A Message from Our President on COVID-19 - Golden West Senior Living

October 14, 2022

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has updated the COVID-19 guidance for assisted living and congregate living communities to align with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The updated guidance is based on COVID-19 Community Levels (hospitalizations) and COVID-19 Community Transmission Levels (number of cases). Boulder County currently has a low Community Level and a Substantial Community Transmission Level. Please note, if either level were to go up, or Golden West experiences an outbreak, the infection prevention procedures might have to change.

As an at-risk community, it is very important that we continue to follow the infection prevention procedures recommended by CDC, CDPHE and Boulder County Public Health. Golden West has been notified of two positive cases in the Towers over the last week, so the virus is still around.

Please help keep our community safe by following the procedures outlined below.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the recommended COVID-19 vaccinations.
Golden West is hosting an on-site COVID Omicron Booster and Flu vaccination clinic on October 28.
- Forms have been distributed and should be turned in by October 20.
- Contact Donna Ruske, Ext. 1880 if you need a form or have questions.

Face Coverings

Face coverings are encouraged, especially in crowded indoor spaces and for individuals at high risk of severe illness, but are no longer required for everyone.
Anyone that has been exposed to COVID-19, but has no symptoms, should wear a face covering when around other people for at least 10 days after exposure. Anyone with symptoms should be isolating.

Social Distancing

Avoid crowds, especially indoors.
Avoid people that seem to be ill.
Maintain a six-foot distance from others.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments.
- Even if you know you don’t have COVID, please stay home to prevent spreading other illnesses – Flu season is here!
Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
- If positive for COVID:
  - Isolate for at least 5 days if your symptoms are mild and have resolved.
    - Continue to wear a high-quality mask through day 10.
  - Isolate for at least 10 days or until symptoms have resolved, if you have moderate to severe illness or are immune compromised.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well.
Visitors that are not feeling well must reschedule the visit.

Exposure to COVID-19 – If notified that you have been exposed to COVID-19

If you have no symptoms:
- Wear a high-quality face mask when around others for at least 10 days from the date of exposure.
- Test on day 6 to confirm you have not contracted the virus.
  - If negative, continue to wear face covering through day 10.
  - If positive, isolate for 5-10 days from test date, depending on symptoms and severity of illness.
If you have symptoms, even just mild symptoms like a runny nose:
- Stay home!
- Test, with a lab test if possible.
  - If the test is positive:
    - Contact your physician and ask about treatment.
    - Isolate.
  - If negative, stay home until symptoms have resolved.

Visitors

Visitors that have symptoms of any illness, have been told to quarantine or isolate, must reschedule the visit.
Outdoor visits are recommended over indoor visits, when possible.
When visiting indoors, open windows to improve ventilation.
Escorts to and from the Mezzanine are no longer required.

Hand Hygiene

Use the hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should frequently clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West continues to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a regular basis.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

Watch the In-House TV channel – 1982.
LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 1982, LifeShare App
Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org
Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

August 15, 2022

Golden West has had no reports of new COVID cases since August 1 and cases in Colorado and Boulder County are on the decline. We have resumed normal activities, but do still require masks in all public areas of the community to help prevent new infections.

As an at-risk community, it is very important that we continue to follow the infection control procedures recommended by Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) and mandated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for long-term care communities. We are updating our procedures based on the latest guidance from CDPHE and in response to the declining level of new infections in the County. Please help keep our community safe by following these procedures.

Screening

Effective September 3
The screening station at door #4, West Entrance, will be closing and we will no longer have staff stationed at that entrance.
Effective August 22
- Visitors to the Towers may enter from any entrance with a door phone and should contact the resident directly using the door phone.
- Delivery services to the Towers will also need to contact the resident directly from any entrance with a door phone and deliver to the apartment.
- Please notify your visitors and delivery services of these upcoming changes.
Golden West staff will continue to screen for symptoms and fever prior to beginning work.
Visitors to the Mezzanine must be screened prior to entering the building and will be escorted to the visitation location as required by CDPHE.
Deliveries for the Mezzanine will go to the reception desk for pick up by the resident or caregiver.

Face Coverings

Face coverings are still required for everyone.
Residents must wear a face covering when outside their apartment including hallways on each floor, stairwells, laundry room, as well as all other public areas.
Staff members are still required to wear a face covering.
Visitors must wear a face covering at all times.

Visitors

Outdoor visits are recommended over indoor visits, when possible.
Escorts are required for Mezzanine visitors to and from the visitation location. Mezzanine visitors will need to call the office from the door phone to request entrance.
Visitors must keep their face covering in place at all times and therefore no eating or drinking while visiting.

Hand Hygiene

Use the hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should frequently clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West continues to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Even if you know you don’t have COVID, please stay home to prevent spreading illnesses.
Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well.
Visitors that are not feeling well must reschedule the visit.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

August 1, 2022

Golden West is still considered in outbreak status for the Mezzanine and Towers, but cases have drastically declined the last two weeks. Since the July 21 update, we have only had reports of two positive cases in the Towers, no new cases in the Mezz, and two additional employee cases. We have been testing Mezz residents and all Golden West employees twice a week since the beginning of the outbreak and results from the last round of testing were negative. We will continue weekly testing until we have two more cycles with no new positives. The Towers will remain in outbreak status until we have gone 28 days since the last positive resident, which was on July 28.

We are started group activities again on August 1. We will not be allowing any eating or drinking during the group activities and all participants must have a mask that snugly covers the nose and mouth. The Tower’s dining room reopened August 1 and we encourage everyone keep their masks on except when actually eating, and to be sure and put their mask back on while talking to table mates.

The symptoms for COVID, especially when first starting, can be very mild. Several residents that tested positive did not think they had COVID because they just had a runny nose or a mild cough. For others, the first symptom has been diarrhea or vomiting. This is a tricky virus and if you are not feeling well in any way, please stay home and consider a test. Home rapid tests are available for free from the government. You can order the tests online at www.covid.gov/tests. Golden West does have a limited supply of tests and any Towers resident that has COVID symptoms can contact Donna Ruske, ext. 1880 and we will try to provide a test. Mezz residents that do not feel well should promptly notify the caregiver on their floor.

If you do test positive for COVID, it is important that you notify your doctor immediately as there are treatments available that can help prevent severe illness. It is also important that you isolate (avoid all contact with others) to prevent the spread of the illness. The CDPHE guidance for long term care/residential care communities is that individuals should isolate for 10 days from the start of symptoms or if no symptoms, from the date of the positive test. This guidance is different than the CDC’s guidance for the general public and that is because the population that lives in long term care/residential settings are more vulnerable to severe illness, hospitalization and death.

The COVID vaccines are still one of the best protections against severe illness, hospitalization and death. Good Day Pharmacy will be onsite the second Friday of each month to provide the vaccine to any resident that is not up to date with the vaccinations. The next date is August 12. Towers residents should contact Donna Ruske by August 5 if they would like to get a booster with Good Day. Mezz residents should contact Jennifer Giovanetto.

As an at-risk community, it is very important that we continue to follow the infection control procedures established by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Please help keep our community safe by following these procedures.

Screening

All Golden West staff and visitors must be screened before entering the buildings.
Face coverings are required and must fit snugly and cover nose and mouth.
The screening is at door #4 and all visitors must enter through that door.

Social Distancing

Avoid crowded indoor areas.
Maintain a six-foot distance from others whenever possible.
Wear a face covering that snugly covers the nose and mouth.

Visitors

Outdoor visits are recommended over indoor visits, when possible.
Escorts are required for Mezz visitors to and from the visitation location.
Visitors must keep their face covering in place at all times and therefore no eating or drinking while visiting.

Hand Hygiene

Use the hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should frequently clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West continues to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well.
Visitors that are not feeling well should reschedule the visit.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

The In-House TV channel is back! It’s now channel 1982.

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

July 21, 2022

Golden West is in Outbreak Status for both the Mezzanine and the Towers.

We are experiencing an uptick in COVID cases, as is much of the country. Since July 1, there have been 30 reported cases in the Towers, two in the Mezzanine and three employees. The cases have been reported to Boulder County Pubic Heath and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and we are following all guidance from the agencies, including contact tracing. Most individuals are doing okay, isolating at home. We wish them a full and speedy recovery.

To help prevent further spread of the virus, we have canceled all activities and closed the dining room. The kitchen and pantry are still open and meals can be ordered To Go or for delivery. We have waived the delivery fee while the dining room is closed.

The symptoms for COVID, especially at the onset, can be very mild. Several residents that tested positive did not think they had COVID because they just had a runny nose or a mild cough. For others, the first symptoms were diarrhea or vomiting. This is a tricky virus and if you are not feeling well in any way, please stay home and consider a test. Home rapid tests are available for free from the government. You can order the tests online at www.covid.gov/tests. Golden West does have a limited supply of tests and if you have any COVID symptoms, please contact Donna Ruske, ext. 1880 and we will try to provide a test.

The COVID vaccines are still the best protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death. Good Day Pharmacy will be onsite the second Friday of each month to provide the vaccine to any resident that needs a dose. The next available date is August 12. Towers residents should contact Donna Ruske by August 5 if they would like to get a booster with Good Day. Mezz residents should contact Jennifer Giovanetto.

Screening

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings.
Face coverings are required and must fit snugly and cover nose and mouth.
The screening is at door #4 and all visitors must enter through that door.

Social Distancing

Avoid crowded indoor areas.
Maintain a six-foot distance from others whenever possible.
Wear a face covering that snugly covers the nose and mouth.

Visitors

Outdoor visits are recommended over indoor visits, when possible.
Escorts are required for Mezz visitors to and from the visitation location.
Visitors must keep their face covering in place at all times and therefore no eating or drinking while visiting.

Hand Hygiene

Use the hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should frequently clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West continues to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well.
Visitors that are not feeling well should reschedule the visit.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

The In-House TV channel is back! It’s now channel 1982.

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

April 4, 2022

Boulder County is still in the CDC’s Substantial Transmission rate as calculated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) on April 1, 2022. Masks are still required inside Golden West even though the Health Department has removed the mask mandate for Boulder County. Boulder County Public Health and the CDC recommend masks in indoor public areas. Since we have an assisted living, we must follow the guidance of the (CDPHE) for Long Term Care communities.

We currently have no reported positive cases, residents or staff, and have just finished the third round of testing after the last positive on March 20 and all results were negative!

The FDA and CDC have just approved a second booster shot of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for individuals 50 and over. Golden West is working with Good Day Pharmacy to schedule an onsite clinic to provide the second booster shot to Towers and Mezzanine residents. Notices will be distributed as soon as the arrangements have been finalized.

As an at-risk community, it is very important that we continue to follow the infection control procedures established by the CDPHE. We will notify all residents when the procedures are updated by the State. Until then, please help keep our community safe by following these procedures.

Screening

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings.
Face coverings are required and must fit snugly and cover nose and mouth.
The screening is at door #4 and all visitors must enter through that door.

Social Distancing

Avoid crowded indoor areas.
Maintain a six-foot distance from others whenever possible.
Wear a face covering that snugly covers nose and mouth.

Visitors

Outdoor visits are recommended over indoor visits, when possible.
Escorts are required for Mezz visitors to and from the visitation location, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors must keep their face covering in place at all times and therefore no eating or drinking while visiting.

Hand Hygiene

Use the hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should reschedule the visit.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

March 22, 2022

The rates of infection in Boulder County are decreasing and the County is now in the CDC’s Substantial Transmission rate (one step down from High). Masks are still required inside Golden West even though the Health Department removed the mask mandate for Boulder County as of Friday, February 18. Since we have an assisted living, we must follow the guidance of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for Long Term Care communities and at this time, masks are still required. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals has dropped to 175 and the positivity rate is down to 3.5%.

We have no reports of positive resident cases but had one staff member test positive over the weekend after three rounds of testing with all negative results. That has been the trend for the last three months; we have one or two people test positive and then all tests are negative for weeks and then another positive. I believe this is due to the high rates of infection out in the greater community. We have had no indication that we are transmitting the virus inside of Golden West and we will continue routine testing of all employees and all Mezzanine residents until we have three rounds of tests with all negative results.

The best protection against COVID, including the new omicron variation is the vaccine. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccine do provide good protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death. Good Day Pharmacy continues to be available to come here on the second Friday of each month to provide the COVID and Influenza vaccinations. Towers residents who need a COVID vaccine and/or booster or flu shot, may notify Donna Ruske by April 1, to be put on the list for Good Day Pharmacy’s next visit on April 8, 2022. Mezz residents should contact Jennifer Giovanetto or Angela Youngs if they need a booster or flu shot.

Screening

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings.
Face coverings are required and must fit snugly and cover nose and mouth.
The screening is at door #4 and all visitors must enter through that door.

Social Distancing

Avoid crowded indoor areas.
Maintain a six-foot distance from others whenever possible.
Wear a face covering that snugly covers nose and mouth.

Visitors

The restrictions on the number of visitors a resident may have at any one time has been relaxed and there are no restrictions on the number other than what the community needs to maintain social distancing.
Outdoor visits are recommended over indoor visits, when possible.
Escorts are required for Mezz visitors to and from the visitation location, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors must keep their face covering in place at all times and therefore no eating or drinking while visiting, regardless of vaccination status.

Hand Hygiene

Use the hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should reschedule the visit.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

February 15, 2022

The rates of infection in Boulder County are finally decreasing, though we remain in the CDC’s High Transmission rate. Masks are still required inside Golden West even though the Health Department is relaxing the mask mandate for Boulder County as of Friday, February 18. Since we have an assisted living, we must follow the guidance of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for Long Term Care communities and masks are still required. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals has dropped to 593 and the positivity rate decreased to 8.8%.

We have had one report of a positive resident case in the Towers last weekend. The resident is isolating and will hopefully recover quickly. All Mezzanine residents have continued to test negative. We had one employee test positive as part of our routine testing last week after having no positives the previous week. We will continue the routine testing of all employees and all Mezzanine residents until we have three rounds of tests with all negative results.

The best protection against COVID, including Omicron is the vaccine. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccine provide good protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death. Good Day Pharmacy will be here the second Friday of each month to provide the COVID and Influenza vaccinations. Towers residents that still need a COVID vaccine and/or booster or the flu shot may notify Donna Ruske by March 4 to be put on the list for Good Day Pharmacy’s next visit on March 11, 2022. Mezz residents should contact Jennifer Giovanetto or Angela Youngs.

As an at-risk community, it is very important that we follow the infection control procedures established by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. We will notify all residents when the procedures are updated. Until then, please help keep our community safe by following these procedures.

Screening

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings.
Face coverings are required and must fit snugly and cover nose and mouth.
The screening is at door #4 and all visitors must enter through that door.

Social Distancing

Avoid crowded indoor areas.
Maintain a six-foot distance from others whenever possible.
Wear a face covering that snugly covers nose and mouth.

Visitors

The restrictions on the number of visitors a resident may have at any one time has been relaxed and there are no restrictions on the number other than what the community needs to maintain social distancing.
Outdoor visits are recommended over indoor visits, when possible.
Escorts are required for Mezz visitors to and from the visitation location, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors must keep their face covering in place at all times and therefore no eating or drinking while visiting.

Hand Hygiene

Use the hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should reschedule the visit.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

January 18, 2022

The rates of infection in Boulder County continue to increase and the County remains in the CDC’s High Transmission rate. Masks are required inside Golden West and all indoor public areas in Boulder County. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is at 2786.1 (on Jan. 4 it was 1034). The positivity rate has also gone up and is now 23% (it was 12.5% on Jan. 4). Boulder County continues to experience the highest rates of infection since the start of the pandemic.

We had an employee test positive on Dec. 24 and an assisted living resident test positive as part of the surveillance testing. Since that time, we have continued twice weekly surveillance testing of all employees and assisted living residents. We have had two employees test positive with each round of testing in the last three weeks, or 16 positive cases (including ancillary staff such as Legacy and Beauty Salon staff). Most of the cases have been identified through the routine testing and the employees promptly go on isolation to minimize the chance of spread. Boulder County Public Health has been notified of the cases and we are following the advice of the epidemiologist on contact tracing and infection control procedures. We are continuing the twice a week surveillance testing to identify any cases early.

The good news is we have had no new resident cases.

The best protection against COVID and severe illness is the vaccine. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines do provide good protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death. Studies indicate that three doses (two initial doses, plus the booster) of the Pfizer vaccine provides 78% protection against developing severe illness from the omicron variant. Good Day Pharmacy will be here the second Friday of each month to provide the COVID and influenza vaccinations. If you still need your COVID vaccine and/or booster or the flu shot, please contact Donna Ruske, ext. 1880 and you’ll be added to the list for the next on-site vaccine clinic.

Screening

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings.
Face coverings are required and must fit snugly and cover nose and mouth.
The screening is at door #4 and all visitors must enter through that door.

Social Distancing

Avoid crowded indoor areas.
Maintain a six-foot distance from others whenever possible.
Wear a face covering that snugly covers nose and mouth when out in public.

Visitors

Outdoor visits are recommended over indoor visits, when possible.
Escorts are required for Mezz visitors to and from the visitation location, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors must keep their face covering in place at all times and therefore no eating or drinking while visiting.

Hand Hygiene

Use the hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should reschedule the visit.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

January 4, 2022

The rates of infection in Boulder County have increased rapidly and the County remains in the CDC’s High Transmission rate. Masks are required inside Golden West and in all indoor public areas in Boulder County. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals has risen to 1,034 (last week was 605). The positivity rate has gone up and is now 12.5% (last week was 7.5%). These are the highest rates of infection since the start of the pandemic.

An employee tested positive on December 24 and an assisted living resident tested positive as part of the surveillance testing started after the employee’s positive test. We have continued surveillance testing of all employees and assisted living residents twice a week. We have had five additional Golden West employees test positive over the last week and two Legacy staff members. The employees are on isolation, and most have reported only mild symptoms. Boulder County Public Health was notified of the cases and we are following the advice of the epidemiologist on contact tracing and infection control procedures. Twice a week surveillance testing continues to identify any other cases early. There have been no other resident cases.

The best protection against COVID, including the new omicron variation is the vaccine. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccine do provide good protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death. Studies indicate that three doses (two initial doses, plus the booster) of the Pfizer vaccine provides 78% protection against developing severe illness from the omicron variant. Good Day Pharmacy will be here the second Friday of each month to provide the COVID and Influenza vaccinations. If you still need your COVID vaccine and/or booster or the flu shot, please let me know no later than January 7 and I will put you on the list for the next visit, which will be January 14, 2022.

Screening

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings.
Face coverings are required and must fit snugly, covering the nose and mouth.
The screening is at door #4 and all visitors must enter through that door.

Visitors

The restrictions on the number of visitors a resident may have at any one time has been relaxed and there are no restrictions on the number other than what the community needs to maintain social distancing.
Outdoor visits are recommended over indoor visits, when possible.
Escorts are now required for Mezz visitors to and from the visitation location, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors must keep their face covering in place at all times and therefore no eating or drinking while visiting.

Hand Hygiene

Use the hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should reschedule the visit.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

December 27, 2021

Boulder County’s rate of infection remains in the CDC’s High Transmission rate and masks are required inside Golden West and all indoor public areas. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals has gone up significantly and is now 605.1 (it was down in the 300’s last week). The positivity rate has also gone up to 7.5%.

Unfortunately, we had an employee test positive on Friday and an assisted living resident test positive from the surveillance testing we did after learning of the employee’s positive test. The employee is experiencing symptoms and we with them a swift and full recovery. The resident does not have any symptoms currently. Both are in isolation to prevent the spread of the virus. Boulder County Public Health has been notified of the cases and we are following the advice of the epidemiologist on contact tracing and infection control procedures.

The best protection against COVID, including the new omicron variant, is the vaccine. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccine do provide good protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death. Studies indicate that three doses (two initial doses, plus the booster) of the Pfizer vaccine is believed to provide 78% protection against developing severe illness from the omicron variant. Vaccines are available at most pharmacies and Good Day Pharmacy will be here the second Friday of each month to provide the COVID and Influenza vaccinations. If you still need your COVID vaccine and/or booster or the flu shot, please let me know no later than January 7 and I will put you on the list for the next visit, which will be January 14, 2022.

As an at-risk community, it is critical that we continue to follow the infection control procedures as required by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, especially with the rising rates on infection in the County. Please help keep our community safe by following these procedures.

Screening

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings and everyone must wear a face covering that covers nose and mouth.
The screening is at door #4 and all visitors must enter through that door.

Visitors

The restrictions on the number of visitors a resident may have at any one time has been relaxed and there are no restrictions on the number other than what the community needs to maintain social distancing.
Outdoor visits are recommended over indoor visits, when possible.
Escorts are now required for Mezz visitors to and from the visitation location, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors must keep their face covering in place at all times and therefore no eating or drinking while visiting.

Hand Hygiene

Use the hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Residents and staff with a direct exposure to COVID 19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

December 13, 2021

The rates of infection in Boulder County remain in the CDC’s High Transmission rate and masks are required inside Golden West and all indoor public areas in Boulder County. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is down from last week, 358.5 (last week was 369.9), and the positivity rate has gone down a little, 5.8% from 6.3% last week. Hopefully the trend will continue.

We have had no reports of any positive residents or employees!

Please continue to follow the established infection control procedures to help protect yourself, your neighbors and Golden West staff not only from COVID, but also from influenza and other viruses.

The best protection against COVID and influenza are the vaccines. Vaccines are available at most pharmacies and Good Day Pharmacy will be here the second Friday of each month to provide the COVID and influenza vaccinations. If you still need your COVID vaccine and/or booster or the flu shot, please let me know and I will put you on the list for the next visit, which will be January 14, 2022.

As an at-risk community, we continue to follow the infection control procedures as required by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Please help keep our community safe by following these procedures.

Screening

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings and everyone must wear a face covering that covers nose and mouth.
The screening is at door #4 and all visitors must enter through that door.

Visitors

The restrictions on the number of visitors a resident may have at any one time has been relaxed and there are no restrictions on the number other than what the community needs to maintain social distancing.
Outdoor visits are recommended over indoor visits, when possible.
Escorts are now required for Mezz visitors to and from the visitation location, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors must keep their face covering in place at all times and therefore no eating or drinking while visiting.

Hand Hygiene

Use the hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Residents and staff with a direct exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

December 6, 2021

The rates of infection in Boulder County remain in the CDC’s High Transmission rate and masks are required inside Golden West and all indoor public areas in Boulder County. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is down from 450.6 last week at 369.9 but the positivity rate is up a little, 6.3% from 6.2%. Hopefully the downward trend with cases continue through the holidays.

We were notified last week that an employee tested positive and fortunately all other employees and the Mezz residents tested negative! We are back to just the twice a week routine surveillance testing of those employees that are not yet fully vaccinated. These employees also take a rapid test before the start of each shift.

We have no new reports of positive COVID tests among residents.

I am on the CDC’s email list and received an update this morning on the omicron variant. They don’t have a definitive understanding of the new variant as far as how it differs from other variants, but preliminary information indicates it is very contagious, but doesn’t seem to cause more serious illness. The CDC recommends taking the following actions to help protect yourself and others from the virus:

Get vaccinated
Wear a mask
Stay 6 feet away from others
Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces
Test to prevent spread to others
Wash your hands often
Cover coughs and sneezes
Clean and disinfect
Monitor your health daily

Please continue to follow the established infection control procedures to help protect yourself, your neighbors and Golden West staff not only from COVID, but also from influenza and other viruses. The procedures to prevent the spread of COVID will also work to prevent the spread of influenza A, RSV and Norovirus (vomiting/diarrhea), which are also spreading in the outside community.

Screening

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings and everyone must wear a face covering that covers nose and mouth.
The screening is at door #4 and all visitors must enter through that door.

Visitors

The restrictions on the number of visitors a resident may have at any one time has been relaxed and there are no restrictions on the number other than what the community needs to maintain social distancing.
Outdoor visits are recommended over indoor visits, when possible.
Escorts are now required for Mezz visitors to and from the visitation location, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors must keep their face covering in place at all times and therefore no eating or drinking while visiting.

Hand Hygiene

Use the hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Residents and staff with a direct exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

November 29, 2021

The rates of infection in Boulder County remain in the CDC’s High Transmission rate and masks are required inside Golden West and all indoor public areas in Boulder County. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is down from last week, 450.6 (last week was 516.8) and the positivity rate is 6.2% down from 6.8% last week. Hopefully this is the beginning of a downward trend.

An employee tested positive for COVID on Nov. 26 and we are still getting the details, but hopeful that there was no spread as the employee has not worked since Nov. 22. This employee was fully vaccinated, so this is a breakthrough case and a reminder that the vaccines are not 100% effective and that we all still need to take precautions and wear our masks in public, avoid large crowds and use good hand hygiene. The routine surveillance testing of those employees that are not yet fully vaccinated has continued to be negative. We test twice a week per updated guidelines from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

We have had no new reports of positive COVID tests among residents.

Please continue to follow the established infection control procedures to help protect yourself, your neighbors and Golden West staff not only from COVID, but also from influenza and other viruses. Boulder County has had confirmed cases of influenza A over the last few weeks. The procedures to prevent the spread of COVID will also work to prevent the spread of influenza A. If you are diagnosed with influenza A, please ask your doctor about the antiviral medication Tamiflu. Boulder County Public Health has indicated that Tamiflu is effective in shortening the duration and severity of influenza A, if started within the first few days of symptoms.

The best protection against COVID and influenza are the vaccines, masks and social distancing. Vaccines are available at most pharmacies. If you still need your COVID vaccine and/or booster, contact Donna Ruske and she can arrange for Good Day pharmacy to come on-site to provide the vaccine.

Screening

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings and everyone must wear a face covering that covers nose and mouth.
The screening is at door #4 and all visitors must enter through that door.

Visitors

The restrictions on the number of visitors a resident may have at any one time has been relaxed and there are no restrictions on the number other than what the community needs to maintain social distancing.
Outdoor visits are recommended over indoor visits, when possible.
Escorts are now required for Mezz. visitors to and from the visitation location, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors must keep their face covering in place at all times and therefore no eating or drinking while visiting.

Hand Hygiene

Use the hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Residents and staff with a direct exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

November 22, 2021

The rates of infection in Boulder County remain in the CDC’s High Transmission rate and masks are still required inside Golden West and all indoor public areas in Boulder County. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals has increased and is up to 516.8 (last week was 490.8) and the positivity rate is 6.8% up from 6.4% last week.

We have had no positive COVID cases among staff and we are continuing the surveillance testing for any employees that are not yet 100% vaccinated and all tests have come back negative for the last eight weeks.

We have had no new reports of positive COVID tests among residents.

As a residential/long term care community, we are considered at higher risk for COVID, both in terms of catching and spreading the virus, but also with adverse outcomes. The infection control procedures we follow may be stricter than the guidance for the general public because our population is generally at higher risk for severe illness. Please continue to follow the established infection control procedures to help protect yourself, your neighbors and Golden West staff not only from COVID, but also from Influenza. Boulder County has had confirmed cases of Influenza A over the last few weeks, including two individuals in their 20s having to be hospitalized. The procedures to prevent the spread of COVID will also work to prevent the spread of Influenza A.

Governor Polis held a meeting with Residential/Long Term Care communities this afternoon and stressed the need for all residents to get their booster shots to increase protection. Current State data shows only 47.9% of LTC residents have received their booster shots. If you were unable to participate in the on-site booster clinic or have only come due recently, please contact Donna Ruske, ext. 1880. We are working with Good Day Pharmacy for them to return periodically to provide boosters on-site, but we do need to know ahead of time the number of individuals needing the booster.

Screening

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings and everyone must wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth.
The screening is at door #4 and all visitors must enter through that door.

Visitors

The restrictions on the number of visitors a resident may have at any one time has been relaxed and there are no restrictions on the number other than what the community needs to maintain social distancing.
Outdoor visits are recommended over indoor visits, when possible.
Escorts are now required for Mezz visitors to and from the visitation location, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors must keep their face covering in place at all times and therefore no eating or drinking while visiting.

Hand Hygiene

Use hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Regardless of vaccination status, residents and staff with a direct exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

November 15, 2021

The rates of infection in Boulder County remain in the CDC’s High Transmission rate so masks are required not only inside Golden West, but in all indoor public areas in Boulder County. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals has increased to 490.8 (last week was 384.2) and the positivity rate is 6.4% up from 5.7% last week.

We have had no positive COVID cases among staff and we continue surveillance testing for employees not yet 100% vaccinated. For the last seven weeks, all tests have been negative.

We have had no new reports of positive COVID tests among residents.

As a residential/long term care community, we are considered at higher risk for COVID, in terms of catching and spreading the virus, but also with adverse outcomes. Because Long Term Care/Residential Care Communities are at higher risk, the CDPHE has contracted with Bloom Healthcare to provide monoclonal antibody treatments in those settings. Bloom can provide the treatment to any and all eligible residents, regardless of their health insurance or if they are a current Bloom client. There is no charge to the individual for the treatment and it can be provided in the individual’s home. Any at risk individual that has a positive COVID test result or has a known direct exposure to a positive case can receive the treatment. The treatment must be administered early to be effective and can be administered to prevent the development of symptoms after a direct exposure. Towers residents should contact Denise Ramunda and Mezz residents should contact Angela Youngs for more information about Bloom Healthcare and the monoclonal antibody treatment.

The infection control procedures we follow may be stricter than the guidance for the general public because our population is generally at higher risk for severe illness. Please continue to follow the established infection control procedures to help protect yourself, your neighbors and Golden West staff not only from COVID, but also from Influenza. Boulder County is currently experiencing a “large outbreak of Influenza A” according to an email from the County that was sent out this morning. The procedures to prevent the spread of COVID will also work to prevent the spread of Influenza A.

Screening

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings and everyone must wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth.
Residents may only have two visitors at any one time. Unvaccinated visitors to assisted living must have an appointment and be escorted to and from the building.

Hand Hygiene

Use hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Regardless of vaccination status, residents and staff with a direct exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

November 1, 2021

The rates of infection in Boulder County remain in the CDC’s High Transmission rate and therefore masks are required not only inside Golden West, but in all indoor public areas in Boulder County. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals has increased to 334.7 (last week was 306.3) and the positivity rate is 4.7% up from 4.3% last week.

We are continuing the surveillance testing for any employees that are not yet 100% vaccinated and all tests have come back negative for the last three weeks.

Unfortunately, we were notified that two Towers residents tested positive for the virus on Oct. 22. These cases are related, but, as far as we can tell, were not related to the cases reported on Oct. 14. Both residents are fully vaccinated, did not need hospitalization and seem to be recovering well. This is a good reminder that nothing is 100% effective and that we all need to continue to take precautions against the virus by maintaining physical distancing and wearing masks, especially in indoor public areas, even when with friends!

Boosters

Good Day Pharmacy was here on October 27 and administered 135 booster shots! 118 Towers residents received shots, 16 employees and 1 Mezz resident. The Mezz held a booster clinic back on October 6 for residents and caregivers. Thank you to everyone for taking this extra step to protect yourselves and everyone around you.

As a residential/long term care community, we are considered at higher risk for COVID, both in terms of catching and spreading the virus, but also with adverse outcomes. Therefore we must follow stricter guidelines than the general public in terms of infection control and also for isolation and quarantine following exposure.

Golden West’s continues to follow the CDPHE guidance for infection control in long term care communities which is as follows:

Screening

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings and everyone must wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth.
Residents may only have two visitors at any one time. Unvaccinated visitors to assisted living must have an appointment and be escorted to and from the building.

Hand Hygiene

Use hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Regardless of vaccination status, residents and staff with a direct exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

October 18, 2021

The rates of infection in Boulder County remain in the CDC’s High Transmission rate and therefore masks are required inside Golden West, and all indoor public areas in Boulder County. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals has increased and is up to 329.5 and the positivity rate is 4.2%.

We completed the third round of testing for all employees and assisted living residents on Oct. 7, and all results came back negative! We conducted surveillance testing for employees that are not yet fully vaccinated last week and the results were all negative.

Unfortunately, we were notified that two Towers residents tested positive for the virus on Oct. 14. The cases are related, but, so far, no reports of any additional cases. Both residents are fully vaccinated, so this is a good reminder that nothing is 100% effective and that we all need to continue to take precautions by maintaining physical distancing and wearing masks, especially in indoor public areas.

Boosters

Good Day Pharmacy had to shift the date for the COVID booster and Flu shot clinic to Wednesday, Oct. 27. Sign-up sheets and forms were distributed Tuesday, Oct. 19.

Golden West’s continues to follow the CDPHE guidance for infection control in long term care communities which is as follows:

Screening

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings and everyone must wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth.
Residents may only have two visitors at any one time. Unvaccinated visitors to assisted living must have an appointment and be escorted to and from the building.

Hand Hygiene

Use hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Regardless of vaccination status, residents and staff with a direct exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

October 4, 2021

The rates of infection in Boulder County remain in the CDC’s High Transmission rate and therefore the County is requiring everyone age 2 and older to wear a face covering while in indoor public areas in the County. Golden West continues to require everyone wear a face covering inside our buildings due to the CDPHE infection control guidance. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals has declined for the second week in a row and as of today is 253.7 (274.8 on September 27), but the positivity rate has increased a little, up to 3.7% (3.5% last week). Hopefully the increasing vaccination rates and wearing of masks in indoor public areas will result in continued decreases.

We continue surveillance testing of all employees and Mezz residents since we had positive test results back on September 16, with all coming back negative, so there does not appear to have been any spread from those cases! We will test all employees and Mezz residents again this week and if the results are negative, we will be officially out of outbreak status and can stop testing everyone. We will continue to test any employees that are not yet fully vaccinated (two weeks after final dose) with rapid tests each shift and weekly PCR lab testing.

Vaccines

On August 30, the Colorado Board of Health approved emergency regulations requiring all healthcare facilities have 100% of employees be fully vaccinated by October 31, 2021. Assisted living falls under these regulations and therefore Golden West must comply with the regulations. Golden West has finalized our policy and procedures to be in compliance with the new regulations and all employees have gotten at least the first dose or been approved for an exemption based on medical or religious reasons. Any staff granted exemptions from the vaccination requirement will have to follow strict infection control procedures to minimize any risk to residents or co-workers. The infection control procedures will include daily COVID rapid tests, and at minimum, weekly COVID PCR tests, masking and distancing requirements.

Boosters

The FDA and CDC approved boosters for individuals 65 and older or those with compromised immune systems. We have scheduled the on-site vaccination clinic with Good Day Pharmacy for October 25! Good Day is the pharmacy that serves our assisted living. They will be able to administer flu vaccines as well. We will distribute more information as we finalize the plans.

Golden West’s continues to follow the CDPHE guidance for infection control in long term care communities which is as follows:

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings and everyone must wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth.

Screening is at Door #4, West Entrance.
Staff and visitors must be screened for symptoms and fever.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or a temperature of 100 or higher will be denied entry.
All staff and visitors must wear a facial covering.

Visits

Residents may only have two visitors at any one time.
Visits should take place outside when possible.
Visits to Towers residents should be in the resident’s apartment and not in indoor public areas.
Mezzanine visitors
- Unvaccinated visitors must schedule an appointment and may not participate in activities.
- Vaccinated visitors do not need an appointment and may participate in activities if documentation of vaccination status is provided.

Everyone should follow these basic infection control procedures:

Hand Hygiene

Use hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Residents directly exposed to someone with COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.
Golden West staff with a direct, unprotected exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

September 27, 2021

The rates of infection in Boulder County have reached the CDC’s High Transmission rate and therefore the County is requiring everyone age 2 and older to wear a face covering while in indoor public areas in the County. Golden West was already required to have everyone wear a face covering inside our buildings due to the CDPHE infection control guidance. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals has declined and as of today is 274.8 (305.7 on September 17) and the positivity rate has dropped to 3.5%. Hopefully the increasing vaccination rates and the wearing of masks in indoor public areas will result in a sustained decrease in new cases.

As announced last Monday, we had three staff members test positive as part of the routine surveillance testing on September 16. We tested all employees and assisted living residents twice last week and all tests have come back negative! We will continue weekly testing of all employees and assisted living residents for the next two weeks to ensure there was no spread from those cases. If all tests remain negative during the next two weeks, we will resolve the outbreak status and will go back to routine surveillance testing of unvaccinated staff.

Vaccines

On August 30, the Colorado Board of Health approved emergency regulations requiring all healthcare facilities have 100% of employees be fully vaccinated by October 31, 2021. Assisted living falls under these regulations and therefore Golden West must comply with the regulations. Golden West is finalizing our internal policy and procedures in order to comply with the new regulations. We are continuing to work on getting all employees vaccinated except for those with approved medical or religious exemptions. Any staff granted exemptions from the vaccination requirement will have to follow strict infection control procedures to minimize any risk to residents or co-workers. The infection control procedures will include daily COVID rapid tests, at weekly COVID PCR tests, masking and distancing requirements.

Boosters

The FDA and CDC have approved boosters for individuals 65 and older or those with compromised immune systems. Golden West has been in contact with Walgreens and the CDPHE to make arrangements to have an on-site clinic and we will notify everyone as soon as the arrangements are finalized.

Golden West continues to follow the CDPHE guidance for infection control in long term care communities which is as follows:

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings and everyone must wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth.

Screening is at Door #4, West Entrance.
Staff and visitors must be screened for symptoms and fever.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or a temperature of 100 or higher will be denied entry.
All staff and visitors must wear a facial covering.

Visits

Residents may only have two visitors at any one time.
Visits should take place outside when possible.
Visits to Towers residents should be in the resident’s apartment and not in indoor public areas.
Mezzanine visitors
- Unvaccinated visitors must schedule an appointment and may not participate in activities.
- Vaccinated visitors do not need an appointment and may participate in activities if documentation of vaccination status is provided.

Everyone should follow these basic infection control procedures:

Hand Hygiene

Use hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Residents directly exposed to someone with COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.
Golden West staff with a direct, unprotected exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

September 21, 2021

The rates of infection in Boulder County have reached the CDC’s High Transmission rate and therefore the County is requiring everyone age 2 and older to wear a face covering while in indoor public areas in the County. Golden West was already required to have everyone wear a face covering inside our buildings due to the CDPHE infection control guidance. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals, as of September 17, is 305.7 and the positivity rate is 3.9%.

Golden West currently tests all staff and assisted living residents weekly due to a positive employee case in August. Unfortunately, three staff members had positive results from last Thursday’s testing. Boulder County Public health has been notified of the cases and we are following the epidemiologist’s recommendations on contact tracing and infection control. This does put Golden West into outbreak status. We do not have any reason to believe the new cases are related to the case from August and since all three staff members are asymptomatic, we think the chance of spread is low. We will be testing all employees and all assisted living residents twice this week and continue testing for the next three weeks. Of the three cases, two of the individuals were fully vaccinated and one was partially vaccinated. We cannot confirm they are infected with the Delta variant, but since 99% of all new cases in Boulder County are the Delta variant, it probably is. This is a good reminder that we all need to continue to follow the established infection control procedures to protect ourselves from contracting the virus, regardless of vaccination status. Golden West just met with the Chief Medical Officer for Boulder County Public Health, Dr.Urbina, to give employees an opportunity to ask questions about the vaccine and Dr. Urbina stressed that no vaccine is 100% effective and that our best defense is layering the protection:

Get vaccinated
Wear a face covering
Avoid crowds
Maintain physical distancing
Wash hand frequently and thoroughly

Following these guidelines will minimize your chances of getting COVID-19. Dr. Urbina also stressed that while there are breakthrough cases (vaccinated individuals testing positive), the vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness.

Vaccines

On August 30, the Colorado Board of Health approved emergency regulations requiring all healthcare facilities to have 100% of employees fully vaccinated by October 31, 2021. Assisted living falls under these regulations and Golden West must comply with the regulations. The CDPHE is finalizing the compliance guidance, and when complete, Golden West will finalize the internal policy and procedures in order to comply with the new regulations. Currently, 83% of Golden West’s staff are vaccinated and we hope to get the rest vaccinated over the next few weeks.

Boosters

The FDA has approved boosters for individuals 65 and older or those with compromised immune systems. Golden West has been in contact with Walgreens and the CDPHE to make arrangements to have an on-site clinic and we will notify everyone as soon as the arrangements are finalized.

Golden West continues to follow the CDPHE guidance for infection control in long term care communities which is as follows:

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings and everyone must wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth.

Screening is at Door #4, West Entrance.
Staff and visitors must be screened for symptoms and fever.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or a temperature of 100 or higher will be denied entry.
All staff and visitors must wear a facial covering.

Visits

Residents may only have two visitors at any one time.
Visits should take place outside when possible.
Visits to Towers residents should be in the resident’s apartment and not in indoor public areas.
Mezzanine visitors
- Unvaccinated visitors must schedule an appointment and may not participate in activities.
- Vaccinated visitors do not need an appointment and may participate in activities if documentation of vaccination status is provided.

Everyone should follow these basic infection control procedures:

Hand Hygiene

Use hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Residents directly exposed to someone with COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.
Golden West staff with a direct, unprotected exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

September 17, 2021

Infection rates in Boulder County have reached the CDC’s High Transmission rate and the County is requiring everyone ages 2 and older to wear a face covering while in indoor public areas in the County. Golden West already required everyone to wear a face covering inside our buildings due to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) infection control guidance. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is now up to 305.7 and the positivity rate is 3.9%.

Golden West had three unrelated positive cases in August; two residents and one staff member. We do not believe there is any connection between the three cases. The cases have been reported to Boulder County Public Health and we are following the epidemiologist’s guidance on contact tracing and infection control and the CDPHE testing requirements. Results of employee testing over the last three weeks have been negative. We are awaiting the results of this week’s tests and if all are negative, we can go back to surveillance testing of just unvaccinated employees.

Vaccines

Boosters

The approval for boosters for the general public is in process and Golden West reached out to Walgreens and the CDPHE to start making arrangements for an on-site clinic once the final approval for the general public has been issued.

Golden West continues to follow the CDPHE guidance for infection control in long term care communities which is as follows:

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings and everyone must wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth.

Screening is at Door #4, West Entrance.
Staff and visitors must be screened for symptoms and fever.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or a temperature of 100 or higher will be denied entry.
All staff and visitors must wear a facial covering.

Visits

Residents may only have two visitors at any one time.
Visits should take place outside when possible.
Visits to Towers residents should be in the resident’s apartment and not in indoor public areas.
Mezzanine visitors
- Unvaccinated visitors must schedule an appointment and may not participate in activities.
- Vaccinated visitors do not need an appointment and may participate in activities if documentation of vaccination status is provided.

Everyone should follow these basic infection control procedures:

Hand Hygiene

Use hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Residents directly exposed to someone with COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.
Golden West staff with a direct, unprotected exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

August 23, 2021

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has specific guidance for Long Term/Residential Care communities that we must abide by. The CDPHE has different guidance for these communities because most residents are at high risk and a communal living environment can lead to the fast spread of illness. The current risk mitigation guidance from CDPHE requires all staff, visitors and residents to wear face coverings in indoor public areas of residential care communities, regardless of vaccination status.

The rates of infection in Boulder County increased again this week with the 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals at 205.7 (175.4 last week), and the positivity rate has risen a little, 3.9% versus 3.8% last week.

We have no new reports of any residents testing positive and all employee testing has been negative. We continue to test all unvaccinated employees daily with rapid tests and weekly with PCR tests that go to the State laboratory.

As of August 23, the FDA gave final, full approval to the Pfizer vaccine and in the press release stated that “the public and medical community can be confident that although we approved this vaccine expeditiously, it was fully in keeping with our existing high standards for vaccines in the U.S.”

Booster shots

Today, booster shots are only approved for individuals considered moderately to severely immunocompromised.

Currently, the CDC is recommending that moderately to severely immunocompromised people receive an additional dose. This includes people who have:

Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
Advanced or untreated HIV infection
Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

People should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them.

The approval for boosters for the general public is in the works and Golden West has reached out to Walgreens and the CDPHE to start arrangements to host an on-site clinic once the final approval for the general public has been issued.

Golden West continues to follow the CDPHE guidance for infection control in long term care communities which is as follows:

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings and everyone must wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth.

Screening is at Door #4, West Entrance.
Staff and visitors must be screened for symptoms and fever.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or a temperature of 100 or higher will be denied entry.
All staff and visitors must wear a facial covering.

Visits

Residents may only have two visitors at any one time.
Visits should take place outside when possible.
Visits to Towers residents should be in the resident’s apartment and not in indoor public areas.
Mezzanine visitors
- Unvaccinated visitors must schedule an appointment and may not participate in activities.
- Vaccinated visitors do not need an appointment and may participate in activities if documentation of vaccination status is provided.

Everyone should follow these basic infection control procedures:

Hand Hygiene

Use hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Residents directly exposed to someone with COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.
Golden West staff with a direct, unprotected exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

August 16, 2021

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) established specific guidance for Long Term/Residential Care communities that we must abide by. The reason for the CDPHE guidance for these communities is because most residents are at high risk and the setting can lead to the fast spread of illness. The guidance from CDPHE was updated last week and due to the rising cases of COVID, especially the more contagious Delta variant, face coverings/masks are again required for staff, residents and visitors, regardless of vaccination status.

The rates of infection in Boulder County increased again this week with the 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals up to 175.4 (154.7 last week), but the positivity rate remained the same at 3.8%, so the County is doing a good job testing and hopefully identifying cases to help prevent spread.

We are continuing with weekly PCR (lab tests) and have now added daily rapid tests for all unvaccinated staff and all tests continue to come back negative!

Who Needs an Additional COVID-19 Vaccine?

Currently, CDC recommends that moderately to severely immunocompromised people receive an additional dose. This includes people who have:

Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
Advanced or untreated HIV infection
Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

People should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them.

Golden West continues to follow the CDPHE guidance for infection control in long term care communities, which is as follows:

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings and everyone must wear face coverings that cover the nose and mouth.
Screening is at Door #4, West Entrance.
Staff and visitors must be screened for symptoms and fever.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or a temperature of 100 or higher will be denied entry.
All staff and visitors must wear a facial covering.

Visits

Residents may only have two visitors at any one time.
Visits should take place outside when possible.
Visits to Towers residents should be in the resident’s apartment and not in indoor public areas.
Mezzanine visitors:
- Unvaccinated visitors must schedule an appointment and may not participate in activities.
- Vaccinated visitors do not need an appointment and may participate in activities if documentation of vaccination status is provided.

Everyone should follow these basic infection control procedures:

Hand Hygiene

Use hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Residents directly exposed to someone with COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.
Golden West staff with a direct, unprotected exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

August 9, 2021

Boulder County is still in Level Clear and will remain in that level for a 90-day observation period, which ends August 16^th. This level removes most capacity restrictions and mitigation measures in Boulder County, but the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) established specific guidance for Long Term/Residential Care communities that we must follow. CDPHE has different guidance for these communities because most residents are at high risk and the setting can lead to the fast spread of illness. Due to CDPHE updated guidance and due to the rising cases of COVID, especially the more contagious Delta variant, face coverings/masks are once again required for all staff, residents and visitors, regardless of vaccination status.

The rates of infection in Boulder County increased again this week. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is now 154.7 (it was 123.8 last week) and the positivity rate is now 3.8% (3.4% last week).

I do want to stress that thanks to residents and staff being careful and following Golden West’s infection control procedures, and thanks to high vaccination rates, we have had no cases of COVID among residents since February and only one case among staff since January. We’ve had very little spread in our Golden West community throughout the pandemic, as most cases have been just one individual with no internal spread.

We continue with weekly PCR (lab tests) and have now added daily rapid tests for all unvaccinated staff and all tests continue to come back negative!

Golden West’s continues to follow the CDPHE guidance for infection control in long term care communities which is as follows:

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings and everyone must wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth.

Screening is at Door #4, West Entrance.
Staff and visitors must be screened for symptoms and fever.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or a temperature of 100 or higher will be denied entry.
All staff and visitors must wear a facial covering.

Visits

Residents may only have two visitors at any one time.
Visits should take place outside when possible.
Visits to Towers residents should be in the resident’s apartment and not in indoor public areas.
Mezzanine visitors:
- Unvaccinated visitors must schedule an appointment and may not participate in activities.
- Vaccinated visitors do not need an appointment and may participate in activities if documentation of vaccination status is provided.

Everyone should follow these basic infection control procedures:

Hand Hygiene

Use hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Residents directly exposed to someone with COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.
Golden West staff with a direct, unprotected exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

August 2, 2021

Boulder County is still in Level Clear and will remain in that level for a 90-day observation period, which ends August 16^th. This level removes most capacity restrictions and mitigation measures in Boulder County, but the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has established specific guidance for Long Term Care/Residential communities and we must abide by those guidelines. The guidance is based primarily on vaccination status and fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear masks or social distance. Unvaccinated individuals are still required to wear masks and continue social distancing within the indoor public areas of Golden West.

The rates of infection in Boulder County are still increasing. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is 123.8 (it was 78.9 last week) and the positivity rate is now 3.4% (2.7% last week). The Delta variant is of concern in Colorado. This variant is considered much more contagious and can lead to more serious illness than the previous variants. The good news is the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are considered effective against preventing hospitalization and death, even with the Delta variant.

The CDC issued guidance recommending that individuals, regardless of vaccination status, resume wearing face coverings in indoor public areas in counties with substantial or high rates of the Delta variant. The current rates of infection put Boulder County into the substantial category. Golden West follows the guidance issued by the CDPHE, which has not changed the mask wearing guidance. As reported last week, CDPHE has changed the protocols for testing unvaccinated staff and as soon as we receive our supplies, we will begin testing all unvaccinated staff daily with point of care tests, in addition to the weekly PCR testing that we have been performing for months.

We have no reports of ill residents and all staff testing has been negative since early June.

Golden West’s continues to follow the CDPHE guidance for infection control in long term care communities which is currently as follows:

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings.

Screening is at Door #4, West Entrance.
Staff and visitors must be screened for symptoms and fever.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or a temperature of 100 or higher will be denied entry.
Visitors must show documentation of vaccination status in order to enter without a face covering/mask.
Visitors that do not have documentation may still enter, but must wear a face covering/mask.

Fully Vaccinated Individuals (Fully vaccinated means at least two weeks have passed since the last dose of the vaccine) are not required to wear face coverings or maintain social distancing. Fully vaccinated visitors do not need to schedule an appointment to visit and may participate in activities, including meals.

Unvaccinated individuals (unvaccinated means anyone that has not provided documentation of vaccination or it is less than two weeks since the final dose of the vaccine) are required to continue to wear face coverings in indoor public areas and to continue to socially distance from others. Unvaccinated visitors to the Mezzanine must schedule an appointment and be escorted to and from the building and may not participate in activities or meals. Contact Jill Moore to schedule an appointment for a Mezzanine visit.

Please note that whether or not someone is wearing a mask, does not necessarily indicate vaccination status. Some fully vaccinated individuals continue to wear a mask to provide additional protection for themselves and others. Also, please be kind and non-judgmental regarding vaccination status. Some people are unable to get the vaccine due to a medical condition, while others have strong religious or personal reasons for not getting vaccinated, but everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should follow these basic infection control procedures:

Hand Hygiene

Use hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Residents directly exposed to someone with COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.
Golden West staff with a direct, unprotected exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

July 26, 2021

Boulder County is still in Level Clear and will remain there for a 90-day observation period, which ends August 16^th. This level removes most capacity restrictions and mitigation measures in Boulder County, but the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has established specific guidance for Long Term Care communities and we must abide by those guidelines. The guidance is based primarily on vaccination status and fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear masks or social distance. Unvaccinated individuals are still required to wear masks and continue social distancing within the indoor public areas of Golden West.

The rates of infection in Boulder County are continuing to increase. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is now up to 78.9 (it was 62.4 last week) and the positivity rate is now 2.7% (it was 2.3% last week). The Delta variant is spreading and about a dozen counties in the State are under enhanced infection control procedures for their Long Term Care communities. Boulder County is currently not under the enhanced infection control procedures, but if cases of the variant increase, we might have to go back to everyone wearing a mask and social distancing, regardless of vaccination status. Also, the CDC is reevaluating the mask wearing guidelines in light of the rising cases in the US and may recommend that even vaccinated individuals start wearing masks again in public places. The vaccination rate in Boulder County is currently 78.7% and the vaccines do seem to provide good protection against the Delta variant, especially with preventing severe infection, hospitalization and death. There have been reports of “break through” infections, but most of those are asymptomatic or mild illness.

We continue with weekly surveillance testing of unvaccinated employees and will be adding daily rapid tests to our procedures as an additional layer of protection. All staff testing has been negative for the last six weeks and we have no reports of residents ill with COVID since February.

Golden West’s continues to follow the CDPHE guidance for infection control in long term care communities which is currently as follows:

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings.

Screening is at Door #4, West Entrance.
Staff and visitors must be screened for symptoms and fever.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or a temperature of 100 or higher will be denied entry.
Visitors must show documentation of vaccination status in order to enter without a face covering/mask.
Visitors that do not have documentation may still enter, but must wear a face covering/mask.

Please note that whether or not someone is wearing a mask, does not necessarily indicate vaccination status. Some fully vaccinated individuals have decided to continue to wear a mask to provide additional protection for themselves and others. Also, please be kind and non-judgmental regarding vaccination status. Some people are unable to get the vaccine due to a medical condition, while others have strong religious or personal reasons for not getting vaccinated, but everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should follow these basic infection control procedures:

Hand Hygiene

Use hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Residents directly exposed to someone with COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.
Golden West staff with a direct, unprotected exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

June 28, 2021

Boulder County is still in Level Clear and will remain in that level for a 90-day observation period, which ends August 16. This level removes most capacity restrictions and mitigation measures in Boulder County, but the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has established specific guidance for Long Term Care communities and we must abide by those guidelines. The guidance is based primarily on vaccination status and those individuals that are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear masks or social distance. Unvaccinated individuals are still required to wear masks and continue social distancing within the indoor public areas of Golden West.

The rates of infection in Boulder County have increased slightly. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is 23.8 (was 22.6 last week) and the positivity rate is .8% (.7% last week). The County is doing well controlling the virus, likely because 75% of all eligible residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 69% of eligible residents are fully vaccinated. Way to go Boulder County!

We did have an employee test positive on June 8, but all tests since that time have been negative and it appears there was no spread from that case. We will return to conducting weekly surveillance testing of unvaccinated employees, which is how that one case was caught.

We have had no reports of ill residents since February.

Golden West’s updated Infection Control procedures are based on the CDPHE guidance and are based on vaccination status.

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings.

Screening is at Door #4, West Entrance.
Staff and visitors must be screened for symptoms and fever.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or a temperature of 100 or higher will be denied entry.
Visitors must show documentation of vaccination status in order to enter without a face covering/mask.
Visitors that do not have documentation may still enter, but must wear a face covering/mask.

Unvaccinated Individuals (Unvaccinated means anyone that has not provided documentation of vaccination or it is less than two weeks since the final dose of the vaccine) are required to continue to wear face coverings in indoor public areas and to continue to socially distance from others. Unvaccinated visitors to the Mezzanine must schedule an appointment and be escorted to and from the building and may not participate in activities or meals. Contact Jill Moore to schedule an appointment for a Mezzanine visit.

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should follow these basic infection control procedures:

Hand Hygiene

Use hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Residents directly exposed to someone with COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.
Golden West staff with a direct, unprotected exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

June 21, 2021

Boulder County is still in Level Clear and will remain in that level for a 90-day observation period, ending August 16. This level removes most capacity restrictions and mitigation measures in Boulder County, but the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has established specific guidance for Long Term Care communities and we must abide by those guidelines. This new guidance went into effect on June 1 and Golden West adjusted our internal infection control procedures to match those of the CDPHE effective June 3 for residents and June 4 for staff and visitors. The updated guidelines were distributed to all residents on June 3 and are listed below.

The rates of infection in Boulder County have decreased significantly! The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is now only 22.6 and the positivity rate has decreased to .7%. The County is doing well controlling the virus probably because 75% of all eligible residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 69% of eligible residents are fully vaccinated. Way to go Boulder County!

Unfortunately, the virus is still circulating and while we have had no reports of any ill residents, we did have a staff member test positive as part of our weekly surveillance testing on June 8. Boulder County Public Health was notified and under their guidance and following the CDPHE Rapid Response protocols, we tested all staff again on June 11 and June 17 and all tests were negative! We will test all staff again this week and if the tests are negative, we will have completed the Rapid Response and can go back to just surveillance testing of unvaccinated staff on a weekly basis.

Effective June 21, we have included the construction workers in the visitors’ category, so you will see some of them without masks going forward.

Golden West’s updated Infection Control procedures are based on the CDPHE guidance and are based on vaccination status.

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings.

Screening is at Door #4, West Entrance
Staff and visitors must be screened for symptoms and fever
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or a temperature of 100 or higher will be denied entry.
Visitors must show documentation of vaccination status in order to enter without a face covering/mask.
Visitors that do not have documentation may still enter, but must wear a face covering/mask.

Fully Vaccinated Individuals (Fully vaccinated means at least two weeks have passed since the last dose of the vaccine):

Face Coverings/Masks

Residents

Fully vaccinated residents will no longer be required to wear a face covering/mask in the buildings or outside on the grounds.
Residents that participated in the on-site vaccination clinic do not have to provide any documentation to Golden West. Residents that were vaccinated elsewhere can provide proof of vaccination and they will be added to the list of vaccinated residents.

Golden West Staff

Fully vaccinated staff will no longer be required to wear a face covering/mask.
Staff will have stickers on their name badge to confirm they are vaccinated.

Visitors

Visitors will need to show proof of vaccination in order to enter the building without a mask.
Visitors that have provided proof of vaccination will be issued a sticker with a date to indicate they are vaccinated.
Visitors that do not have proof of vaccination or chose not to show it, will be required to wear a mask.

Social Distancing

Residents, Golden West Staff, and Visitors

Fully vaccinated individuals will no longer be asked to maintain physical distancing from others.
Occupancy limits will no longer apply in the elevators, laundry rooms and outside benches for fully vaccinated individuals.
Group activities may resume and masks are not required for vaccinated individuals.

Visits

Residents are still restricted to only two visitors at a time.
All visitors must go through the screening at door #4, regardless of vaccination status.
Fully vaccinated visitors do not have to schedule an appointment in the Mezz or Towers.
Fully vaccinated visitors may join in activities, including eating and drinking with residents.

Unvaccinated (unvaccinated means anyone that has not provided documentation of vaccination or it is less than two weeks since the final dose of vaccine)

Face Coverings/Masks

Unvaccinated Residents

Unvaccinated residents must wear face coverings/masks in indoor public areas.
Unvaccinated residents must wear face coverings/masks if Golden West staff enter their apartment.
Unvaccinated residents should wear a mask when outside and within six feet of others.

Unvaccinated Golden West Staff

Unvaccinated staff must continue to wear face coverings/masks at work.

Unvaccinated Visitors

Unvaccinated visitors must continue to wear face coverings/masks.
Unvaccinated visitors should keep mask on at all times during visit.

Social Distancing

Unvaccinated Residents

Unvaccinated residents must continue to maintain a six-foot distance from others, including in elevators and other small spaces.
Unvaccinated residents may participate in group activities, but must wear a face covering/mask at all times.
Unvaccinated residents must remain physically distanced from others if any eating or drinking is occurring during a group activity.

Unvaccinated Staff

Unvaccinated staff must continue to maintain a six-foot physical distance from others.
Unvaccinated staff may help with group activities, but must wear a face covering/mask.
Unvaccinated staff may not eat or drink during group activities.

Unvaccinated Visitors

Unvaccinated visitors must continue to maintain a six-foot physical distance from others.
Unvaccinated visitors may not participate in group activities or meals.

Visits

Residents are restricted to two visitors at a time.
All visitors must go through the screening at door #4.
Unvaccinated visitors to the Mezzanine must schedule an appointment and must be escorted by staff to and from the visit. Please contact Jill Moore, jmoore@gwboulder.org to schedule an appointment.
Unvaccinated visitors to the Towers do not have to schedule an appointment.

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should follow these basic infection control procedures:

Hand Hygiene

Use hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Residents directly exposed to someone with COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.
Golden West staff with a direct, unprotected exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App, Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org, Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

June 7, 2021

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has updated the guidance for Long Term Care communities. In response, Golden West has updated internal procedures to comply with the new guidance. The changes in the guidance revolve around vaccination status. Individuals that are fully vaccinated will have very few restrictions, whereas individuals that are not yet fully vaccinated will still have to follow stricter infection control precautions. The changes take effect June 3, 2021 for residents, June 4 for staff and visitors.

All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings.

Screening is at Door #4, West Entrance
Staff and visitors must be screened for symptoms and fever
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or a temperature of 100 or higher will be denied entry.
Visitors must show documentation of vaccination status in order to enter without a face covering/mask.
Visitors that do not have documentation may still enter, but must wear a face covering/mask.

Fully Vaccinated Individuals (Fully vaccinated means at least two weeks have passed since the last dose of the vaccine):

Face Coverings/Masks

Residents

Fully vaccinated residents will no longer be required to wear a face covering/mask in the buildings or outside on the grounds.
Residents that participated in the on-site vaccination clinic do not have to provide any documentation to Golden West. Residents that were vaccinated elsewhere can provide proof of vaccination and they will be added to the list of vaccinated residents.

Golden West Staff

Fully vaccinated staff will no longer be required to wear a face covering/mask.
Staff will have stickers on their name badge to confirm they are vaccinated.

Visitors

Visitors will need to show proof of vaccination in order to enter the building without a mask.
Visitors that have provided proof of vaccination will be issued a sticker with a date to indicate they are vaccinated.
Visitors that do not have proof of vaccination or chose not to show it, will be required to wear a mask.

Social Distancing

Residents, Golden West Staff, and Visitors

Fully vaccinated individuals will no longer be asked to maintain physical distancing from others.
Occupancy limits will no longer apply in the elevators, laundry rooms and outside benches.
Group activities may resume and masks are not required for vaccinated individuals.

Unvaccinated (unvaccinated means anyone that has not provided documentation of vaccination or it is less than two weeks since the final dose of vaccine)

Face Coverings/Masks

Unvaccinated Residents

Unvaccinated residents must continue to wear face coverings/masks in indoor public areas.
Unvaccinated residents must continue to wear face coverings/masks if Golden West staff enter their apartment.
Unvaccinated residents should wear a mask when outside and within six feet of others.

Unvaccinated Golden West Staff

Unvaccinated staff must continue to wear face coverings/masks at work

Unvaccinated Visitors

Unvaccinated visitors must continue to wear face coverings/masks.
Unvaccinated visitors should keep mask on at all times during visit.

Social Distancing

Unvaccinated Residents

Unvaccinated residents must continue to maintain a six-foot physical distance from others, including in elevators and other small spaces.
Unvaccinated residents may participate in group activities, but must wear a face covering/mask.
Unvaccinated residents must remain physically distanced from others if any eating or drinking is occurring during a group activity.

Unvaccinated Staff

Unvaccinated staff must continue to maintain a six-foot physical distance from others.
Unvaccinated staff may help with group activities, but must wear a face covering/mask.
Unvaccinated staff may not eat or drink during group activities.

Unvaccinated Visitors

Unvaccinated visitors must continue to maintain a six-foot physical distance from others.
Unvaccinated visitors may not participate in group activities or meals.

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should follow these basic infection control procedures:

Hand Hygiene

Use hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Residents directly exposed to someone with COVID-19 will need to quarantine.
Golden West staff with a direct, unprotected exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine.

Thank you for following all the infection control procedures over the last year and helping to protect yourself, your neighbors and the staff!

May 24, 2021

Boulder County has now moved into Level Clear and will remain in that level for a 90-day observation period. This level removes most capacity restrictions and mitigation measures in Boulder County, but the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) did leave in place a mask mandate for Congregate Living Environments under Public Health Order 20-38 until June 1. The CDPHE is currently reviewing the latest guidance from the CDC and may provide an update for Long Term Care communities this week.

Masks are still required inside Golden West regardless of vaccination status.

The rates of infection in Boulder County have decreased significantly! The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is now 67.6 down from 96.3, and the positivity rate has decreased down to 1.4% from last week’s 1.8%. The County is doing well in controlling the virus. However, the State has one of the highest levels of new infections in the nation for number of cases per 100,000 individuals. There are 7 counties in Colorado with rates over 300 per 100,000 including our neighbors – Weld, Jefferson and Gilpin counties.

We have no reports of ill residents and the results of the staff weekly testing has been negative since January!

Even though the majority of the Golden West community is vaccinated, please continue to follow the established infection control procedures.

Please continue to:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment.
Wear a face covering if a Golden West staff member needs to enter your apartment.
Wear a face covering if someone else is in your apartment with you
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask
Keep interactions short
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently
Disinfect hard surfaces
Stay home if you don’t feel well! Notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID.

Golden West must continue with screening staff and visitors for COVID symptoms.

All staff and visitors must enter through the West Entrance, Door #4. After the initial screening, staff and visitors may leave the building through any exit.

Procedure for all Visitors

All visitors must come to the West Entrance to be screened, even if the visit is outside.
No more than two visitors at a time. This would apply to residents visiting with each other.
A hug or handshake is okay between fully vaccinated residents and visitors; unvaccinated residents should continue to avoid any close contact with others.
No age limits, but all visitors must be able to wear a properly fitted face covering and the face coverings must remain in place, throughout the entire visit, even if all parties are vaccinated.
Visits should be held outside, if at all possible

Mezzanine (assisted living) – New contact for appointments!

Please contact Jill Moore, Director of Resident Programs to schedule a visit in the Mezzanine. Jill can be reached by email at jmoore@gwboulder.org or 303-939-0883.

Appointments are available Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1:00pm or 4:00pm.

Towers (independent living)

Visitors do not need an appointment, but are requested to come during regular screening hours, Sunday – Saturday 6am – 6pm.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App

Golden West website – www.gwboulder.orgCoronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

May 21, 2021

Boulder County has now moved into Level Clear and will remain in that level for a 90-day observation period. This level removes most capacity restrictions and mitigation measures in Boulder County, but the County did leave in place a mask mandate for Congregate Living Environments under Public Health Order 2021-03 and 2021-05 until June 10. Also, please keep in mind that Golden West must follow the guidance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for Long Term Care and Residential Living Communities and therefore our procedures may be stricter than what is in place for the County. The CDPHE is currently reviewing the latest guidance from the CDC and may update the guidance for Long Term Care communities in the near future.

Masks are still required inside Golden West regardless of vaccination status.

The rates of infection in Boulder County have decreased significantly! The County is doing well in controlling the virus. However, the State has one of the highest levels of new infections in the nation for number of cases per 100,000 individuals, so some counties in Colorado are still dealing with high infection rates.

We have received no reports of any ill residents and the results of the staff weekly testing has been negative since January!

Even though the majority of the Golden West community is vaccinated, we all need to continue to follow the established infection control procedures. Nothing provides 100% protection, including the vaccines, but by getting vaccinated and continuing to wear masks, maintaining physical distance from others and washing hands, we can greatly reduce the risks of getting sick and spreading the virus. It’s important to continue to follow these precautions until a majority of the population in the State is vaccinated.

Please continue to:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment.
Wear a face covering if a Golden West staff member needs to enter your apartment.
Wear a face covering if someone else is in your apartment with you
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask
Keep interactions short
Wash your hand thoroughly and frequently
Disinfect hard surfaces
Stay home if you don’t feel well! Notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID.

Towers residents that still need to get a vaccination may contact Denise Ramunda, Resident Services Coordinator for information, 303-939-0876.

Golden West must continue with screening staff and visitors for COVID symptoms.

All staff and visitors must enter through the West Entrance, Door #4. After the initial screening, staff and visitors may leave the building through any exit.

Procedure for all Visitors

All visitors must come to the West Entrance to be screened, even if the visit is outside.
No more than two visitors at a time. This would apply to residents visiting with each other.
A hug or handshake is okay between fully vaccinated residents and visitors; unvaccinated residents should continue to avoid any close contact with others.
No age limits, but all visitors must be able to wear a properly fitted face covering and the face coverings must remain in place, throughout the entire visit, even if all parties are vaccinated.
Visits should be held outside, if at all possible

Mezzanine (assisted living) – New contact for appointments!

Please contact Jill Moore, Director of Resident Programs to schedule a visit in the Mezzanine. Jill can be reached by email at jmoore@gwboulder.org or 303-939-0883.

Appointments are available Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1:00pm or 4:00pm.

Towers (independent living)

Visitors are requested to come during regular screening hours, Sunday – Saturday 6am – 6pm and appointments are not needed.

To stay up to date on Golden West activities

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App

Golden West website – www.gwboulder.orgCoronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

May 10, 2021

Boulder County remains in the Blue Level on the county COVID dial. The County will remain at this level until May 16. This loosens restrictions, but please keep in mind that Golden West must follow the guidance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for Long Term Care and Residential Living Communities, and our procedures may be stricter than the County. The reason is that the population of Golden West is at higher risk and because illness can spread rapidly in communal living environments. The mandatory indoor mask mandate has been extended and masks are still required in long term care settings.

The rates of infection in Boulder County have decreased significantly! The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is now 195.5, down from 272.3 last week, and the positivity rate has decreased to 3.5% from last week’s 4.2%. The County is headed in the right direction! However, the State ranks second in the nation, just after Michigan, for number of cases per 100,000 individuals, so we’re not out of the woods yet.

We have no reports of ill residents and weekly staff testing has been negative since January!

Even though the majority of the Golden West community is vaccinated, we all need to continue to follow the established infection control procedures. Nothing provides 100% protection, including the vaccines, but by getting vaccinated and continuing to wear masks, maintaining physical distance from others and washing hands, we can greatly reduce the risks of getting sick and spreading the virus. t’s important to continue to follow these precautions until a majority of the population in the State is vaccinated.

Please continue to:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment.
Wear a face covering if a Golden West staff member needs to enter your apartment.
Wear a face covering if someone else is in your apartment with you.
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask.
Keep interactions short.
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Disinfect hard surfaces.
Stay home if you don’t feel well! Notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID.

Golden West must continue with screening all staff and visitors for COVID symptoms. All staff and visitors must enter through the West Entrance, Door #4.

Procedure for all visitors:

All visitors must come to the West Entrance to be screened, even if the visit is outside.
- Visitors that bypass the screening process are violating Golden West policies.
- Residents are responsible for their visitors’ behavior and as such, having visitors that do not follow policy can be considered a lease violation.
No more than two visitors at a time.
- This would apply to residents visiting with each other.
A hug or handshake is okay between fully vaccinated residents and visitors; unvaccinated residents should avoid any close contact with others.
No age limits, but all visitors must be able to wear a properly fitted face covering which must remain in place, throughout the entire visit, even if all parties are vaccinated.
Visits should be held outside, if at all possible.
- Boulder County has lifted the face mask requirement for outdoor public areas, but it is still recommended that face masks be worn outside if physical distances cannot be maintained.

Mezzanine (assisted living)

Please contact Erin Lucey, Resident Programs Coordinator to schedule a visit. elucey@gwboulder.org. Appointments are available Saturday – Wednesday, 9am – 3pm.

Towers (independent living)

Visitors are requested to come during regular screening hours, Sunday – Saturday 6am – 6pm and appointments are not needed.

To stay up on Golden West Activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App
Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org
Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

May 3, 2021

Boulder County remains in the Blue Level on the new County COVID dial. The County will remain at this level until May 16. This loosens Boulder County, but please keep in mind that Golden West must follow the guidance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and environment for Long Term Care and Residential Living Communities and our procedures may be stricter than the County’s. The reason is that the population of Golden West is at higher risk and because illness can spread rapidly in communal living environments. The mandatory indoor mask mandate has been extended and masks are still required in long term care settings.

Boulder County’s rate of infection has decreased again. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is now 272.3, down from 399.2 last week, and the positivity rate has decreased down to 4.2% from last week’s 4.4%. The County is headed in the right direction!

We have no reports of any ill residents and the results of the staff weekly testing has been negative for the last three months!

Even though the majority of the Golden West community is vaccinated, we all need to continue to follow the established infection control procedures. The infection control procedures are the ways in which we can minimize the chances of catching the virus. Nothing provides 100% protection, including the vaccines, but by getting vaccinated and continuing to wear masks, maintaining physical distance from others and washing hands, we can greatly reduce the risks of getting sick and spreading the virus. These precautions are especially important while cases in Boulder County are still high.

Please continue to:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment.
Wear a face covering if a Golden West staff member needs to enter your apartment.
Wear a face covering if someone else is in your apartment with you.
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask.
Keep interactions short.
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Disinfect hard surfaces.
Stay home if you don’t feel well! Notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID.

Golden West must continue with screening all staff and visitors for COVID symptoms. All staff and visitors must enter through the West Entrance, Door #4.

All visitors must come to the West Entrance to be screened, even if the visit is outside.
- Visitors that bypass the screening process are violating Golden West policies.
- Residents are responsible for their visitors’ behavior and as such, having visitors that do not follow policy can be considered a lease violation.
No more than two visitors at a time.
- This would apply to residents visiting with each other.
A hug or handshake is okay between fully vaccinated residents; unvaccinated residents should avoid any close contact with others.
No age limits, but all visitors must be able to wear a properly fitted face covering which must remain in place, throughout the entire visit, even if all parties are vaccinated.
Visits should be held outside, if at all possible.
- Boulder County has lifted the face mask requirement for outdoor public areas, but it is still recommended that face masks be worn outside if physical distances cannot be maintained.

Mezzanine (assisted living)

Please contact Erin Lucey, Resident Programs Coordinator to schedule a visit. elucey@gwboulder.org. Appointments are available Saturday – Wednesday, 9am – 3pm.

Towers (independent living)

Visitors are requested to come during regular screening hours, Sunday – Saturday 6am – 6pm and appointments are not needed.

To stay up on Golden West Activities:

LifeShare – TVs in the lobbies, Channel 14, LifeShare App
Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org
Coronavirus Phone Line – ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

April 21, 2021

Boulder County has moved to the Blue Level on the new County COVID dial. People in the High-Risk category (people 65 and older or with underlying health conditions) are advised to be cautious when leaving their home. The indoor public area mask mandate remains in effect, but the outdoor public area mask mandate was lifted. Masks are still recommended outside if physical distancing is difficult to maintain.

As a residential community, Golden West must follow the guidelines from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which imposes some greater restrictions than the County. The reason is because we have a population that is considered High-Risk and because in community settings such as ours, the chance of an infection spreading rapidly is high. Golden West closely monitors the CDPHE guidelines and updates our procedures as needed.

The rates of infection in Boulder County are down from last week. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is 302.6, down from 327.4 last week, and the positivity rate has dropped to 4.6% down from 4.9% from last week. We hope to continue this downward trend.

We have no reports of any ill residents and the results of the staff weekly testing has been negative for 13 weeks in a row!

While the majority of the Golden West community is vaccinated, we all need to continue to follow the established infection control procedures. Nothing provides 100% protection, including the vaccines, but by getting vaccinated and continuing to wear masks, maintaining physical distance from others and washing hands, we can greatly reduce the risks of getting sick and spreading the virus.

Please continue to:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment.
Wear a face covering if a Golden West staff member needs to enter your apartment.
Wear a face covering if someone else is in your apartment with you.
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask.
Keep interactions short.
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Disinfect hard surfaces.
Stay home if you don’t feel well! Notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID.

All visitors must come to the West Entrance to be screened, even if the visit is outside.
No more than two visitors at a time.
- This would apply to residents visiting with each other.
  - You may invite two other residents to visit with you.
  - Masks must be worn throughout the entire visit.
  - A hug or handshake is okay between fully vaccinated residents; unvaccinated residents should avoid any close contact with others.
No age limits, but all visitors must be able to wear a properly fitted face covering which must remain in place, throughout the entire visit, even if all parties are vaccinated.
Visits should be held outside, if at all possible.
- Boulder County has lifted the face mask requirement for outdoor public areas, but it is still recommended that face masks be worn outside if physical distances cannot be maintained.

Mezzanine (assisted living)

Please contact Erin Lucey, Resident Programs Coordinator to schedule a visit. elucey@gwboulder.org. Appointments are available Saturday – Wednesday, 9am – 3pm.

Towers (independent living)

Visitors are requested to come during regular screening hours, Sunday – Saturday 6am – 6pm and appointments are not needed.

Golden West must continue with screening all staff and visitors for COVID symptoms.
All staff and visitors must enter through the West Entrance, Door #4.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

April 12, 2021

As was announced on March 30, 2021, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) updated the guidelines and we can allow social visits! Please note that there are different procedures for the Mezzanine (assisted living) and the Towers.

Procedure for all Visitors

All visitors must come to the West Entrance to be screened, even for outside visits.
No more than two visitors at a time.
- This also applies to residents visiting with each other.
  - You may invite two other residents to visit with you (three people total).
  - Masks must be worn for the entire visit.
  - A hug or handshake is okay between fully vaccinated residents; unvaccinated residents should avoid any close contact with others.
No age limits, but all visitors must be able to wear a properly fitted face covering which must remain in place, throughout the entire visit, even if all parties are vaccinated.
Visits should be held outside, if possible.
- Boulder County has lifted the face mask requirement for outdoor public areas, but a face mask is still recommended outside if physical distances cannot be maintained.

Mezzanine (assisted living)

Please contact Erin Lucey, Resident Programs Coordinator to schedule a visit. elucey@gwboulder.org. Appointments are available Saturday – Wednesday, 9am – 3pm.

Towers (independent living)

Visitors are asked to come during regular screening hours, Sunday – Saturday 6am – 6pm, no appointment needed.

Boulder County is still in the Yellow Level of concern on the COVID dial. At this level, people in the High Risk category (people 65 and older or with underlying health conditions) are still advised to follow the STAY AT HOME guidance. The indoor public area mask mandate remains in effect. The outdoor public area mask mandate has been lifted, but masks are still recommended, especially if physical distancing is difficult to maintain.

The rates of infection in Boulder County are still increasing. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is now up to 327.4 (it was 277.8 last week), and the positivity rate has increased, again, to 4.9% from last week’s 4.3%.

Good news. We have no reports of ill residents and the weekly staff testing has been negative for the 12th week in a row!

Though the majority of the Golden West community is vaccinated, we all need to continue established infection control procedures. The infection control procedures help ensure we can minimize the chances of catching the virus. Nothing provides 100% protection, including the vaccines, but by getting vaccinated and continuing to wear masks, maintaining physical distance from others and washing hands, we can greatly reduce the risks of getting sick and spreading the virus. These precautions are especially important while cases in Boulder County continue to rise including the variants.

Please continue to:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment.
Wear a face covering if a Golden West staff member needs to enter your apartment.
Wear a face covering if someone else is in your apartment with you.
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask.
Keep interactions short.
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Disinfect hard surfaces.
Stay home if you don’t feel well! Notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID.

Individuals 65 and older are encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities, such as:

Medical appointments and medication
Groceries: only go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets: people are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings.

Golden West must continue with screening all staff and visitors for COVID symptoms. All staff and visitors must enter through the West Entrance, Door #4.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

March 29, 2021

With the majority of residents in Long Term Care communities vaccinated, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has updated the guidelines and we can allow social visits! Please note that there are different procedures for the Mezzanine (assisted living) and for the Towers.

Procedure for all Visitors

All visitors must come to the West Entrance to be screened prior to entering the building.
No more than two visitors at a time.
No age limits, but all visitors must be able to wear a properly fitted face covering.
Visits should be held outside, if at all possible.

Mezzanine (assisted living)

Please contact Erin Lucey, Resident Programs Coordinator to schedule a visit. elucey@gwboulder.org. Appointments are available Saturday – Wednesday, 9am – 3pm.

Towers (independent living)

Visitors are requested to come during regular screening hours, Sunday – Saturday 6am – 6pm and appointments are not needed.

Boulder County is still in the Yellow Level – Concern on the COVID dial. At this level, people in the High Risk category (people 65 and older or with underlying health conditions) are still advised to follow the STAY AT HOME guidance.

The rates of infection in Boulder County went down a little this last week. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is 223.7, but the positivity rate moved up to 3.7%.

Good news – We have received no reports of any ill residents and the results of the staff weekly testing has been negative for the 10th week in a row!

Vaccinations – Golden West has completed the on-site vaccination clinics and 90% of residents are vaccinated! In Boulder County, 37.8% of all County residents and 90% of County residents age 70 and older have received at least one vaccination.

Please continue to follow the established infection control procedures while we wait for the rest of the population to be vaccinated and the rates of infection to decline:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment.
Wear a face covering if a Golden West staff member needs to enter your apartment.
Wear a face covering if someone else is in your apartment with you.
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask,.
Keep interactions short.
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Disinfect hard surfaces.
Stay home if you don’t feel well! Notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID.

Individuals 65 and older are encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities, such as:

Medical appointments and medication
Groceries: only go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets: people are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings.

Golden West must continue with screening all staff and visitors for COVID symptoms. All staff and visitors must enter through the West Entrance, Door #4.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

March 19, 2021

Boulder County is still in the Yellow Level – Concern on the COVID dial, meaning people in the High Risk category (65 and older or with underlying health conditions) are still advised to follow the STAY AT HOME guidance.

The rates of infection in Boulder County went up a little. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is 219.5, up from 192.6 last week and the positivity rate moved up to 3% from 2.6%.

We have no resident reports of illness, and for the eighth week in a row staff testing has all been negative. Great job, everyone.

Please note that the CDC recent guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals do NOT apply to Golden West. Since the majority of the population here is at high risk and it is communal living, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has specifically stated that long term care communities are expected to follow the current infection control procedures until further notice.

The CDPHE is working on updated guidance for long term care communities, but until that comes out, please continue to follow the established infection control procedures:

Individuals 65 and older are encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities, such as:

Medical appointments and medication
Groceries: only go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets: people are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings.

Golden West must continue with the following:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers and vendors only
- Essential care providers are those individuals providing care that is necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential.
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be
  - Family members: no children can accompany them
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers and vendors for symptoms and fever
No communal dining.
No congregating.
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

March 12, 2021

Boulder County’s risk level for the spread of COVID-19 is still at the Yellow Level (Concern). At this level, people in the high-risk category (those 65 and older or with underlying health conditions) are still advised to follow STAY HOME guidance.

The rate of infection in Boulder County continues to go down. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is currently 192.6, and the positivity rate remains steady at 2.6%.

We have no reports of any ill residents at Golden West, and the results of weekly staff testing were negative for the seventh week in a row.

On-site Vaccinations

We held our third and final on-site vaccination clinic on March 5. Approximately 90% of residents and 50% of staff are now vaccinated. We will continue to encourage everyone to get the vaccine. Towers residents who still need to be vaccinated can contact Resident Services Coordinator Denise Ramunda for assistance in finding other vaccination locations and scheduling an appointment.

Please note that the recently released CDC guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals do NOT apply to Golden West, as we offer communal living and most of our population qualifies as high risk. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has stated that long-term care communities are expected to follow the current infection control procedures until further notice. The CDPHE is currently working on updated guidance for long-term care communities, but in the meantime, please continue to:

Individuals 65 and older are encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities, such as:

Medical appointments and medication
Groceries: only go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets: people are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings.

Golden West must continue with the following:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers and vendors only
- Essential care providers are those individuals providing care that is necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential.
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be
  - Family members: no children can accompany them
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers and vendors for symptoms and fever
No communal dining.
No congregating.
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

March 5, 2021

The rates of infection in Boulder County are continuing to go down. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is currently 200.2 and the positivity rate is at 2.6%. The cases would need to drop below 100 before the County would move down to the Blue Level.

I’m sorry to share that we did learn last week that the resident in the Towers that had tested positive on February 16 had been hospitalized and passed away. Our sympathies go out to the resident’s family and friends. There have been no reports of any other ill residents or staff. The weekly testing of staff continues and for the fifth week in a row everyone has tested negative.

On-site Vaccinations

The next vaccination clinic is scheduled for March 5. This will be for those residents and staff needing their second and final dose. I will be getting information out to those residents needing their second dose in the next day or so. Unfortunately, Walgreens is unable to schedule any additional on-site clinics, so those residents and staff that did not receive their first dose here will have to go elsewhere to be vaccinated. Residents still needing to get the vaccine can contact Denise Ramunda, Resident Services Coordinator, for assistance in finding locations and scheduling an appointment.

Please continue following the established infection control procedures while we wait for the rest of Boulder County to be vaccinated and the virus to stop spreading in the community. Please keep in mind that while the vaccine has been proven to prevent serious illness, hospitalizations and death, it has not been proven to prevent the spread of the virus. There is concern that even fully vaccinated people could still catch the virus, not get sick, but pass it along to others.

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment.
Wear a face covering if a Golden West staff member needs to enter your apartment.
Wear a face covering if someone else is in your apartment with you.
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask.
Keep interactions short.
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Disinfect hard surfaces.
Stay home if you don’t feel well! Notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID.

Individuals 65 and older are encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities, such as:

Medical appointments & medication
Groceries – go during special hours for vulnerable populations
Exercise and exercising pets – people are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings.

Golden West must continue with the following:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers and vendors only
- Essential care providers are those individuals providing care that is necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential.
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be
  - Family members – no children can accompany them
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers and vendors for symptoms and fever
No communal dining.
No congregating.
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

February 26, 2021

Boulder County’s risk level for the spread of COVID-19 has shifted down to the Yellow Level (Concern). At this level, people in the high-risk category (those 65 and older or with underlying health conditions) are still advised to follow STAY HOME guidance.

The rate of infection in Boulder County continues to go down. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals is currently 227.4, and the positivity rate is 3.1%. We did learn last week of one Towers resident who had tested positive, and we wish them a full and complete recovery. The good news is, we have now had four weeks in a row with all Golden West employees testing negative for COVID!

On-site Vaccinations: Our Third Clinic Will be Held March 5

Golden West’s next on-site COVID-19 vaccine clinic will take place Friday, March 5 for residents and staff who need their second and final dose. Unfortunately, Walgreens is unable to schedule any additional on-site clinics, so residents and staff who did not receive their first dose with us will have to go elsewhere to be vaccinated.

Please keep in mind that the vaccine does not provide full protection until two weeks after the second dose! Also, while the vaccine has been proven to prevent serious illness, it has not been proven to prevent virus spread, so there is concern that even fully vaccinated people can still catch the virus and pass it along to others, even if they do not get sick.

In the meantime, thank you for protecting yourself and others! As we wait for the rest of Boulder County to be vaccinated and for the virus to stop spreading, please continue to follow all the established infection control procedures:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment.
Wear a face covering if a Golden West staff member needs to enter your apartment or if anyone else is in your apartment with you.
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask, and keep your interactions to fewer than 15 minutes to avoid exposure.
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Disinfect hard surfaces.
Stay home if you don’t feel well! Notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID.

Individuals 65 and older are still encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities, such as:

Medical appointments and medication
Groceries: Only go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets: People are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings.

Golden West must continue with the following:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers and vendors only
- Essential care providers are those individuals providing care that is necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential.
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be
  - Family members: No children can accompany them
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care providers
Screening all staff and essential care providers and vendors for symptoms and fever
No communal dining.
No congregating.
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

February 11, 2021

Boulder County stepped down to the new Yellow Level – Concern for the spread of the virus. At this level, people in the High Risk category (people 65 and older or with underlying health conditions) are still advised to follow the STAY AT HOME guidance.

The 14-day Boulder County average continues a downward trend! Cases per 100,000 individuals have dropped to 122.3 (last week it was 288.8) and the positivity rate is down to 3.1%.

We had one resident test positive in the Towers, however all employee tests for the last two weeks were negative.

On-site Vaccinations

Our next on-site clinic is Friday, February 12. This will be the second and final dose for those vaccinated on January 22 and an opportunity for others to get their first shot. We have 263 residents and staff signed up for this clinic, and it will be the second dose for the majority of them.

While this is great news, please keep in mind that the vaccine does not provide full protection until two weeks after the second dose! Also, while the vaccine has been proven to prevent serious illness, hospitalizations and death, it has not been proven to prevent the spread of the virus. There is concern that even fully vaccinated people could still catch the virus, not get sick, but pass it along to others.

Please continue following the established infection control procedures while we wait for the rest of Boulder County to be vaccinated and the virus spread to stop community-wide:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment.
Wear a face covering if a Golden West staff member needs to enter your apartment.
Wear a face covering if someone else is in your apartment with you.
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask.
Keep interactions short.
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Disinfect hard surfaces.
Stay home if you don’t feel well! Notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID.

Individuals 65 and older are still encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities, such as:

Medical appointments & medication
Groceries – go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets – people are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings.

Golden West must continue with the following:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers and vendors only
- Essential care providers are those individuals providing care that is necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential.
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be
  - Family members – no children can accompany them
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers and vendors for symptoms and fever
No communal dining.
No congregating.
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.

Thank you again for your patience and support. It has been a trying time for everyone, and we are very proud of how well our community has done thanks to a wonderful, dedicated staff and a careful resident community.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

February 5, 2021

Boulder County remains at the Orange Level – HIGH RISK. At this level, people over the age of 65 or with underlying health conditions are strongly encouraged to continue to follow the STAY AT HOME guidance.

The current 14-day averages in Boulder County are continuing with the downward trend! The number of cases per 100,000 individuals is now 288.8 and the positivity rate is down to 3.6%.

We have no new reported cases of the virus or reports of ill residents. We do have one employee with possible mild symptoms and are awaiting test results, but are hoping the results will be negative.

On-site Vaccinations

The next on-site clinic will be Friday, February 12. This will be the second and final shot for those who participated in the Jan. 22 clinic and the opportunity for others to get their first shot. We will get information out about the next clinic later this week. Anyone who participated in the Jan. 22 clinic will be automatically signed up for the Feb. 12 clinic. We have one more clinic scheduled for March 5th.

Please keep in mind that the vaccine does not provide full protection until two weeks after the second dose! Please continue following the established infection control procedures while we wait for the greater community to be vaccinated and the virus to stop spreading.

The best way to protect yourself is to assume that everyone else is contagious. Keep at least six feet away from others and keep interactions to a very short time frame.

The risk of infection increases the longer you are with someone. A direct exposure is considered when you’ve spent a total of 15 minutes within six feet of someone that is infected.

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment.
- Several residents have asked about double masking. At this time, neither the CDC nor the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are recommending double masking. The most important thing about a mask is that it fits properly – snugly covering nose and mouth.
Wear a face covering if a Golden West staff member needs to enter your apartment.
Wear a face covering if someone else is in your apartment with you.
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask.
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Disinfect hard surfaces.
Stay home if you don’t feel well! Notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID.

Individuals 65 and older are strongly encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities, such as:

Medical appointments & medication
Groceries – go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets – People are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings.

Golden West must continue with the following:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers and vendors only
- Essential care providers are those individuals providing care that is necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential.
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be
  - Family members – no children can accompany them
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers and vendors for symptoms and fever
No communal dining.
No congregating.
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

January 27, 2021

Boulder County’s COVID-19 risk level remains orange (high risk). At this level, people over the age of 65 or who have underlying health conditions are strongly encouraged to stay at home.

The current 14-day averages in Boulder County have dropped a little since last week, according to information from Boulder County Public Health. The number of cases per 100,000 individuals has gone down to 307.5 from 354.6, and the positivity rate is down to 4% from 5%.

On-Site Vaccinations: Second Clinic Scheduled for Feb. 12!

A total of 203 Golden West residents and staff members participated in our first vaccination clinic on Friday, Jan. 22! I’m pleased to say the majority of our residents attended the clinic. A big thank you to the Walgreens team for administering the vaccine!

Our second on-site clinic will take place Friday, Feb. 12. This will be the second and final shot for those who participated in the clinic on Jan. 22 and an opportunity for others to get their first shot. Remember, the vaccine does not provide full protection until two weeks after this second dose.

Anyone who participated in the Jan. 22 clinic will be automatically signed up for the Feb. 12 clinic. Stay tuned for more information about the next clinic by the end of next week, and please note that we have one more clinic scheduled for Friday, March 5.

Current Cases

We are pleased to report that the two new resident cases in the Towers we learned of on Jan. 14 have resolved! Both residents are doing much better and have finished their isolation periods. We did have a few residents quarantining due to possible exposure, but this period is now over, and we have not heard of any other ill residents.

Golden West has also been continuing weekly testing of staff, which did yield one positive result on Jan. 18. The employee had no symptoms prior to the test and has been isolating since the results came in. Currently, we have no other employee cases or employees who have reported feeling ill.

In the meantime, thank you for protecting yourself and others! As we wait for the greater community to be vaccinated and the virus to stop spreading, please continue to follow all the established infection control procedures:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment. This is part of the State Health Order now and is required in all indoor public areas.
Wear a face covering if a Golden West staff member needs to enter your apartment or if anyone else is in your apartment with you.
Stay at least six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask, and keep your interactions to fewer than 15 minutes to avoid exposure.
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Disinfect hard surfaces.
Stay home if you don’t feel well! Notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID.

Individuals 65 and older are strongly encouraged to stay at home except for essential activities, such as:

Medical appointments and medication
Groceries: Only go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets: People are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings.

Golden West must continue with the following:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers and vendors only
- Essential care providers are those individuals providing care that is necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential.
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be
  - Family members – no children can accompany them
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers and vendors for symptoms and fever
No communal dining.
No congregating.
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

January 20, 2021

By order of the Governor, Boulder County’s COVID-19 risk level has dropped from red (severe) to orange (high). At the orange level, people over the age of 65 or who have underlying health conditions are strongly encouraged to stay at home.

The current 14-day averages in Boulder County have dropped a little since last week, according to information from Boulder County Public Health. The cases per 100,000 individuals is now 354.6 and the positivity rate has remained at 5%.

On-Site Vaccinations Available January 22!

Good news! Our first vaccination clinic will take place on Friday, January 22. The vaccinators will be on-site from 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. The current plan is to go floor by floor with residents waiting in their apartment doorways, where they will remain for 15 minutes after the shot to be monitored for any reaction.

While we are still finalizing our exact plans, we will likely begin vaccinations at the top of each Tower and work our way down. We will be distributing a schedule that estimates when vaccinators will be on each floor.

Vaccine FAQs

Golden West has the Pfizer vaccine. When you receive your Vaccine Administration Record form, please complete sections A-1, A-2 and Section C prior to Friday, January 22; the person administering the vaccine will fill out all other sections. Our vaccinators are pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who are CPR/first aid-trained, and they will have medications and EPI pens on hand in case of allergic reactions.

Walgreens has no concerns about a shortage of vaccine. Residents will receive the second dose on February 12, but remember, the vaccine does not provide full protection until two weeks after this second dose.

Current Cases

Unfortunately, on Thursday, January 14, we did learn of two new resident cases in the Towers. There is no connection between the two cases. These residents are safely isolating, and we wish them a full and complete recovery. While Golden West is not allowed to release any other information regarding the cases, Boulder County Public Health has been notified and any other residents who may have had contact with them have been notified.

We have also been continuing weekly testing of staff, which did yield one positive result on Monday, January 18. The employee had no symptoms prior to the test and will remain in isolation for 10 days; Boulder County Public Health has also been notified. We do not believe there was any direct exposure to other staff or residents, or that there is any connection with the resident cases.

In the meantime, thank you for protecting yourself and others! As we wait for the greater community to be vaccinated and the virus to stop spreading, please continue to follow all the established infection control procedures:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment. This is part of the State Health Order now and is required in all indoor public areas.
Wear a face covering if a Golden West staff member needs to enter your apartment.
Stay at least six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask, and keep your interactions to fewer than 15 minutes to avoid exposure.
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Disinfect hard surfaces.
Stay home if you don’t feel well! Notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID.

Individuals 65 and older are strongly encouraged to stay at home except for essential activities, such as:

Medical appointments and medication
Groceries: Only go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets: People are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings.

Golden West must continue with the following:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers and vendors only
- Essential care providers are those individuals providing care that is necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential.
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be
  - Family members – no children can accompany them
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers and vendors for symptoms and fever
No communal dining
No congregating
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

January 13, 2021

Boulder County remains in the Orange Level – HIGH RISK. People age 65+ or with underlying health conditions are strongly encouraged to continue to follow STAY AT HOME guidance.

The current 14-day averages in Boulder County have risen slightly since last week, according to Boulder County Public Health. The cases per 100,000 individuals increased and the positivity rate is up to 5% compared to 4.3% last week.

Unfortunately, we were notified of a new case in the Towers on Friday, January 8. There is no connection between this case and the one we learned of on Dec. 31. The resident is in the hospital and we wish them a full, fast and complete recovery. Golden West is not allowed to release any other information, but at this time, we believe the virus was contracted outside Golden West. Boulder County Public Health has been notified and will have contacted any other residents if there were exposure concerns.

And now, the GOOD NEWS! Results of the last four rounds of testing for Golden West staff have been negative! We are hoping to continue that trend.

The BEST NEWS! Walgreens will provide an on-site clinic for the entire community – assisted living, independent living and staff! We are finalizing plans with Walgreens and should be able to provide details within days. The immunization process requires two vaccines. The second vaccine is administered 21 – 28 days after the first shot. We will have three on-site clinics with the majority of residents receiving the first vaccine at the first clinic. Clinics will be held on January 22, February 12 and March 5. We are still working out details with Walgreens and will share more information soon. Please allow us time before contacting staff with questions.

While we wait for the greater community to be vaccinated and the virus to stop spreading, please continue to follow the established infection control procedures:

The best way to protect yourself is to assume that everyone else is contagious. Keep at least six feet away from others and keep interactions to a very short time frame.

The risk of infection increases the longer you are with someone. A direct exposure is considered when you’ve spent a total of 15 minutes within six feet of someone that is infected.

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment – this is part of the State Health Order now and is required in all indoor public areas.
Wear a face covering if a Golden West staff member needs to enter your apartment.
Wear a face covering if someone else is in your apartment with you.
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask.
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Disinfect hard surfaces.
Stay home if you don’t feel well! Notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID.

Individuals 65 and older are strongly encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities, such as:

Medical appointments & medication
Groceries – go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets – people are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings.

Golden West must continue with the following:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers and vendors only
- Essential care providers are those individuals providing care that is necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential.
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be
  - Family members – no children can accompany them
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers and vendors for symptoms and fever
No communal dining
No congregating
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

December 30, 2020

Boulder County remains in the RED LEVEL – SEVERE RISK. The restrictions include no personal gatherings of members of different households. Individuals at high risk for COVID-19 should STAY AT HOME, including people age 65 and older.

The current 14-day averages in Boulder County are down to 455.7 cases per 100,000 and the positivity rate is down to 5%. This is the right direction, which means people are being careful! Thank you, thank you.

Our last three rounds of testing have all been negative for Mezz residents and all staff. Now we can cut back and test staff just once a week and hope for continued negative results.

The good news is, we are working with Walgreens to arrange for an on-site vaccination clinic for assisted living (AL) and hopefully independent living (IL). The partnership with Walgreen’s is part of the federal program to vaccinate residents of licensed long-term care communities (LTC). Unfortunately, IL is not licensed, and we may not be able to include the Towers in the on-site AL clinic, but we asked, with no answer yet. If denied, we will continue to work with all available resources to hold an on-site clinic for the Towers (IL) as quickly as we can.

With the new, more contagious variant of the virus identified in Colorado, it’s critical that we continue to follow established infection control procedures that have kept Golden West mostly safe the last nine months.

The best way to protect yourself is to assume that everyone else is contagious. Keep at least six feet away from others and keep interactions to a very short time frame.

The risk of infection increases the longer you are with someone. A direct exposure is considered when you’ve spent a total of 15 minutes within six feet of someone that is infected.

To protect yourself and others, please continue to follow all the established infection control procedures:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment – this is part of the State Health Order now and is required in all indoor public areas.
Wear a face covering if a Golden West staff member needs to enter your apartment.
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask.
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Disinfect hard surfaces.
Stay home if you don’t feel well! Notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID.

Individuals 65 and older are strongly encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities, such as:

Medical appointments & medication
Groceries – go during special hours for vulnerable populations
Exercise and exercising pets – people are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings.

Golden West must continue with the following:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers and vendors only
- Essential care providers are those individuals providing care that is necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential.
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be
  - Family members – no children can accompany them
  - Agency Home Health or Home Care Staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers and vendors for symptoms and fever
No communal dining
No congregating
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.
Outdoor visitation has been canceled due to the positive cases and rising cases in the County.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

December 11, 2020

We want to begin by wishing you health and happiness during the holiday season and thank you again for your patience, support and compliance with the restrictions to keep our community safe.

The current 14-day average of COVID-19 cases in Boulder County has dropped to 656.2 cases per 100,000 individuals, with a positivity rate of 6.8%. It is too early to know whether case rates will go back up following the Thanksgiving holiday, as it usually takes two weeks for an increase to be reflected in the numbers.

In the meantime, the County remains in the Red Level-Severe Risk and personal gatherings of members of different households remain restricted. Individuals at high risk for COVID-19 — those age 65 and older — are asked to stay at home.

We continue to keep our Golden West community safe by testing all assisted living residents and employees twice a week. Thankfully, the results of all resident tests administered on December 3 and December 7 were negative. We have two employees that tested positive and both are believed to have contracted the illness from within their own households and have had limited contact with other staff and residents. Both employees are isolating with mild symptoms and are expected to make a full recovery.

We are so grateful to have the resources to conduct regular testing and that we have such dedicated and conscientious staff that promptly take action if exposed or feeling symptoms.

We remain in contact with Boulder County Public Health and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and will follow their guidance closely to prevent further spread.

Thank you for protecting yourself and others! We ask that you stay at least six feet away from other people and keep your interactions short. A direct exposure is considered spending at least 15 minutes within six feet of an infected person.

At Golden West, we ask that all residents continue to follow our established infection control procedures:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment. This is part of the State Health Order now and is required in all indoor public areas.
Wear a face covering if a Golden West staff member needs to enter your apartment.
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask.
Wash your hand thoroughly and frequently.
Disinfect hard surfaces.
Stay home if you don’t feel well! Notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID.

Individuals 65 and older are strongly encouraged to stay at home except for essential activities such as:

Medical appointments and medication
Groceries: Only go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets: People are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings.

Golden West must continue with the following precautions:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers and vendors only
- Essential care providers are those individuals providing care that is necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential.
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be:
  - Family members: No children can accompany them.
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers and vendors for symptoms and fever
No communal dining
No congregating
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.
Outdoor visitation has been canceled due to our positive case and rising cases in Boulder County.

Thank you again for your patience, your support and your compliance with these restrictions to keep our community safe!

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

November 30, 2020

This weekend, Golden West learned that one of our assisted living residents tested positive for COVID-19. While this case does put us into Outbreak Status in assisted living, we are continuing to keep our community safe by testing all employees twice a week. All assisted living residents were tested today.

Thankfully, there are no new cases among staff based on the tests taken last week, and we don’t know of any ill residents in the Towers. As a precaution, several staff members are in quarantine at home after exposure to ill family members.

Currently, Golden West is in contact with Boulder County Public Health and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. We are following their guidance closely to prevent further spread.

The current 14-day averages in Boulder County are 675.7 cases per 100,000 individuals, with a positivity rate of 6.9%. As Boulder County remains in the Red Level-Severe Risk, personal gatherings of members of different households are not allowed. In addition, individuals at high risk for COVID-19 — those age 65 and older — are asked to stay at home.

At Golden West, we continue to follow all of our established infection control procedures:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment. This is part of the State Health Order now and is required in all indoor public areas.
- Golden West Public areas include anywhere outside your own apartment:
  - Elevators
  - Hallways
  - Lobbies
  - Stairwells
Wear a face covering if a Golden West staff member needs to enter your apartment.
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask.
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Disinfect hard surfaces.
Stay home if you don’t feel well! Notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID.

Individuals 65 and older are strongly encouraged to stay at home except for essential activities such as:

Medical appointments and medication
Groceries: Only go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets: People are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings.

Golden West must continue with the following precautions:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers and vendors only
- Essential care providers are those individuals providing care that is necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential:
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be:
  - Family members: No children can accompany them.
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers and vendors for symptoms and fever
No communal dining
No congregating
- Please do not gather in the elevator lobbies to visit.
- If you stop to say hello to another resident, please make sure you have a face covering in place and are standing six feet apart.
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.
- Please do not invite family/friends to visit you in the garden.
- Please do not let any visitors into the building.
- Please do not allow someone else to use your door card to enter the building without being screened. This is a lease violation and could result in your door card being deprogrammed.
Outdoor visitation has been canceled due to our positive case and rising cases in Boulder County.

Thank you again for your patience, your support and your compliance with these restrictions to keep our community safe!

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

November 20, 2020

Boulder County has now moved to the RED LEVEL – SEVERE RISK. The new restrictions include no personal gatherings of members of different households. Individuals at high risk for COVID 19 should STAY AT HOME. This category includes everyone age 65 and older.

It is strongly urged that Thanksgiving celebrations are within your own household (people that you live with, no one else). For residents, this means remaining at your home at Golden West for the holiday.

In response to the Nov. 6th notification that we had a Mezzanine resident test positive for COVID 19, we initiated the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) Rapid Response. This protocol helps facilities avoid an outbreak of the virus. Part of this protocol involved testing all assisted living residents and staff, in addition to infection control procedures.

We received the results of the first round of testing last weekend. Thankfully, no other residents have tested positive, but four employees did test positive. All four employees are isolating at home and will not return to work until the isolation period is over and their symptoms have resolved.

At this time, Boulder County Health Department (BCPH) does not believe the four cases and the resident case are connected, but are the result of the rising cases in Boulder County. We will remain in contact with BCPH and CDPHE and follow their guidance.

To protect yourself and others, please continue to follow all the established infection control procedures:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment – this is part of the State Health Order now and is required in all indoor public areas.
- Golden West Public areas include anywhere outside your own apartment
  - Elevators
  - Hallways
  - Lobbies
  - Stairwells
Wear a face covering if a Golden West staff member needs to enter your apartment.
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask
Wash your hand thoroughly and frequently
Disinfect hard surfaces
Stay home if you don’t feel well! Notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID.

Individuals 65 and older are strongly encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities, such as:

Medical appointments & medication
Groceries – go during special hours for vulnerable populations
Exercise and exercising pets – People are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings.

Golden West must continue with the following:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers and vendors only
- Essential Care Providers are those individuals providing care that is necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential.
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential Care Providers can be
  - Family members – no children can accompany them
  - Agency Home Health or Home Care Staff
  - Private Care Provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers and vendors for symptoms and fever
No communal dining
No congregating
- Please do not gather in the elevator lobbies to visit.
- If you stop to say hello to another resident, please make sure you have a face covering in place and stay six feet apart.
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.
- Please do not invite family/friends to visit you in the garden
- Please do not let any visitors into the building
- Please do not allow someone else to use your door card to enter the building without going through the screening. Doing so can be considered a lease violation and may result in the deprogramming of your door card.
Outdoor Visitation has been canceled due to the positive cases and rising cases in the County.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

November 13, 2020

For more than six months, residents, staff members and families have been living while vigilantly protecting their health and the health of those around them. Now, however, we have identified one positive case of COVID-19 in the Mezzanine and one employee has tested positive. The resident is in the hospital, while the employee is recovering at home. We wish them both a very speedy recovery!

Golden West is in close contact with Boulder County Public Health and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and has initiated the Rapid Response protocol that includes testing all assisted living residents and staff. While we have not yet received the test results, the county health department says it is unlikely the two cases are connected and both were probably contracted outside of Golden West.

Today’s 14-day averages in Boulder County have risen to 437.1 cases per 100,000 individuals and the positivity rate is 6.8%, with hospitalizations and deaths increasing. The county is now in Level Orange – High Risk, Safer at Home status, one level down from Stay at Home.

To protect yourself and others, please continue to follow all infection control procedures:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment – this is part of the State Health Order now and is required in all indoor public areas.
- Golden West Public areas include anywhere outside your own apartment
  - Elevators – Two people per elevator. It is impossible to maintain a six-foot distance with more people in the elevator, which is particularly risky since it is an enclosed space with recirculating air.
  - Hallways
  - Lobbies
  - Stairwells
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask
Wash your hand thoroughly and frequently
Disinfect hard surfaces
Stay home if you don’t feel well and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID.

Individuals 65 and older are strongly encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities. The State Health Order strongly recommends people in this age group stay home except for necessary activities, such as:

Medical appointments and medication
Groceries: Only go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets: People are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings.

Golden West must continue with the following precautions:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers only
- Essential care providers are those individuals providing care necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential.
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be
  - Family members: No children can accompany them.
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers for symptoms and fever
No communal dining
No congregating
- Please do not gather in the elevator lobbies to visit.
- If you stop to say hello to a resident, please have a face covering in place and stand six feet apart.
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.
- Please do not invite family/friends to visit you in the garden.
- Please do not let any visitors into the building or allow someone to use your door card to enter.
- Please do not or allow another person to use your door card to enter the building without going through the screening process. This can be considered a lease violation and may result in your door card being deprogrammed.
Outdoor Visitation has been canceled due to the positive case.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

November 2, 2020

No new cases of COVID-19 at Golden West!

The current 14-day average in Boulder County is currently 288.2 cases per 100,000 individuals, up from 174.5 cases last week, and the positivity rate is 5.3%, up from 4%. As follows, Colorado’s Safer at Home Order with Level II (Concerning) restrictions remains in effect for Boulder County, and the Governor has extended the mandatory mask order until at least November 5. The order will likely be extended beyond this date.

While we will not be able to consider Indoor Visitations right now, we can continue with Outdoor Visitations, weather permitting! Please contact Liz Parroquin (eparroquin@gwboulder.org or 303-939-0884) for Mezzanine residents and Denise Ramunda (dramunda@gwboulder.org or 303-939-876) regarding outdoor visits for Towers residents.

Please note that all outdoor visits are by appointment only. Please do not invite people to come visit you in the garden.

Concern continues that people gathering for the holidays will cause an additional spike in COVID-19 cases. The CDC recommends that you limit holiday gatherings to your own household. If you choose to gather with people outside your household, the CDC strongly recommends considering the following:

Community levels of COVID – Boulder County remains at a Level ll: Concerning.
Location of gathering – Outside is safer than inside; indoor gatherings with poor ventilation are risky. If you do gather indoors, it is recommended that windows and/or doors are kept open.
Duration of gathering – Shorter is better. The longer people gather, the riskier it is.
Number of people at gathering – The more people present from different households, the greater the chance of spreading the virus.
Locations attendees are travelling from – If people are coming from areas with a high incidence, then the gathering is risky.
Behaviors of other attendees prior to gathering – If other attendees are not adhering to social distancing and mask wearing guidelines, the risks are much higher.
Behavior of attendees during gathering – If social distancing and mask wearing guidelines are followed during the event, the risks are lower.

Please continue to follow all our established current infection control procedures:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment. This is part of the State Health Order now and is required in all indoor public areas.
- Golden West Public areas include anywhere outside your own apartment:
  - Elevators: There have been reports of up to four residents in the elevator at one time, making it impossible for riders to maintain six-foot social distancing. This is also particularly risky because elevators are enclosed spaces with recirculating air.
  - Hallways
  - Lobbies
  - Stairwells
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask.
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Disinfect hard surfaces.
Stay home if you don’t feel well!

Individuals 65 and older to continue staying at home except for essential activities. The State Health Order strongly recommends that people in this age group stay home except for necessary activities, such as:

Medical appointments and medication
Groceries: Only go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets: People are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing.

Golden West must continue with the following precautions:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers only
- Essential care providers are those individuals providing care that is necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential.
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be:
  - Family members: No children can accompany them.
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers for symptoms and fever
No communal dining
No congregating
- Please do not gather in the elevator lobbies to visit.
- If you stop to say hello to another resident, please make sure you have a face covering in place and are standing six feet apart.
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.
- Please do not invite family/friends to visit you in the garden.
- Please do not let any visitors into the building or allow someone else to use your door card to enter.
- Please do not or allow another person to use your door card to enter the building without going through the screening process. This can be considered a lease violation and may result in your door card being deprogrammed.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

October 30, 2020

No new cases of COVID-19 at Golden West!

Boulder County is currently at 174.5 cases per 100,000 individuals, and the positivity rate is 4%. While number of new cases among CU staff and students has dropped, the number of cases in Boulder County are rising as are hospitalizations and cases in long-term care communities. As follows, Colorado’s Safer at Home Order remains in effect for Boulder County, and the Governor has also extended the mandatory mask order for another 30 days.

While we will not be able to consider Indoor Visitations right now, we can continue with Outdoor Visitations! Please contact Liz Parroquin (eparroquin@gwboulder.org or 303-939-0884) regarding outdoor visits for Mezzanine residents and Denise Ramunda (dramunda@gwboulder.org or 303-939-876) regarding outdoor visits for Towers residents.

Please note that all outdoor visits are by appointment only. Please do not invite people to come visit you in the garden.

The CDC has issued its official COVID-19 guidance for the holiday season; there is concern that people gathering for the holidays will cause an additional spike in cases. The CDC strongly recommends considering the following before you decide to participate in or hold a holiday gathering:

Community levels of COVID – Boulder County remains at a Level ll: Concerning.
Location of gathering – Outside is safer than inside; indoor gatherings with poor ventilation are risky. If you do gather indoors, it is recommended that windows and/or doors are kept open.
Duration of gathering – Shorter is better. The longer people gather, the riskier it is.
Number of people at gathering – The more people present from different households, the greater the chance of spreading the virus.
Locations attendees are travelling from – If people are coming from areas with a high incidence, then the gathering is risky.
Behaviors of other attendees prior to gathering – If other attendees are not adhering to social distancing and mask wearing guidelines, the risks are much higher.
Behavior of attendees during gathering – If social distancing and mask wearing guidelines are followed during the event, the risks are lower.

Please continue to follow all current infection control procedures.

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment. This is part of the State Health Order now and is required in all indoor public areas.
- Golden West Public areas include anywhere outside your own apartment:
  - Elevators
  - Hallways
  - Lobbies
  - Stairwells
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask.
Wash your hand thoroughly and frequently.
Disinfect hard surfaces.

Individuals 65 and older to continue staying at home except for essential activities. This is especially important with the rising number of cases at long-term care facilities in Boulder County. Golden West cannot force people to follow these guidelines, but, for your own well-being and safety and those of others, we strongly recommend staying home except for:

Medical appointments and medication
Groceries: Only go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets: People are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing.
Continue physical distancing and wearing face coverings.

Golden West must continue with the following precautions:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers only
- Essential care providers are those individuals providing care that is necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential.
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be:
  - Family members: No children can accompany them.
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers for symptoms and fever
No communal dining
No congregating
- Please do not gather in the elevator lobbies to visit.
- If you stop to say hello to another resident, please make sure you have a face covering in place and are standing six feet apart.
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.
- Please do not invite family/friends to visit you in the garden.
- Please do not let any visitors into the building or allow someone else to use your door card to enter.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

October 8, 2020

No new cases of COVID at Golden West! Boulder County is currently at 409 cases per 100,000 individuals (red level) and the positivity rate is 5.9% (yellow level). The epidemiological trend is considered to be worsening. The Safer at Home Order remains in effect for Boulder County and the Governor has extended the mandatory mask order until at least October 13.

We can still continue with the Outdoor Visitation. Please contact Liz Parroquin (eparroquin@gwboulder.org or 303-939-0884) regarding outdoor visits for Mezzanine residents and Denise Ramunda (dramunda@gwboulder.org or 303-939-0876) for Towers residents.

Please note that all outdoor visits are by appointment only. Please do not invite people to come visit you in the garden.

The CDC defines exposure to the virus as being within six feet of someone that has been diagnosed with COVID 19 for more than 15 minutes and without any protection. And they look at contact in the 48 hours prior to symptoms developing or a positive test result. Anyone with this level of exposure should quarantine for 14 days, even if they have no symptoms.

The highest risk situation would be to be around others in an enclosed space, no masks, within six feet for more than 15 minutes. The least risky would be outside, everyone has on masks, more than six feet away from others and gather for less than 15 minutes.

With the rising cases in Boulder County, it is especially important that we continue to follow all the current infection control procedures:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment – this is part of the State Health Order now and is required in all indoor public areas.
Golden West Public areas include anywhere outside your own apartment
- Elevators
- Hallways
- Lobbies
- Stairwells
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask
Wash your hand thoroughly and frequently
Disinfect hard surfaces

Individuals 65 and older are strongly encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities. This is especially important with the rising number of cases in Boulder County. Golden West cannot force people to follow these guidelines, but for your own wellbeing and the safety and wellbeing of others, we strongly recommend staying home except for:

Medical appointments & medication
Groceries – go during special hours for vulnerable populations
Exercise and exercising pets – People are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing.
Continue physical distancing and wearing face coverings

Golden West must continue with the following precautions:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers only
- Essential care providers are those individuals providing care that is necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential.
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be:
  - Family members: No children can accompany them.
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers for symptoms and fever
No communal dining
No congregating
- Please do not gather in the elevator lobbies to visit.
- If you stop to say hello to another resident, please make sure you have a face covering in place and are standing six feet apart.
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.
- Please do not invite family/friends to visit you in the garden.
- Please do not let any visitors into the building or allow someone else to use your door card to enter the building.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

October 2, 2020

No new cases of COVID-19 at Golden West!

However, Boulder County is now at a high incidence rate with 459.8 cases per 100,000 individuals, and the positivity rate has increased from 3.9% up to 6.1%.

While most new cases are connected to CU Boulder, the Boulder County Health Department is seeing an increased number of cases in the greater community as well.

The good news is that there have been very few cases in senior communities and the County says we’re doing a good job of keeping our communities safe! Remember that Colorado’s Safer at Home Order remains in effect for Boulder County, and the Governor has extended the mandatory mask order until at least October 13.

While we will not be able to consider indoor visitation until the cases per 100,000 drops below 25, we can still continue with Outdoor Visitation! Please contact Liz Parroquin (eparroquin@gwboulder.org or 303-939-0884) regarding outdoor visits for Mezzanine residents and Denise Ramunda (dramunda@gwboulder.org or 303-939-0876) regarding outdoor visits for Towers residents.

Please note that all outdoor visits are by appointment only. Please do not invite people to come visit you in the garden.

With the rising cases in Boulder County, it is especially important we continue to follow all current infection control procedures:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment. This is part of the State Health Order now and is required in all indoor public areas.
- Golden West Public areas include anywhere outside your own apartment:
  - Elevators
  - Hallways
  - Lobbies
  - Stairwells
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask.
Wash your hand thoroughly and frequently.
Disinfect hard surfaces.

Due to the rise in cases, it is especially important for individuals 65 and older to continue staying at home except for essential activities. Golden West cannot force people to follow these guidelines, but, for your own well-being and safety and those of others, we strongly recommend staying home except for:

Medical appointments and medication
Groceries: Only go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets: People are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing.
Continue physical distancing and wearing face coverings.

Golden West must continue with the following precautions:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers only
- Essential care providers are those individuals providing care that is necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential.
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be:
  - Family members: No children can accompany them.
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers for symptoms and fever
No communal dining
No congregating
- Please do not gather in the elevator lobbies to visit.
- If you stop to say hello to another resident, please make sure you have a face covering in place and are standing six feet apart.
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.
- Please do not invite family/friends to visit you in the garden.
- Please do not let any visitors into the building or allow someone else to use your door card to enter.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

September 14, 2020

No new cases of COVID at Golden West!

However, Boulder County is now at a high incidence rate with 171.4 cases per 100,000 individuals. However, the positivity rate is currently at 2%, which means the county is testing enough people to catch positive cases and isolate them before the virus spreads too much.

This increase in incidence of cases in Boulder County has moved us farther away from allowing indoor visitation at Golden West, but we will continue to work on the Colorado Health Department’s recommended criteria, including current outbreak status, testing requirements, personal protective equipment supplies and staffing, to prepare for a drop down to 25 cases per 100,000.

Golden West does currently have a system in place for outdoor visitations for the Towers and the Mezzanine. Please contact Liz Parroquin (eparroquin@gwboulder.org or 303-939-0884) regarding outdoor visits for Mezzanine residents and Denise Ramunda (dramunda@gwboulder.org or 303-939-0876) regarding outdoor visits for Towers residents.

Please note that all outdoor visits are by appointment only. Please do not invite people to come visit you in the garden.

The Safer at Home Order remains in effect for Boulder County and the Governor has extended the mandatory mask order until at least October 13.

It is extremely important to continue following Golden West’s infection control procedures. The following rules apply to our entire community:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment. This is part of the State Health Order and required in all indoor public areas.
- Golden West public areas include anywhere outside your own apartment:
  - Elevators
  - Hallways
  - Lobbies
  - Stairwells
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask.
- We have put up floor signs by each elevator to help keep people spaced six feet apart while waiting for the elevator.
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Disinfect hard surfaces.

Individuals age 65 and older are strongly encouraged to continue physical distancing and wearing face coverings, and to keep staying at home except for essential activities like:

Medical appointments and medication
Groceries: Only go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets: People are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing.
Continue physical distancing and wearing face coverings.

Golden West will also continue with the following precautions:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers only
- Essential Care Providers are those individuals providing care that is necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential.
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be:
  - Family members
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers for symptoms and fever
No communal dining
No congregating
- Please do not gather in groups in the lobbies.
- If you stop to say hello to another resident, please make sure you have a face covering in place and are standing six feet apart.
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.
- Please do not invite family and friends to visit you in the garden.
- Please do not let any visitors into the building or allow anyone else to use your door card to enter.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

September 3, 2020

No new cases of COVID at Golden West! But Boulder County is at a moderately high incidence level, 50 – 100 cases per 100,000 individuals and the Safer at Home Order remains in effect.

The Governor has released the final guidance for indoor visits in residential care facilities. Residential care facilities (skilled nursing facilities, assisted living residences, group homes, and intermediate care facilities) can now implement indoor visitation when they meet specific criteria related to community spread, baseline testing, surveillance & outbreak testing, outbreak status, PPE supply, and critical staffing.

The first criteria that must be met in order to allow indoor visitation is community spread. The guidance requires that the County in which the facility resides must have 25 or fewer positive cases per 100,000 individuals in order to allow indoor visitation. Boulder County’s current rate is 50.6 cases per 100,000. This is going to be the most difficult of the six criteria to meet, as Golden West has no control over this.

The other criteria include testing requirements, remaining outbreak free, having a two-week supply of personal protective equipment for staff and maintain adequate staffing. Golden West will be working on meeting the criteria over which we have control, but unless the cases in Boulder County decline significantly, we will not be able to open up the community for social visits.

We do have a system in place for outdoor visitation for assisted living residents. Please contact Liz Parroquin, eparroquin@gwboulder.org, 303-939-0884 regarding outdoor visits for Mezzanine residents.

We are currently working on the procedures and protocol to allow outdoor visitation for the Towers and hope to be able to offer that by mid-September. More information on the outdoor visitation for the Towers will be shared over the next two weeks. Please contact Denise Ramunda, dramunda@gwboulder.org, 303-939-0876 with questions about Towers outdoor visits.

Please note that all outdoor visits are by appointment only.

It is important that we continue to follow all the infection control procedures Golden West has put in place:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment – this is part of the State Health Order now and is required in all indoor public areas.
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask
Wash your hand thoroughly and frequently
Disinfect hard surfaces

Individuals 65 and older are strongly encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities:

Medical appointments & medication
Groceries – go during special hours for vulnerable populations
Exercise and exercising pets – People are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing.
Continue physical distancing and wearing face coverings

Golden West must continue with the following:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers only
- Essential Care Providers are those individuals providing care that is necessary to the well-being of the resident. The following areas are considered essential. Based on individual circumstances, other care/assistance may be considered essential.
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential Care Providers can be
  - Family members – no children can accompany them
  - Agency Home Health or Home Care Staff
  - Private Care Provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers for symptoms and fever
No communal dining
No congregating
- Please do not gather in the elevator lobbies to visit.
- If you stop to say hello to another resident, please make sure you have a face covering in place and stay six feet apart.
No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.
- Please do not invite family/friends to visit you in the garden
- Please do not let any visitors into the building or allow someone else to use your door card to enter the building

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

August 17, 2020

No new cases of COVID at Golden West!

But remember, Boulder County is considered having a moderately high virus incidence level with 50 to 100 cases per 100,000 individuals, and Colorado’s Safer at Home Order is still in effect. Additionally, Governor Polis has extended the mandatory mask rule for another 30 days.

It is extremely important to continue following our infection control procedures. The following rules apply to our entire community:

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment – this is part of the State Health Order and required in all indoor public areas.
- Please make sure your face covering covers both your nose and mouth
- If you are outside, please wear a face covering if you are within six feet of others
- If staff or outside care providers come into your apartment, please put on a face covering
- Think about hanging your face mask by your door or from your doorknob
Stay six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask
- Please wait at least six feet from the elevators to allow people to exit easily
- Please comply with the two person per elevator rule
- Please comply with laundry room capacity rules
  - One person per laundry room in Central
  - Two people only in the South building laundry room
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently
Disinfect hard surfaces

There are variations on these rules that apply only to the Towers and the Mezzanine. Any variations will be addressed in a separate communication to residents.

Individuals age 65 and older are strongly encouraged to continue physical distancing and wearing face coverings, and to keep staying at home except for essential activities like:

Medical appointments and medication
Groceries: Only go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets: People are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing.
Continue physical distancing and wearing face coverings

Golden West will also continue with the following precautions:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers only
- Essential care providers are those individuals who provide care in the following areas:
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be:
  - Family members
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers for symptoms and fever
No communal dining
No congregating
- Please do not gather in groups in the lobbies. I’ve received concerns from residents that other residents are gathering in groups in the elevator lobbies and visiting, sometimes without masks.
- If you stop to say hello to another resident, please make sure you have a face covering in place and are standing six feet apart. Even better, go outside to visit.

No social visits with non-residents anywhere on the property, even outside.

Please do not invite family and friends to visit you in the garden.
- Please do not let any visitors into the building or allow anyone else to use your door card to enter.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

July 31, 2020

We’re pleased there have been no new cases of COVID reported here at Golden West since July 14, when a resident case was confirmed. Thankfully, the resident has recovered and is doing well. However, new cases are still being reported in Boulder County, and the Safer at Home Order remains in effect.

So, it is still important that we continue to follow all the infection control procedures Golden West has put in place for our residents.

Wear a face covering when outside your apartment
- Please make sure your face covering covers your NOSE and mouth
- If you are outside, please wear a face covering if you are within six feet of others
- If staff or outside care providers comes into your apartment, please put a face covering on
Stay six feet away from others
- Please wait at least six feet from the elevators to allow people to exit easily
- Please comply with the two person per elevator rule
- Please comply with the laundry room capacity
  - One person per laundry room in Central
  - Two people only in the South building laundry room
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently
Disinfect hard surfaces

And because the Safer at Home order is still in effect, individuals 65 and older are strongly encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities:

Medical appointments & medication
Groceries – go during special hours for vulnerable populations
Exercise and exercising pets – People are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing.
Continue physical distancing and wearing face coverings

Golden West will continue with the following:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers only
- Essential Care Providers are those individuals providing care in the following areas:
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential Care Providers can be
  - Family members
  - Agency Home Health or Home Care Staff
  - Private Care Providers
Screening all staff and essential care providers for symptoms and fever
No communal dining
No congregating
- Please do not gather in groups in the lobbies
- If you stop to say hello to someone, please make sure you have a face covering in place and stay six feet apart.
No social visits anywhere on the property, even outside.
- Please do not invite family/friends to visit you in the garden
- Please do not let any visitors into the building or allow someone else to use your door card to enter the building

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

July 24, 2020

Last week, Golden West was notified that a Towers resident had tested positive for COVID-19, and we immediately notified Boulder County Public Health. Based on their interview with the resident, the Health Department determined that the risk of spread was low. The affected resident is now recovering, and we hope they will be feeling back to normal soon.

We hope this serves as a reminder to all of us at Golden West of how important it is to follow the infection control procedures our community has put in place:

Wearing a face covering when outside your apartment
Staying six feet away from others
Washing your hands thoroughly and frequently
Disinfecting hard surfaces in your apartment

If a staff member needs to enter a resident’s apartment, we ask you to wear a face covering. Staff will ask you how you are feeling and whether you have any symptoms of the virus before entering.

The State of Colorado recently adopted a statewide indoor mask requirement, requiring everyone over the age of 10 to wear a face covering when in an indoor public area. This applies to stores and businesses and includes all public areas of Golden West.

In addition, Colorado’s Safer at Home order is still in effect. Individuals age 65 and older are strongly encouraged to continue physical distancing and wearing face coverings, and to keep on staying at home except for essential activities like:

Medical appointments and medication
Groceries: Only go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets: People are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to maintain physical distancing.

Golden West will also continue with the following precautions:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers only
- Essential care providers are those individuals who provide care in the following areas:
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be:
  - Family members
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers for symptoms and fever
No communal dining
No congregating
- Please do not gather in groups in the lobbies.
- If you stop to say hello to someone, please make sure you have a face covering in place and are standing six feet apart.
- Only two people per elevator
- Only one person per laundry room in the Central Tower
- Only two people in the South Laundry Room at a time
No social visits anywhere on the property, even outside.
- Please do not invite family and friends to visit you in the garden.
- Please do not let any visitors into the building or allow anyone else to use your door card to enter.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

July 14, 2020

Golden West was notified this week that a resident in the Towers has tested positive for COVID-19. Boulder County Public Health has been notified and will interview the resident. County health officials will then begin notifying anyone who may have had contact with the individual.

The County will call anyone believed to have had direct exposure to the infected person. Direct exposure means having been within six feet of the infected person for more than 10 minutes. County officials say the infection came from outside Golden West, and at this time, we believe the risk of virus spread is low.

We will remain in contact with Boulder County Public Health and take additional action as directed. The identity of the resident who tested positive must remain confidential, so we are not allowed to release any information that might identify that individual.

Remember, the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to continue following the infection control procedures Golden West has had in place since March:

Stay home except for essential activities
Keep six feet away from others
Wear a face covering when outside your apartment
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
Disinfect hard surfaces in your apartment

If you feel ill or are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, please stay in your apartment and contact your physician by phone. Please notify Golden West if your physician recommends testing for COVID-19.

Possible symptoms of COVID-19 include:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Sore throat
Chills
Fatigue
Loss of taste or smell
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

At Golden West, our commitment to the health and safety of our residents and staff remains unwavering. We appreciate your support and efforts to help keep everyone safe.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

July 1, 2020

Golden West has had no new cases of COVID-19 since April 23! Thank you to all residents, families and staff for following the safety measures put in place to help prevent the spread of the virus.

At the same time, the virus is still present in the greater Boulder community and has even been on the rise, so it is important that everyone continue to follow these measures to prevent new outbreaks.

Safer at Home

Colorado’s Safer at Home order has been extended to July 30 and upgraded to Level 2, Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors, which means that while the State still considers residents to be safer at home, they are encouraging people to venture into the state’s vast outdoor areas to enjoy the sun and fresh air. At the same time, the order is instructing residents to make sure they maintain physical distance from others while recreating outside. Colorado’s Safer at Home order contains specific expectations for Nursing Home and Congregate Care Facilities, including assisted and independent living communities.

Individuals age 65 and older are strongly encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities such as:

Medical appointments and medication pick ups
Groceries – Only go during special hours designated for vulnerable populations.
Personal exercise and exercising pets – Enjoy the great outdoors but maintain social distancing.
Continue physical distancing and wearing face coverings.
- Stay six feet away from other people.
- Wear a face covering that covers your mouth and nose.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
- Clean and disinfect hard surfaces in your apartment.

If you choose not to follow State guidance to stay home and decide to go to someone’s apartment to visit or visit out in the community, it would be safest to wear a mask and maintain a six-foot distance at all times.

At Golden West, we will continue to maintain the following regulations:

Restricting entrance into the building to staff and essential care providers only
- Essential care providers are those individuals providing care in the following areas:
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be
  - Family members
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - A private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers for symptoms and fever
No communal dining
No congregating
No social visits allowed anywhere on the property, even outside.
- Please do not invite family or friends to visit you in the garden.
- Please do not let any visitors into the building or allow anyone to use your door card to enter.

We are still waiting to receive updated guidance from the State on the next phase of reopening, and we will share that information as soon as we get it. Thank you!

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

June 19, 2020

Golden West has had no new cases of COVID-19 since April 23! Thank you to all residents, families and staff for following the safety measures put in place to help prevent the spread of the virus.

At the same time, however, the virus is still present in the greater Boulder community and has even been on the rise, so it is important that everyone continue to follow these measures to prevent any new outbreaks at Golden West.

Safer at Home

Colorado’s Safer at Home order remains in effect until July 1. While Safer at Home loosens up some things, it really doesn’t change much for Golden West. The order contains specific expectations for Nursing Home and Congregate Care Facilities, including assisted and independent living communities:

Individuals age 65 and older are strongly encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities such as:

Medical appointments and medication pick ups
Groceries – Only go during special hours designated for vulnerable populations.
Personal exercise and exercising pets – Enjoy the outdoors but maintain social distancing.
Continue practicing social distancing and wearing face coverings.
- Stay six feet away from other people.
- Wear a face covering that covers your mouth and nose.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
- Clean and disinfect hard surfaces in your apartment.

At Golden West, we will continue to maintain the following regulations:

Restricting entrance into the building to staff and essential care providers only
- Essential care providers are those providing care in the following areas:
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be:
  - Family members
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - A private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers for symptoms and fever
No communal dining
No congregating

Following the state’s infection control guidelines, Golden West has been able to bring back on-site footcare and dermatology services, and we are hoping to reopen the salon in July.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

June 5, 2020

Golden West has had no new cases of the virus since April 23! Thank you to all residents, families and staff for following the measures that were put in place to help prevent the spread of the virus. However, COVID-19 is still present in the greater Boulder community, so it is important that we continue diligently following these measures to prevent any new outbreaks at Golden West.

Safer at Home

The state’s Safer at Home order has been extended to July 1. However, this really doesn’t change things for Golden West. The Safer at Home order has specific expectations for nursing homes and congregate care facilities, which includes assisted and independent living communities.

Under the order, individuals age 65 and older are strongly encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities:

Medical appointments and medication
Groceries – go during special hours for vulnerable populations.
Exercise and exercising pets – people are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but to keep their distance.
Continue social distancing and wearing face coverings
- Stay six feet away from other people
- Wear a face covering that covers your mouth and nose
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
- Clean and disinfect hard surfaces in your apartment

Golden West must continue with the following:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers only
- Essential care providers are those individuals providing care in the following areas:
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential care providers can be
  - Family members
  - Agency home health or home care staff
  - Private care provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers for symptoms and fever
No communal dining
No congregating

A copy of the Safer at Home Order is posted on our main resident bulletin board. For more information on the Safer at Home order, the state has set up an information phone line you can reach by calling 211. You may also view frequently asked questions here: https://www.denvergov.org/content/dam/denvergov/Portals/covid19/documents/SaferAtHome-Level3_FAQs.pdf

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

May 20, 2020

We’re happy to report that Golden West has no new cases of the COVID-19 since April 23! Thank you to all residents, families and staff for following the measures put in place to help prevent the spread of the virus. However, the virus is still present in the greater Boulder community, so it’s important that we continue to diligently follow measures to prevent any outbreaks at Golden West.

Safer at Home

Colorado’s Safer at Home order took effect on May 9 and remains in place at least until May 26. While Safer at Home loosens up some things, it really doesn’t change behaviors at Golden West. The Safer at Home order has specific expectations for Nursing Home and Congregate Care Facilities which includes assisted and independent living communities.

Individuals 65 and older are strongly encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities:

Medical appointments & medication
Groceries – go during special hours for vulnerable populations, usually in the morning
Exercise and exercising pets
Continue social distancing and wearing face coverings
- Stay six feet away from other people
- Wear a face covering that covers your mouth and nose
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
- Clean and disinfect hard surfaces in your apartment

Golden West must continue with the following:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers only
- Essential Care Providers are individuals providing care in the following areas:
  - Medical/medications
  - Nutrition
  - Personal hygiene
  - Sanitation/housekeeping
- Essential Care Providers can be
  - Family members
  - Agency Home Health or Home Care Staff
  - Private Care Provider
Screening all staff and essential care providers
No communal dining
No congregating

A copy of the Safer at Home Order is posted on the main Resident Bulletin Board.

For more information on the Safer at Home Order, the State has an information phone line, 211. You may also view Frequently Asked Questions on the COVID 19 website: https://covid19.colorado.gov/safer-at-home-faq.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

May 11, 2020

We are pleased to share that we have had no new cases of the virus since the second resident case was announced on April 23. That resident is now in rehab and we wish them a full and swift recovery. We had one employee test positive four weeks ago and that employee has now fully recovered.

The Boulder County Public Health Department (BCPHD) has investigated the three confirmed cases but does not believe the cases are related. The Department also believes that based on the precautions already in place at Golden West, there is a low risk of the virus spreading from these cases. Due to confidentiality, we cannot release any further information about the cases.

Safer at Home

The county Stay at Home order expired May 8^th at midnight. The State’s new Safer at Home order took effect on May 9^th. While Safer at Home opens up some things, it really doesn’t change much for Golden West. The Safer at Home order has specific requirements for Nursing Home and Congregate Care Facilities which includes assisted and independent living communities. Golden West is required to continue with the following:

Restricting entrance to staff and essential care providers only
Screening all staff and essential care providers
No communal dining
No congregating

Individuals 65 and older are strongly encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities:

Medical appointments & medication
Groceries
Exercise and exercising pets
Continue social distancing and wearing face coverings

It is still strongly recommended that people over 65 do NOT go visiting and should remain at home except for essential activities. Golden West still cannot allow social visits.

For more information on the Safer at Home order, the State has set up an information line. You can reach this line by just dialing 211.

A copy of the Safer at Home Order is posted on the main Resident Bulletin Board. Contact Donna, 303-939-0880 for a copy or with questions.

We thank everyone for their continued support of these precautions as we continue our efforts to protect residents and staff.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

April 28, 2020

We want to provide you with another update on COVID-19 cases at Golden West. As announced last week, sadly, the Towers resident who tested positive for COVID-19 passed away at the hospital. A second resident in the community has tested positive and is currently receiving care in the hospital. We wish them a speedy and full recovery.

While we did have one Golden West employee test positive, they have fully recovered. We do not believe any of these cases at Golden West are related, but please understand that, due to confidentiality reasons, we are unable to release any other information about these cases.

As we go forward, I want to assure you that we have been in daily contact with the Boulder County Public Health Department, which is investigating the cases and conducting contact tracing. This is when an epidemiologist talks to the infected individual, his or her family and to other possible contacts to find out who else may have direct contact with him or her while contagious.

Anyone who may have had direct contact with an infected person can expect to be contacted by the Health Department. Direct contact is defined by the Health Department as being within six feet of the ill person for more than 10 minutes.

In positive news, the official opinion of the Boulder County Public Health Department is that, here at Golden West, the risk of the virus spreading is LOW and will continue to be so as long as we maintain the protective measures our community already has in place:

Staying home except for essential activities
Wearing a face covering when you leave your apartment
Maintaining a six-foot distance from others
Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly
Staying home if you are not feeling well

We’d like to remind you that while the State’s Stay-at-Home order expired on Monday, April 27, Boulder County has extended its Stay-at-Home order until May 8. Part of the county’s order requires wearing a face covering when out in public. Since Golden West intends to adhere to county guidelines, we are asking all of our residents to wear face coverings when venturing outside their apartment, and will require a face covering when ordering a meal in the dining room or entering the reception office.

We are happy to announce that we are expecting another delivery of donated fabric masks to arrive by Wednesday of this week. The new masks will be placed on the small desk in the old reception area and will be available on a first come, first served basis

As of Tuesday, April 28, we have also implemented the additional health and safety precautions, described below:

Library –The library is now closed to residents, so if you need reading material, please contact Jill Moore, our director of resident programs, and let her know the author or genre. She will get the book for you, disinfect it and deliver it to your apartment.
Packages – We are currently working on changing our package delivery system and any packages not picked up at the West Entrance will be delivered to apartments going forward.

Thanks for your understanding during this difficult time. We will continue to keep you updated with any new developments. Thank you again for your ongoing support.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

April 20, 2020

We were notified on Saturday, April 18, that an independent living resident from the Towers had tested positive for COVID-19. This resident is now in the hospital, and we wish them a quick and safe recovery.

The Golden West Senior Living management team contacted the Boulder County Public Health Department as soon as we learned of the case. Because of measures the Golden West community has already taken, the health department considers the risk for further outbreak from this case to be LOW. Going forward, the Health Department’s epidemiologist will be investigating the situation, including contact tracing, and will notify Golden West management if any additional actions are required to further ensure everyone’s safety.

While the Boulder County Public Health Department considers the current situation low risk, the news that the virus was found in our community is a critical reminder to follow the safety measures we have in place today to protect one another. Thank you to everyone for continuing to follow these measures:

Staying home if you are not feeling well
Wearing face coverings
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Maintaining a six-foot distance from others
Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly
Disinfecting hard surfaces

At Golden West, our commitment to the health and safety of our residents and staff is unwavering.

To simplify communications during this fast-moving time, starting today, we will be sending out an email update, Community Update, as needed, to our Towers’ residents, their families and the Mezzanine families. If you are not currently on our email list, you can request to be added here:

We appreciate your support for our efforts to keep the Golden West community safe.

September 16, 2021

The South Tower apartment renovations continue, with 122 complete (88%) and 17 remaining. Renovation work in the 14th floor apartments is paused this week while the construction team removes the 14th floor hallway ceiling. Work in the 14th floor apartments will resume on Monday, 9/20. The 1st floor hallway ceiling will be removed the week of September 20, and apartment renovation will follow shortly thereafter. Please be advised that the two south-facing exits to the garden will be closed the week of September 20. Please use the main South Tower entrance (Door #2) to access the garden. If the renovation activities remain on schedule, all South Tower apartment renovations should be complete by October 1.
South Tower elevator lobbies and corridors renovation continues. Reconstruction of the overhead soffits, installation of new lighting, replacement of carpet, and painting is underway on floors 2 – 4. As a reminder and for your safety, please limit your trips through the hallways during this work if possible.
The final piece of equipment for the main kitchen was installed. The last remaining items can now be completed, and the City of Boulder inspection scheduled. Once inspected and released by the City of Boulder, we can resume operation and open the dining room.
Renovation work in the Penthouse continues with drywall installation and painting beginning very soon. The tentative completion date of the Penthouse is October 29.
The exterior brickwork of the new Assisted Living elevator shaft is nearing completion. The installation of the elevator mechanical equipment is tentatively scheduled to begin in early October.
The Mezzanine is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the exterior stucco underneath the windows this week and several parking spaces will be unavailable each day as this project moves around the building.
Apartment renovation activity in the Mezzanine is tentatively scheduled to begin October 4. Once finalized, I will release notices to residents on what to expect.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to developing timelines and unexpected circumstances.

April 16, 2020

As of April 16, we have no confirmed or presumptive cases of COVID 19 among residents at Golden West.

On April 14, 2020, we had one confirmed case of an employee. The employee is quarantined at home for at least the next 14 days, and we wish them a quick recovery. The employee works in a position with limited resident interaction. They had no contact with residents during the week prior to developing symptoms, and minimal contact with other employees during that time.

We contacted the Boulder County Health Department and confirmed that Golden West has taken all appropriate actions to help prevent the spread of the virus. We will continue to monitor the situation, communicate with the Health Department, and take additional action if so advised.

The health and safety of residents and staff is our number one priority, and we appreciate everyone’s support and cooperation as we work to keep everyone safe. If you have questions, please contact Donna Ruske, 303-939-0880 or druske@gwboulder.org.

Below are the steps we have taken to help protect our community. The items in bold are the most recent.

1. Entry to the community has been restricted to the West entrance for all non-residents

All staff are screened for symptoms and fever before entering the building
Only individuals providing essential care for residents are allowed in the building and are screened for symptoms and fever before entering the building.

2. The CDC is recommending everyone wear a face covering when out in public

Face coverings include medical masks, fabric masks, bandanas and scarves and should cover mouth and nose.
All Golden West staff and outside essential care providers are required to wear face coverings in the building.
Residents are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings when outside their apartment.
All residents are required to have a face covering on before entering the reception office.

3. The State of Colorado has issued a Stay at Home Order

Order has been extended through 4/26/20
The order requires people to remain at home except for essential activities.
If outside the home, people must maintain a six-foot distance from others.

4. Dining Service

Meal Service in the Ponderosa dining room has been canceled
Apartment delivery is available with no delivery charge
An evening meal option has been added on a temporary basis
Call ext. 1888 by 11 am for lunch and between 4 pm & 5 pm for evening meal
Meals for take-out may be purchased through the Pantry, 10 am – 3:30 pm

5. Mezzanine – Assisted Living

Residents are being asked to remain primarily in their apartment
Meals are delivered to apartments
When outside their apartment, residents must wear a face covering and maintain six-foot distance from others
Residents may use halls for exercise, but no more than two in the hall at a time
Residents may go outside on the patio, but no more than two at a time

6. All renovation work has been postponed until May.

7. All group activities are canceled

We are broadcasting a variety of activities live on the In-House TV Channel 14

8. Beauty Shop has been closed

9. Furnishings have been reduced or removed from public areas to discourage gatherings

10. Communication

Mondays at 2 pm, live Coronavirus Update broadcast on In-House TV Channel 14
LifeShare is our primary internal communication tool
- In-House TV Channel 14 displays the notices
- TV screens in all the lobbies display the notices
- LifeShare App for iPad, Kindle and cell phones
LifeShare Family Mobile App – Community Access Pin: IL1055
Coronavirus Update Phone Line – recorded message with the above information
- Extension 1530 when calling internally
- 303-939-0530 when calling from cell phone or external phone
Golden West website – www.gwboulder.org
Important Update on COVID-19 (button at top of home page)
Grapevine email newsletter (email druske@gwboulder.org to be added or visit Contact Us on the website)

March 27, 2020

As of today, Golden West has no confirmed or presumptive COVID-19 cases.

In compliance with Governor Polis’ Stay at Home order, we shared the order details with residents:

The State of Colorado has issued a Stay at Home Order
The order went into effect on 3/25/2020 and remains in effect until 4/11/2020
The order requires people to remain at home except for essential activities
Essential activities include medical appointments and going to get medications and groceries
The order also allows for going outside for exercise and walking pets
However, individuals must practice social distancing and remain six feet away from others at all times

We’re continuing with all the preventative measures:

Limiting access and screening all employees and essential care providers
No group activities
No group meal service
Removal of furniture to discourage gatherings
Staff holding meetings using Zoom
Reminders about social distancing. For purposes of this Order, Social Distancing Requirements includes all of the following:
- Maintaining at least six-foot social distancing from other individuals
- Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer when hand-sinks are not available
- Covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands)
- Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces
- Not shaking hands

Continuing our communication efforts and engaging residents

LifeShare is our internal station residents can access from their apartments on channel 14
Printed notices in our building
Coronavirus Information Phone Line, ext. 1530 or 303-939-0530
Channel 14 In-House TV – Live broadcast with updates on the situation every Monday at 2 pm
Monthly resident newsletter will be delivered as usual
Working on providing additional activities for residents to enjoy in their apartments, including:
- Weekly live updates about the virus: Mondays at 2pm on channel 14
- Pictionary, daily at 9am on channel 14
- Chair Yoga, Tuesdays and Thursdays with Legacy at 2pm on channel 14
- Seated Dance, Wednesdays with Legacy at 9:30am on channel 14 (starts April 1)
- Guided Meditation on the 2^nd and 4^th Fridays of the month at 1pm on channel 14 (starts April 10)
In addition, Resident Programs staff is working on additional ideas

March 24, 2020

Golden West has been dedicated to serving older adults for over 50 years, and the safety and well-being of our residents has always been a top priority.

Over the last two weeks, we have been focused on implementing procedures to help protect residents and staff from COVID-19, the coronavirus. Those include promoting social distancing, limiting and screening visitors, ceasing group activities, changing our meal service and more. We thank all our staff who have worked so diligently to get the procedures in place and with such positive attitudes; we truly have a great team!

We also want to thank our residents and families for their support and understanding as we’ve implemented safeguards that have disrupted their daily lives. The Golden West community is full of caring people and our residents and families have been very supportive of the staff, new procedures and each other.

As of today, Golden West has no confirmed or presumptive cases of COVID-19 and we are continuing with preventative measures. We limited entrance to the building to staff and individuals providing essential care for a resident. Entry to the building is only available at the West entrance, door #4, and all staff and essential care providers are screened, including temperature checks, prior to entering. And we will continue taking actions to protect residents. We recently closed the Beauty Salon and removed furnishings from public areas to discourage groups from gathering. We are continuously monitoring the situation and following the guidance of the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS), the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Boulder County Health Department and, of course, orders from the Governor.

During the next week, we will focus on how to bring more activities and entertainment to the residents in their apartments. We will use our in-house TV channel to broadcast exercise programs, activities and live interviews, in addition to the movies we currently show. Our wonderful activities department is exploring options for other activities that residents could participate in from the doorway of their apartments (Hallway Bingo!) and volunteers have offered to call residents, run errands or help in other ways. We encourage your phone calls, letters and emails as well.

One of the most important things during times like these is communication. Golden West has added a Coronavirus Information phone line. Residents can dial extension 1530 from their apartment phone to hear a recording of the actions being taken and updates. Families and friends may also call the line at 303-939-0530. We continue to use LifeShare as the primary internal communication tool and will continue to use this e-Newsletter, our website www.gwboulder.org and Facebook to communicate with families and friends. Please consider using the LifeShare app to stay up to date on what’s happening at Golden West. Use the link below from your phone, scroll to the bottom of the page, and download the App:

LifeShare Family Mobile App
Community Pin: IL1055

March 19, 2020

As news of COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to move quickly in Colorado, we will keep providing updates from Golden West. As of March 17, 2020, there are NO confirmed OR presumptive cases of COVID-19, the coronavirus at Golden West.

We have taken the actions below to help keep our residents safe and healthy; bold items are the most recent additions to our precautions:

Visitor entry is limited to the West Entrance (Door #4)
Only essential visitors will be allowed entry
- Essential visitors are those that provide care that is necessary for the physical and mental wellbeing of the resident
All staff and visitors are being screened
No one will be allowed entry who:
- Has any sign of illness (fever, cough or respiratory condition) or been exposed to anyone with illness within the last two weeks
- Has traveled from an area with a high incidence of illness within the last 14 days
- Has flown on a plane in the last 14 days
Visitors and staff are directed to clean their hands upon entering the building
Group activities and meal service in the dining rooms have been canceled
- Meals are being delivered to apartments in the Mezzanine
- Meals are available for delivery to Towers apartments or for take out
Reminders to staff and residents to maintain a 6-foot distance from others, whenever possible
Residents are welcome to leave Golden West to stay with family or friends
LifeShare is our electronic notice system and our primary internal communication tool. To keep up to date on the information shared with residents, please download the LifeShare app
- LifeShare Family Mobile app
- Community Access Pin: IL1055

March 13, 2020

News is moving quickly right now, for all of us. Because COVID-19 has been discovered in Colorado, we want to share several pieces of information with you today, and we will continue to provide updates as necessary.

First, there are NO suspected, presumptive or confirmed cased of the coronavirus – COVID-19 at Golden West.

Today, these are the actions we are taking to help keep our residents safe and healthy:

Limiting entry to our community. Only essential visitors will be allowed entry. Essential visitors are immediate family, medical staff and homecare staff
All visitors will be required to answer screening questions
Refusing entry to anyone who has any sign of illness (fever, cough or respiratory condition) or been exposed to anyone with illness within the last two weeks
Refusing entry to anyone who has traveled from an area with a high incidence of illness within the last two weeks
Requiring all staff and visitors to clean their hands upon entering the building
Canceling group activities, including meals in the main dining room – meals are still available for delivery to apartments or for take out

A Letter From Our President on COVID-19 — Washing your hands for 20 seconds is the most effective way to protect yourself from COVID-19.

The health of our residents and staff is our number one priority so we are taking precautions to keep them safe. Thank you for your understanding.

If you have questions, please contact: Donna Ruske, druske@gwboulder.org or Stephanie Schuler, sschuler@gwboulder.org.

Important Updates on COVID-19 and Resident Health

October 14, 2022

August 15, 2022

August 1, 2022

July 21, 2022

April 4, 2022

March 22, 2022

February 15, 2022

January 18, 2022

January 4, 2022

December 27, 2021

December 13, 2021

December 6, 2021

November 29, 2021

November 22, 2021

November 15, 2021

November 1, 2021

October 18, 2021

October 4, 2021

September 27, 2021

September 21, 2021

September 17, 2021

August 23, 2021

August 16, 2021

Golden West continues to follow the CDPHE guidance for infection control in long term care communities, which is as follows:

August 9, 2021

August 2, 2021

July 26, 2021

June 28, 2021

June 21, 2021

June 7, 2021

May 24, 2021

May 21, 2021

May 10, 2021

Please continue to:

Procedure for all visitors:

Mezzanine (assisted living)

Towers (independent living)

To stay up on Golden West Activities:

September 16, 2021

May 3, 2021

Please continue to:

As announced previously, we can now have social visits! Procedure for all visitors:

Mezzanine (assisted living)

Towers (independent living)

To stay up on Golden West Activities:

September 16, 2021

April 21, 2021

Please continue to:

As announced previously, we can now have social visits! Procedure for all visitors:

Mezzanine (assisted living)

Towers (independent living)

September 16, 2021

April 12, 2021

Procedure for all Visitors

Mezzanine (assisted living)

Towers (independent living)

Please continue to:

Individuals 65 and older are encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities, such as:

September 16, 2021

March 29, 2021

Procedure for all Visitors

Mezzanine (assisted living)

Towers (independent living)

Please continue to follow the established infection control procedures while we wait for the rest of the population to be vaccinated and the rates of infection to decline:

Individuals 65 and older are encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities, such as:

September 16, 2021

March 19, 2021

The CDPHE is working on updated guidance for long term care communities, but until that comes out, please continue to follow the established infection control procedures:

Individuals 65 and older are encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities, such as:

Golden West must continue with the following:

September 16, 2021

March 12, 2021

On-site Vaccinations

Individuals 65 and older are encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities, such as:

Golden West must continue with the following:

September 16, 2021

March 5, 2021

On-site Vaccinations

Individuals 65 and older are encouraged to continue staying at home except for essential activities, such as: