A Message from Julie Deppner, Executive Director/CEO

An update from Julie Deppner, Executive Director/CEO:

For nearly 23 years Silver Maples Retirement Neighborhood has been a leader in providing a positive aging experience for older adults. We feel privileged to have the opportunity to serve this amazing group of individuals every day. That positive aging experience includes peace of mind that we are focused on the health and well-being of our residents and staff. While health and safety are an everyday focus for our organization, we have implemented extra measures to address the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak that continues to evolve both nationally and locally.

Our highly qualified, experienced and compassionate leadership team meets regularly to implement recommendations set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local health departments to minimize the potential risk to those we serve. The plans we have implemented are in addition to the protocols set forth in our emergency preparedness plan that we continuously maintain to prevent the spread of seasonal illnesses and viruses throughout our community.

While there are currently no confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases at Silver Maples, we remain diligent with our protocols to ensure all precautions are implemented to minimize the potential spread of the virus. Below is a list of current measures that have been implemented for the safety and well-being of our residents. Please understand that these may be updated as this situation continues to evolve at both the state and local level.

Community events involving external invitees have been cancelled.
Community sponsored trips to external locations have been postponed until further notice.
Based on CDC guidelines, Washtenaw County and State recommendations and Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-6, we are prohibiting visitors to the Meadows (assisted living) except those that are necessary for:
Medical Care
Support of activities of daily living (bathing, eating, etc.)
End of life situations (visitor is essential for a resident’s emotional well-being, care or support)
Restricting non-essential visitors to the Maples. Strongly discouraging visits from family and friends that are unnecessary.
Enforcing visitor screening regarding signs and symptoms of the virus.

– Signs and symptoms of a respiratory infection such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat.

– In the last 14 days have had contact with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 or are under investigation for COVID-19 or are ill with respiratory illness.

– International or domestic travel within the last 14 days to areas with sustained community transmission.

* No visitor who meets the above criteria will be allowed to visit. We require any visitor who develops any of these signs or symptoms within 14 days of a visit to our community to contact our leadership team.

Hand sanitizing stations easily accessible in vestibules outside the main lobbies.
Modifying programming, activities, and meetings to discourage groups of 10 or more when necessary.
Community dining experience has been altered to include single use items, extended dining hours to alleviate congestion in the dining rooms, and additional accommodations for requests for direct meal delivery to apartments.
Re-routing and limiting vendor deliveries and entry points to the community.
Implementing Social Distancing guidelines among staff and residents.

We understand that the recent events surrounding this emerging and rapidly evolving situation is challenging. Silver Maples is committed to supporting and protecting the health and well-being of our residents and staff, however with any seasonal virus or flu outbreak there is a chance that someone within our community may become infected regardless of the many precautions we have in place. If this occurs, please rest assure that we will follow all CDC, federal and state protocols to help prevent the spread of the virus throughout our community.

Our highly experienced, compassionate staff are trained to respond quickly and provide the support that is needed to ensure our residents are healthy, enjoy a balanced diet and social connections (even if they are limited) to offer the positive aging experience we’ve been known for these past 23 years. With your help and understanding, we will get through this challenging time. Thank you for your understanding and support!