August 18, 2020
To our residents, resident families, and team members:
In the weeks since my last letter, Anthology communities experienced tropical storm Isaias in the East Coast and a severe derecho storm in the Midwest. Our teams were prepared in advance of the storms, and in the aftermath, they handled power outages. I want to thank them, and I am glad to report that residents, team members and community buildings remained safe throughout. I also wish to acknowledge and thank our team members at every community for their enduring dedication and continued devotion.
As we navigate COVID-19, some near term factors are seemingly as unpredictable as the weather events of the past few weeks. The quest for a vaccine is ongoing. Infection data for the general population changes daily. State and local regulations fluctuate. Occasional cases are detected via our proactive testing program – and safety measures are immediately implemented, sometimes requiring a community to temporarily revert to more stringent protocols.
On the other hand, a great deal has been learned. This has allowed Anthology communities to relax certain quarantine restrictions, institute On the Go meals, and reopen some dining rooms and salons. Technology continues to play an important role in ensuring that residents stay connected with loved ones and with healthcare providers. Most importantly, almost all communities are now able to allow visitors.
While I am encouraged by our gradual reopening, I want to acknowledge those who are still waiting to visit due to local regulations, or due to state compliance requirements that must be met before visits can begin. I am hopeful that we are approaching the light at the end of this tunnel.
In the long term, Anthology’s outlook remains solid. Relationships with vendors are strong, ensuring that personal protective equipment and other essential items are in ready supply. Many communities are accepting new residents. And I anticipate expansion of the Anthology family as new communities come online.
We are committed to keeping you informed by maintaining the weekly cadence of community updates, and by being available to you to address your questions and concerns. As always, feel free to reach out directly to your community’s Executive Director, or to our corporate team at information@anthologyseniorliving.com.
I would like to conclude by sharing an anecdote from our Farmington, Connecticut community. One evening during the power outage caused by tropical storm Isaias, the executive director was checking in on each apartment to ensure that everyone was okay. In one apartment she saw a dinner table set with battery powered candles. Seated at it were residents savoring the adventure in the aftermath of the storm. As we go through this challenging and occasionally stormy time, and as we pray for it to end soon, my wish is that we can all find ways to create special moments to savor with loved ones and with our extended Anthology family.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Burke
President, Anthology Senior Living