Senior Care and Nursing Homes Tomorrow

All seniors and long-term senior living homes continue to get vaccinated along with the workers and the staff who care for them. 

I'm just grateful to the government for making the levels of the immunization very clear so that healthcare workers are number one and then our vulnerable seniors are number two on the list to receive the immunizations. 

Cheryl Wilson is purposely dressed in red, white, and blue. She has been waiting for this day ever since she was one of the first local health care CEOs to contact CVS pharmacies. When the government announced it and Walgreens would be getting the Pfizer vaccine.

Part of the federal CDC pharmacy partnership with long-term care. All four of St. Paul's senior care communities are involved. Starting with the McColl Health Center in Bankers Hill. First round of shots, 45 residents, 95 healthcare workers and staff. Wilson told us the inoculations are voluntary, adding that all of them patients were on board, but that 40% of the workers and staff opted out to see what, if any side effects develop. Wilson was optimistic that that wouldn't be an issue, but even more upbeat over what the vaccinations will mean to the residents and their families. 

It's been a lot of mental anguish for families and for the seniors who have missed their loved ones. When they live in a skilled nursing home such as the McColl Health Center, they don't get out very much. And the visits from their families, uh, integral to their quality of life.

January 15th, that's Cheryl Wilson's target date. That's the date she hopes will mark the fact that all four St. Paul's senior living communities have gotten a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

All seniors and long-term senior living homes continue to get vaccinated along with the workers and the staff who care for them. 

I'm just grateful to the government for making the levels of the immunization very clear so that healthcare workers are number one and then our vulnerable seniors are number two on the list to receive the immunizations. 

Cheryl Wilson is purposely dressed in red, white, and blue. She has been waiting for this day ever since she was one of the first local health care CEOs to contact CVS pharmacies. When the government announced it and Walgreens would be getting the Pfizer vaccine.

Part of the federal CDC pharmacy partnership with long-term care. All four of St. Paul's senior care communities are involved. Starting with the McColl Health Center in Bankers Hill. First round of shots, 45 residents, 95 healthcare workers and staff. Wilson told us the inoculations are voluntary, adding that all of them patients were on board, but that 40% of the workers and staff opted out to see what, if any side effects develop. Wilson was optimistic that that wouldn't be an issue, but even more upbeat over what the vaccinations will mean to the residents and their families. 

It's been a lot of mental anguish for families and for the seniors who have missed their loved ones. When they live in a skilled nursing home such as the McColl Health Center, they don't get out very much. And the visits from their families, uh, integral to their quality of life.

January 15th, that's Cheryl Wilson's target date. That's the date she hopes will mark the fact that all four St. Paul's senior living communities have gotten a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

A senior care services facility in Bankers Hill is among the first in San Diego County to vaccinate its residents and employees. ABC 10 news reporter Marie Cornell introduces us to the first person in line. 

Eldon Thompson: Oh yeah, I'm ready for it. That's that's totally. 

Marie Cornell: Eldon Thompson. Couldn't wait to get his COVID-19 vaccine.

He was so excited. He volunteered to be the first one among the group at the St. Paul's skilled nursing facility. Eldon says he didn't have any doubts about getting it, but he was worried about catching the virus. 

Eldon Thompson: Yeah, I'm scared because of my age, 79 years old, you know what I'm saying? Some young people younger than me, they're failing.

Marie Cornell:  Cheryl Wilson as the CEO for St. Paul senior services, which runs senior independent living,  Senior Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facilities and senior day programs in San Diego County. She calls it a blessing. St. Paul’s was able to partner with CVS to be among the first skilled nursing facilities in the County to get their residents vaccinated through CVS is 12-week vaccination program, 45 of their residents and 95 members of their staff will get vaccinated Wednesday.

Cheryl Wilson: Any of these seniors went through the vaccines for the polio pandemic back in the fifties. So, they understand how incredibly important this is. And what a difference it can make in the life of every American and everybody really around the world. 

Marie Cornell: Cheryl says, though, there are employees that have chosen not to participate in this vaccination clinic.

Many have plans to get their vaccine on January 20th. When the second dose is scheduled to be given. Either way, she believes this is the light at the end of the tunnel many have been waiting for.

Cheryl Wilson:  This is the first shot. This is the beginning of this journey to become COVID free.

A senior care services facility in Bankers Hill is among the first in San Diego County to vaccinate its residents and employees. ABC 10 news reporter Marie Cornell introduces us to the first person in line. 

Eldon Thompson: Oh yeah, I'm ready for it. That's that's totally. 

Marie Cornell: Eldon Thompson. Couldn't wait to get his COVID-19 vaccine.

He was so excited. He volunteered to be the first one among the group at the St. Paul's skilled nursing facility. Eldon says he didn't have any doubts about getting it, but he was worried about catching the virus. 

Eldon Thompson: Yeah, I'm scared because of my age, 79 years old, you know what I'm saying? Some young people younger than me, they're failing.

Marie Cornell:  Cheryl Wilson as the CEO for St. Paul senior services, which runs senior independent living,  Senior Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facilities and senior day programs in San Diego County. She calls it a blessing. St. Paul’s was able to partner with CVS to be among the first skilled nursing facilities in the County to get their residents vaccinated through CVS is 12-week vaccination program, 45 of their residents and 95 members of their staff will get vaccinated Wednesday.

Cheryl Wilson: Any of these seniors went through the vaccines for the polio pandemic back in the fifties. So, they understand how incredibly important this is. And what a difference it can make in the life of every American and everybody really around the world. 

Marie Cornell: Cheryl says, though, there are employees that have chosen not to participate in this vaccination clinic.

Many have plans to get their vaccine on January 20th. When the second dose is scheduled to be given. Either way, she believes this is the light at the end of the tunnel many have been waiting for.

Cheryl Wilson:  This is the first shot. This is the beginning of this journey to become COVID free.

St. Paul's senior citizen homes Continues Vaccination Clinics

Paul Rudy: All right. County officials recently approved COVID vaccinations for individuals aged 75 years and older. Joining us now to discuss the latest on vaccinations and the implicate implementation for seniors as St. Paul senior services, C E O Cheryl Wilson. Good morning, Cheryl. 

Cheryl Wilson: Good morning, how are you Paul?

Paul Rudy: Or, you know, it's a historic day. And I thought maybe we would work backwards in this conversation as we see the new administration coming in. How is that going to change the vaccination protocol dispersal? 

Cheryl Wilson: Well, in the short term, I don't think it really will, uhm.. here in San Diego, for us at least it's been going very well.

We've just today we'll complete our sixth clinic. Uh, all of our seniors will have been vaccinated as of yesterday. And, uh, 50% of our staff have been vaccinated as of yesterday. Today, we start our second clinic, uh, where many of us will get our second and final shot. So, it's all good for us here at St. Paul's Senior Services.

Paul Rudy: So that it.. then that means, uh, as far as, uh, adverse reactions and whatnot, you're not seeing a lot of that?

Cheryl Wilson: We have really seen none. 

Paul Rudy: Oh, I'm sorry. They were talking to my ear. Could you say that again Cheryl? 

Cheryl Wilson: We have seen no ah adverse reactions. 

Paul Rudy: Oh great!

Cheryl Wilson: We've had a couple of sore arms. Um, a couple of people have been anxious, uh, during and after the shot, but you know, you get them to breathe into a bag and they fine, so no real reactions.

Paul Rudy: Allright! Well, that's good. And obviously, whatever it is today on a Wednesday, a week from today, it's going to be a little bit better and a little bit better as, as we continue to ramp things up or at least is that your viewpoint?

Cheryl Wilson: I absolutely agree. And once the community, uh, centers such as Grossmont Hospital, Petco Park and others around the round, the County open up, um, it's going to be a lot easier.

People are very anxious as you saw with Petco. And they said 75 and up age group can get vaccinated. I mean, they stormed the Gates. So, people are anxious to get the vaccine. We just need to make sure that the sites are available and that they have enough vaccine to actually inject into people's arms.

Paul Rudy: So once a senior citizen gets vaccinated, does that necessarily mean the coast is clear they're out of the woods as it relates to COVID-1?

Cheryl Wilson: You know, the science doesn't tell us that we can still not be spread as, so even once we've had the second vaccine. Which I will get today. Um, I still need to wear my mask and be very careful, sanitized, stay six feet apart, et cetera, because I can still be a carrier and I can still infect somebody who may not have had the shot.

Paul Rudy: As we wrap this up, Cheryl, what is your message to seniors who are waiting in line wanting to be the next to get the vaccine? 

Cheryl Wilson: For those of you who are not able to go to a site, call your doctor. If you are homebound and have medical issues, call your physician and arrange to get the shot. Getting it to those people who are home bound, the seniors who cannot get out and about that is going to be our next biggest challenge.

Paul Rudy: Cheryl Wilson, uh, on a very busy day of news, as it relates to the inauguration, we appreciate you squeeze in with us and delivering those important messages. 

Cheryl Wilson: Thank you.

St. Paul's senior citizen homes Continues Vaccination Clinics

Paul Rudy: All right. County officials recently approved COVID vaccinations for individuals aged 75 years and older. Joining us now to discuss the latest on vaccinations and the implicate implementation for seniors as St. Paul senior services, C E O Cheryl Wilson. Good morning, Cheryl. 

Cheryl Wilson: Good morning, how are you Paul?

Paul Rudy: Or, you know, it's a historic day. And I thought maybe we would work backwards in this conversation as we see the new administration coming in. How is that going to change the vaccination protocol dispersal? 

Cheryl Wilson: Well, in the short term, I don't think it really will, uhm.. here in San Diego, for us at least it's been going very well.

We've just today we'll complete our sixth clinic. Uh, all of our seniors will have been vaccinated as of yesterday. And, uh, 50% of our staff have been vaccinated as of yesterday. Today, we start our second clinic, uh, where many of us will get our second and final shot. So, it's all good for us here at St. Paul's Senior Services.

Paul Rudy: So that it.. then that means, uh, as far as, uh, adverse reactions and whatnot, you're not seeing a lot of that?

Cheryl Wilson: We have really seen none. 

Paul Rudy: Oh, I'm sorry. They were talking to my ear. Could you say that again Cheryl? 

Cheryl Wilson: We have seen no ah adverse reactions. 

Paul Rudy: Oh great!

Cheryl Wilson: We've had a couple of sore arms. Um, a couple of people have been anxious, uh, during and after the shot, but you know, you get them to breathe into a bag and they fine, so no real reactions.

Paul Rudy: Allright! Well, that's good. And obviously, whatever it is today on a Wednesday, a week from today, it's going to be a little bit better and a little bit better as, as we continue to ramp things up or at least is that your viewpoint?

Cheryl Wilson: I absolutely agree. And once the community, uh, centers such as Grossmont Hospital, Petco Park and others around the round, the County open up, um, it's going to be a lot easier.

People are very anxious as you saw with Petco. And they said 75 and up age group can get vaccinated. I mean, they stormed the Gates. So, people are anxious to get the vaccine. We just need to make sure that the sites are available and that they have enough vaccine to actually inject into people's arms.

Paul Rudy: So once a senior citizen gets vaccinated, does that necessarily mean the coast is clear they're out of the woods as it relates to COVID-1?

Cheryl Wilson: You know, the science doesn't tell us that we can still not be spread as, so even once we've had the second vaccine. Which I will get today. Um, I still need to wear my mask and be very careful, sanitized, stay six feet apart, et cetera, because I can still be a carrier and I can still infect somebody who may not have had the shot.

Paul Rudy: As we wrap this up, Cheryl, what is your message to seniors who are waiting in line wanting to be the next to get the vaccine? 

Cheryl Wilson: For those of you who are not able to go to a site, call your doctor. If you are homebound and have medical issues, call your physician and arrange to get the shot. Getting it to those people who are home bound, the seniors who cannot get out and about that is going to be our next biggest challenge.

Paul Rudy: Cheryl Wilson, uh, on a very busy day of news, as it relates to the inauguration, we appreciate you squeeze in with us and delivering those important messages. 

Cheryl Wilson: Thank you.

Once in a while you have one of these serendipitous moments where you learn something that's completely different than what you thought you knew. And that is the Genesis for this conversation. I am talking to Cheryl Wilson, who is in charge of the St. Paul's PACE program out of the San Diego area, correct? Yes. So let's start with actually Boone. What St. Paul's is. Well, thank you. Yes, I'm sure. Wilson. I'm the CEO of St. Paul's senior services and St. Paul's PACE. One of our entities that comes under the umbrella of senior services. We've been around for 60 years in San Diego.

 We do everything from residential living to assisted living services, memory care living, skilled nursing, senior day care, child care in San Diego infants through six years, memory care. Assisted living and PACE Program. Of course. And that's what we will, I wanted to talk to you about today. Terrific. And so let's start with actually an overview of what is PACE.

I think that probably most people who are watching, listening, reading have at least heard of PACE, but maybe don't really know what it does, what it's designed to do and that kind of thing. So let's start with that. Yeah, peace is an acronym which stands for Program of all-inclusive care for the elderly, and it is truly all inclusive.

 So we take a person who is very frail, financially, very poor, and has probably on average across the nation and the PACE programs anywhere from 11 to 15. Co-morbidities. And chronic diseases on average 16 different medications per day. And so they are very frail and on the edge all the time. And so it's a challenge to take care of these folks, because if the arthritis doesn't get you, then the heart disease will, or the high blood pressure will, or the Freitas from the kidney failure because of the diabetes or it's a multi case scenario.

 But what happens with PACE? And what I found, I am a nurse. And what I've found is that the medical care is about 40% of taking care of these people. The other 60% is the social component of health care. And that includes housing. That includes housekeeping. That includes putting grab rails in the bathroom.

 If the person needs it. That includes putting a ramp on the front door. If they live in a mobile home and they can't in their wheelchair van and they can't get in or out, we take care of whatever they need. Transportation meals, housekeeping, in home care, to come into the home nurses to come in and give insulin injections every morning, coming in five days a week to get physical therapy with no caps, it can be 52 weeks a year.

 They get physical therapy every day. And that keeps them able to live at home, able to get in and out of the bed in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, we provide them with DME also like a commode chair or walkers, electronic wheelchairs, whatever i

Once in a while you have one of these serendipitous moments where you learn something that's completely different than what you thought you knew. And that is the Genesis for this conversation. I am talking to Cheryl Wilson, who is in charge of the St. Paul's PACE program out of the San Diego area, correct? Yes. So let's start with actually Boone. What St. Paul's is. Well, thank you. Yes, I'm sure. Wilson. I'm the CEO of St. Paul's senior services and St. Paul's PACE. One of our entities that comes under the umbrella of senior services. We've been around for 60 years in San Diego.

 We do everything from residential living to assisted living services, memory care living, skilled nursing, senior day care, child care in San Diego infants through six years, memory care. Assisted living and PACE Program. Of course. And that's what we will, I wanted to talk to you about today. Terrific. And so let's start with actually an overview of what is PACE.

I think that probably most people who are watching, listening, reading have at least heard of PACE, but maybe don't really know what it does, what it's designed to do and that kind of thing. So let's start with that. Yeah, peace is an acronym which stands for Program of all-inclusive care for the elderly, and it is truly all inclusive.

 So we take a person who is very frail, financially, very poor, and has probably on average across the nation and the PACE programs anywhere from 11 to 15. Co-morbidities. And chronic diseases on average 16 different medications per day. And so they are very frail and on the edge all the time. And so it's a challenge to take care of these folks, because if the arthritis doesn't get you, then the heart disease will, or the high blood pressure will, or the Freitas from the kidney failure because of the diabetes or it's a multi case scenario.

 But what happens with PACE? And what I found, I am a nurse. And what I've found is that the medical care is about 40% of taking care of these people. The other 60% is the social component of health care. And that includes housing. That includes housekeeping. That includes putting grab rails in the bathroom.

 If the person needs it. That includes putting a ramp on the front door. If they live in a mobile home and they can't in their wheelchair van and they can't get in or out, we take care of whatever they need. Transportation meals, housekeeping, in home care, to come into the home nurses to come in and give insulin injections every morning, coming in five days a week to get physical therapy with no caps, it can be 52 weeks a year.

 They get physical therapy every day. And that keeps them able to live at home, able to get in and out of the bed in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, we provide them with DME also like a commode chair or walkers, electronic wheelchairs, whatever i

With the year 2020 St. Paul Senior Services has now been serving San Diego seniors for 60 years.

St. Paul Senior Services has cared for thousands of seniors over these 60 years. We've earned many prestigious awards for our communities and care, and have had many influential visitors.

The idea for St. Paul senior services began in 1953 when father Harold Robinson of St. Paul's Church and its parishioners had the vision to build a retirement community for older adults of modest income. In 1960. St. Paul's nonprofit corporation was established, and in 1962 St. Paul's Manor assisted living opened as our first senior living community soon after St. Paul's John a McColl Family Health Center opened its doors, a Skilled Nursing Facility in San Diego. Followed by St. Paul's Villa. And our intergenerational senior day program at the Community Care Center three St. Paul's PACE Centers throughout the county two alternative care centers and a new St. Paul's PACE alternative care site to be opened in Encinitas this year.

During this time we've also opened six homeless housing projects for over two hundred and forty formerly homeless seniors. As our mission States; St. Paul's is spiritually guided to help seniors lead enriched lives through excellent and innovative services.

John and Sharon McCall and their family have supported St. Paul's since 1958. It came very much aware that there were a number of senior residents who live in San Diego. As leaders in senior care we host educational programs for the San Diego community. 

We have also launched a networking program for young professionals in the senior care industry to provide education and support. To give back to the community we have a Food Bank for seniors with food securities. Arranged an annual essential needs drive for our low-income pace seniors. Hosts an annual blanket drive for seniors in need an annual love
gala a prayer breakfast for leaders from all faiths. A yearly legislative breakfast to educate our elected officials and the community on senior issues and we organize annual holiday events for our residents including Memorial Day and Veterans Day where we honor our veterans. 

And what about the next 60 years for St. Paul Senior Services. And with the mature market growing Seoul will say polls grow to meet the needs and the desires of future seniors plans for St. Paul's manner to be reimagined are underway. The newly refreshed McCall health center may be expanded and the Home Office city block will be developed to provide more senior housing. The vacant lot across the street will be developed as a multi-purpose housing and commercial enterprise. With the plaza expanding to serve more seniors in the South Bay.

At. Paul's PACe will continue to expand across the region with additional supportive housing for homeless seniors in two new projects opening in 2021, and others are in the planning stage. We can't talk about our accomplishments or our future without recognizing our visionary board members and our amazing employees. We have 48 dedicated volunteer board members on 4 separate boards, and over 650 staff. Also St. Paul's could not be where it is today without our caring and compassionate volunteers and donors who dedicate their time talent and treasure to our seniors. The future is very bright for those we serve and also for those who are called to serve.

With the year 2020 St. Paul Senior Services has now been serving San Diego seniors for 60 years.

St. Paul Senior Services has cared for thousands of seniors over these 60 years. We've earned many prestigious awards for our communities and care, and have had many influential visitors.

The idea for St. Paul senior services began in 1953 when father Harold Robinson of St. Paul's Church and its parishioners had the vision to build a retirement community for older adults of modest income. In 1960. St. Paul's nonprofit corporation was established, and in 1962 St. Paul's Manor assisted living opened as our first senior living community soon after St. Paul's John a McColl Family Health Center opened its doors, a Skilled Nursing Facility in San Diego. Followed by St. Paul's Villa. And our intergenerational senior day program at the Community Care Center three St. Paul's PACE Centers throughout the county two alternative care centers and a new St. Paul's PACE alternative care site to be opened in Encinitas this year.

During this time we've also opened six homeless housing projects for over two hundred and forty formerly homeless seniors. As our mission States; St. Paul's is spiritually guided to help seniors lead enriched lives through excellent and innovative services.

John and Sharon McCall and their family have supported St. Paul's since 1958. It came very much aware that there were a number of senior residents who live in San Diego. As leaders in senior care we host educational programs for the San Diego community. 

We have also launched a networking program for young professionals in the senior care industry to provide education and support. To give back to the community we have a Food Bank for seniors with food securities. Arranged an annual essential needs drive for our low-income pace seniors. Hosts an annual blanket drive for seniors in need an annual love
gala a prayer breakfast for leaders from all faiths. A yearly legislative breakfast to educate our elected officials and the community on senior issues and we organize annual holiday events for our residents including Memorial Day and Veterans Day where we honor our veterans. 

And what about the next 60 years for St. Paul Senior Services. And with the mature market growing Seoul will say polls grow to meet the needs and the desires of future seniors plans for St. Paul's manner to be reimagined are underway. The newly refreshed McCall health center may be expanded and the Home Office city block will be developed to provide more senior housing. The vacant lot across the street will be developed as a multi-purpose housing and commercial enterprise. With the plaza expanding to serve more seniors in the South Bay.

At. Paul's PACe will continue to expand across the region with additional supportive housing for homeless seniors in two new projects opening in 2021, and others are in the planning stage. We can't talk about our accomplishments or our future without recognizing our visionary board members and our amazing employees. We have 48 dedicated volunteer board members on 4 separate boards, and over 650 staff. Also St. Paul's could not be where it is today without our caring and compassionate volunteers and donors who dedicate their time talent and treasure to our seniors. The future is very bright for those we serve and also for those who are called to serve.