any symptoms. When people must go into public settings, such as grocery stores, a facemask can reduce the respiratory particles released in the air.  

So there is no confusion here – the face mask is not intended to protect the person who is wearing it, instead it is intended to prevent the spread of the virus from the wearer to others.

Article courtesy of the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

If you’ve been out and about in the community, traffic probably seems a lot lighter. Kids are not waiting at bus stops, the line at your favorite coffee spot is much shorter. This week Governor Stitt ordered all non-essential businesses be closed in Oklahoma counties with confirmed COVID-19 cases for the next 21 days.

You may be asking yourself, what now? How do I manage my day-to-day with these types of closures? What exactly can I expect?

Here are a few tips to help you navigate these changes: 

• Non-essential businesses are those providing items or services that are socially driven. Think gyms, bars and other similar businesses and services.
• Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and other services Oklahomans depend on to care for themselves and others are open, and you can find a full list of essential services here.
• Check your favorite grocery store’s website before you head out for a gallon of milk or a couple rolls of toilet paper; many have reduced hours or are offering specific hours for members of our communities who are at higher risk.
• If your ability to work will be impacted by these new restrictions, there are resources to help you. Check out Oklahoma Works for additional information on how to file an unemployment claim or access resources for alternate employment during this time.

We know it’s a lot to ask, especially if you are feeling well. Maybe, it’s starting to feel like you’re listening to a broken record, and well, you are. Just know these restrictions are being implemented after careful consideration, informed by science and facts. 

Stay home, slow the spread, and protect our Oklahoma communities.

Article Courtesy of the Oklahoma State Department of Health

To All OMM Community Members, Families, and Visitors:
I know you share my concern in how the Coronavirus is impacting our city, nation, and world, especially older adults. The health and wellbeing of our community members, employees, and their families are the of the utmost importance and priority to all of us. Oklahoma Methodist Manor (OMM) continues to implement ALL guidelines recommended by the CDC and Oklahoma State Department of Health regarding the COVID-19 public health crisis.

To that end, OMM began implementing protection measures as early as March 2. On March 13, we closed the Health Care Households and the Holliman Living Center to all visitors. Four days later, we closed our entire campus to visitors and began a self-imposed quarantine of the nearly 400 members who live here. These actions were all taken prior to government mandates and illustrate our deep commitment to the health and safety of our members and employees.

Additionally, on March 24, Governor Stitt signed the “Safer at Home” Executive Order (2020-06). “To protect our elderly, we are suspending all visitation to nursing homes and long-term care facilities effective immediately and until further notice,” Stitt announced. This order fortified the steps that OMM had already taken to protect older individuals who have increased susceptibility to this virus and a heightened risk of developing serious illness.

Access to the campus is currently closed at ALL entrances except for the gated entrance on 31st Place, east of New Haven Avenue. Access at that gate is managed by OMM staff. At this same location, all employees are receiving a health screening before entering campus to ensure they are healthy to work. Our goal is to reduce the chance of the virus spreading to our campus.

We understand that connecting with family members is extremely important and we appreciate your cooperation and understanding. We encourage you to use other avenues to connect with your loved ones – phone calls, Facetime or Skype. As we continue to monitor the latest news and guidance, we will keep you informed of any additional changes. Feel free to check our website (Blog page) and social media channels for information.

Rest assured that we consider our residents to be part of our extended family. We are here to answer any question or concerns you may have, please do not hesitate to contact any of the staff members or me personally. Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we navigate through these unusual circumstances together.

Sincerely,
Steve Dickie, CEO
Oklahoma Methodist Manor

So, you made the decision to follow guidance and voluntarily self-quarantine or minimize your movements for the next 14 days.

First, thank you for making that choice to help protect our most vulnerable neighbors, family and friends. We fully recognize the inconvenience this will pose, and the impact it may have on you financially. We understand it is a sacrifice for the greater good, and we truly appreciate you for doing the right thing for our community as a whole.

So, now you need to figure out what your days look like in this quarantined lifestyle. You have probably seen lots of articles and information around what’s essential and what’s not.

Can you still run to the grocery store if you run out of toilet paper or milk?

Is it okay to take a walk around the block to get some fresh air or just quiet time away from the kids, partners or other housemates?

What about your dog? Is it okay to take Fido to the nearby dog park for some exercise and relief?

The short answer is, yes. You can still do all of those things. Your physical health and well-being are critical to our recovery from the impact of COVID-19.

The long answer goes something like this: If you need to run to the grocery store, be mindful of those around you. If you observe congestion in an aisle, keep moving and wait for it to break apart. Pay attention to where you are in the checkout line and observe social distancing guidelines of staying 6 feet apart. Try to make a list and get what you may need to get you through the length of your voluntary quarantine. Wash your hands before and after any trips and grab a little bit of hand sanitizer for yourself (and to share with your cashier!).

Please, take that walk around the block and get fresh air. Let Fido run around the dog park. But just like at the grocery store, be mindful of your surroundings. Maintain that social distance of 6 feet to protect yourself and others from potential exposures. If you are approaching others during your walk, cross the street or simply stop and move an appropriate distance away to ensure safe distance when you pass one another. Your health and well-being is essential, and undertaking activities to ensure that you and your loved ones can maintain good health is essential. Just use common sense when you do.

This article and information provided by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Amid the fast-changing circumstances regarding COVID-19, OMM has decided to increase the infection control prevention and social distancing measures already in place. We understand that these limitations may be challenging and inconvenient, but please know the health and safety of our residents and staff is our main priority.

As such the following measures are effective beginning Tuesday, March 17, at 12:00 noon. All these restrictions will remain in place indefinitely. We plan to re-evaluate these actions on April 1, and pledge to provide periodic updates as new developments occur.

• All residents are required to remain on campus and preventively self-quarantine. They may walk the campus grounds and other walking paths. There will be provisions for medical travel if necessary.
• Residents may choose to leave the campus to stay with family or friends but will be asked not to return to OMM for the foreseeable future.
• All vehicle traffic seeking to enter campus will be directed to the west gate on 31^st Place. The main entrance will be closed to all traffic. Please see the map.

• All employees entering the OMM campus will be screened. No visitors or guests will be permitted to enter.
• The Spann Wellness Center will be closed effective immediately. All activities, including worship services are canceled.
• Housekeeping and Maintenance services within individual residences will be suspended. Emergency or essential safety work orders will be addressed. Housekeeping services will be increased in common spaces to enhance the disinfection of those areas.
• Routine Transportation services (shuttle and personal) are suspended.
• OMM staff will contact residents via phone daily beginning Wednesday, March 18. We strongly encourage all Residents to monitor their own health and report any symptoms of respiratory illness to OMM staff.

Please know we are very mindful these new policies are inconvenient. We trust everyone understands these actions will help reduce the risk of exposure to this deadly virus. This disease’s progression in the Tulsa community, and our proactive responses to it, have been evolving very quickly. We will keep you informed and updated as swiftly as possible through our website, flyers, phone calls, or e-mail.

As always, please reach out to OMM administration staff for questions and concerns that we may have not addressed yet. Perhaps most importantly, we urge you to pray that this pandemic will pass over us quickly. We are incredibly thankful for your continued understanding, patience, and grace as we navigate these challenging times together.

Sincerely, Steve Dickie, CEO

Dear OMM Friends and Families,

To keep you informed of the measures we are taking as an organization to keep our residents and staff safe during this time of the worldwide Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, I write to you now. Under the direction of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), Oklahoma Methodist Manor is enacting these steps effective March 13, 2020:

• Prohibiting all non-emergency guests to the Health Care Households and to the Holliman Center. Exterior doors to these buildings will be locked to entry.
• The Holliman Center reception area will receive guests and address concerns; however, guests will not be permitted in the Health Care Households or Holliman Center.
• Screening all employees for any symptoms of respiratory illness, including fever, prior to starting work every day. Any staff member who feels unwell or displays symptoms, will be sent home.
• Restricting the access of all third-party care providers such as Home Care or Hospice partners. For urgent services, access may be granted following a health screening of the caregiver.
• Canceling or postponing all large group activities on campus.  
• Canceling or postponing all non-urgent medical appointments and other outings.
• Enhancing our cleaning and disinfection practices across campus, especially “high touch” areas.
• Encouraging all employees and campus residents to practice good hand hygiene.
• Screening all potential new residents into the Health Care Households.

We are implementing these measures at this time through March and meeting weekly, sometimes daily to adjust and restructure our plan if needed. We will reevaluate all organizational responses on April 1. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to protect our vulnerable and frail elders. Should you have any questions or concerns about Oklahoma Methodist Manor’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic, please reach out to me at sdickie@ommtulsa.org or 918-346-6613.

Sincerely,
Steve Dickey
CEO, Oklahoma Methodist Manor

The OMM Member Council’s purpose is to aid in communication between the Members and OMM Administration. Their role is to promote, organize and/or conduct events and activities of interest to the Members. The Council serves an advisory role for the organization and may also represent the Member body in forums when necessary. This group is excited to serve the campus as the 2020 OMM Member Council.

The new year brings new OMM STARS of the Month. We are excited to highlight Sha Bramlett, in the Health Center and Stacy Pine, in Dining, for the extraordinary service they provide to the OMM Members.

Sha Bramlett is not just a January STAR of the Month but she is an OMM legend. Sha started her career at OMM in November of 1990. She is one of the longest serving employees with 29 years. She was born and raised in Tulsa and has grown children and grandchildren. She collects angels and loves having them all around her. She says they provide her peace. She enjoys working with the elders, they give her a joyful fulfillment in her heart. “I make a difference in their lives,” said Sha. An interesting fact about Sha is that she has lived among five generations of family all at one time. This is one of the reasons she loves the elders so much. Some of her favorite memories involved sitting around with family and listening to their stories. “It’s exciting what all you can learn from your elders.”

Her supervisors say “Sha is always a ray of sunshine. When you say, “good morning or how are you” she always replies back, “I’m doing great and I’m blessed to be here,” said Cheryl Hrdlicka, Director of Nursing.

Stacy Pine, Supervisor of Charter Oak, is a true treasure for our members and staff. Stacy has worked at OMM for four years. “I love getting to know the members and hearing their stories,” said Stacy. “You can gain so such wisdom from them and it is great to see them smile.” Stacy was born in Florida and moved to Tulsa when she was 13 years old and is a graduate from Glenpool High School. Something exciting about Stacy is that she is over half Native American and part of the Ojibway Tribe, which is a northern tribe. Her grandfather was even the chief and mayor. Stacy enjoys spending time with family and friends. She has a five year old son named Liam, who attends Rejoice Christian Academy.

Her supervisor says “Stacy is an experienced restaurant professional that does a good job taking care of our member’s dining needs in Charter Oaks Restaurant,” said Chuck Lucia, Director of Food Services.

Her supervisor says “Stacy is an experienced restaurant professional that does a good job taking
care of our member’s dining needs in Charter Oaks Restaurant,” said Chuck Lucia, Director of
Food Services.

Holiday weight gain is real, and it doesn’t matter your age – anyone can be
affected. What’s more, studies show that the extra pounds you put on between
Halloween and Christmas can take more than five months to lose. Here are a few
helpful tips to help you “maintain and not gain” this holiday season.

1. BE ACTIVE AND KEEP YOUR REGULAR ROUTINE.
   Don’t lose sight of your regular routine. Changing up your routine can lead to added anxiety. Keep your normal exercise routine, participate in your usual events, and stick to your normal nutrition.
2. EVERYTHING IN MODERATION.
   Special dinners and gatherings lend themselves to easy access to lots to eat and drink. You should try not to binge with food. Indulging may feel good in the moment but remember seconds on your lips, years on your hips!
3. SNACK WISELY.
   Cookies, Cakes, and Crumpets! When delicious goodies are easily accessible during the holiday, you’re likely to snack more than normal. Be mindful of what you are snacking on and remember the moderation tip above.
4. BETTER TOGETHER.
   Do you have people in your life that make you feel valued and who lift you up? Make a point to spend time with them this holiday season. If they don’t live close by, call them or send them an email, letter or card.
5. LEARN TO SAY NO.
   You have permission to say NO when you’re asked to do more than you can. It’s okay to say no if it’s going to add additional stress. Only do what you can and want to do. The holiday season is about enjoyment and celebration.
6. ASK FOR HELP.
   Just like you have permission to say no, you also have permission to ask for help! People tend to take on more than normal during the holiday season. It’s okay to ask family and friends for help.
7. CATCH YOUR ZZZ’S.
   Don’t let the holiday hustle get in the way of your sleep. Try your best to get 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night.
   Getting less sleep can cause you to eat and drink more, exercise less and not feel well.
8. SELF-CARE.
   If you’re feeling down, treat yourself. Take a break, go for a walk or read. You do you, and what you want to do. The holiday season is about you too, so take some time to energize yourself.
9. MOVEMENT IN THE MOMENT.
   The holidays bring lots of time to sit – sit to watch Christmas movies, sit at dinners, sit at church, sit playing games… the list goes on and on. The key is to stay moving – take a walk while you catch up with your family, take the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther away at the store, get up during commercials, and don’t skip your workout.
10. STICK TO YOUR GOALS.
    Set goals for the holiday hustle. Who would you like to connect with? Where do you want to go? What do you want to see? What do you not want to give up during the holiday season? Write them out and post them on your refrigerator. These can help you stay on track and maintain during the holiday hustle!

This month we are very thankful for all our hard-working employees! We are excited to highlight our November STARS Employees of the Month – Irene Brown, Life Enrichment Coordinator, and Tammy Pittman in Housekeeping.

Irene Brown – Life Enrichment Coordinator

Irene Brown is full of energy and always on the go! She was born and raised in Tulsa and is a graduate of Memorial High School. “I love the Members,” said Irene.“Some of them I’ve known all my life through Boston Avenue UMC; others I’ve met as I or they arrived, but they all have a story to tell and are wonderfully warm. I love getting the opportunity to explore people, places, and things with them.” Irene just celebrated her seven-year work anniversary in October. She has a B.A. in Music and French from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. When she is not organizing and planning activities for OMM members, she spends time with her husband, John, of 22 years and her two children John Jr. and Marjorie. A little-known fact about Irene is that her first job was in opera management – she lived and worked in opera companies in Philadelphia, Cleveland and Chicago.

What her supervisor says: “Irene has an attention to detail like no other, which allows her to surprise and delight the members. She provides superb programming that gives members meaning, joy and enriches the lives of everyone at OMM. I’m amazed every month at the events and programs she plans and executes,” said Jennifer Rawlings, VP of Wellness.

Tammy Pittman – Housekeeper in Crestwood

Tammy Pittman has been on the OMM Housekeeping Team since 2012 and works in Crestwood on the second floor. When asked what she loves about her job she smiles and says, “I enjoy getting to know the members and helping them in any way I can.” She was born and raised in Tulsa and is a graduate of Nathan Hale High School. Some of her favorite memories are going to the Admiral Twin drive-in movie theater as a child and then taking her children. She enjoys crafting, crocheting, quilting, decorating cakes, reading and watching movies. Tammy is the mother of three grown children, ranging in ages from 25 to 30.

What her supervisor says: “Tammy has worked here since Crestwood’s opening. We value the time that she has served here at OMM. Her willingness to go above and beyond for the people she serves makes her a true STAR,” said Cathy Green, Housekeeping Manager.