As the wildfires spread throughout our state we knew that there would be a chance that we would have to evacuate any community that might be threatened. We were prepared with an evacuation plan for those communities possibly impacted by the wildfires. Unfortunately, as the wildfires continued to spread two of our communities decided, out of an abundance of caution, to evacuate their residents to sister communities nearby.
We were amazed by the calm effort of each one of our staff members to execute the evacuation procedures. We knew how important it was for each of our residents to feel supported and comforted by our team members. They were so organized in preparing a small bag of necessities for each resident to be comfortable while staying at a new community. We are so thankful to the local community and first responders that helped us transport our residents to the ‘safe’ communities.
Our Hillside Place community located in Lincoln City was the first to evacuate. Families along with staff were called in to help load residents and transport them 27 miles south down the coastline to our sister community South Beach Manor. Hillside residents were met with open arms by our South Beach team and they all settled in quickly and comfortably. Friends were made, stories were shared and all the residents enjoyed each other. Luckily the stay for the Hillside residents was brief and they were able to return back to their home community after a couple nights.
Our River Terrace Community located in Oregon City was the next to be evacuated. Staff and county officials watched closely as the evacuation line started to creep closer and closer to the community location. Once the evacuation level was elevated to a Yellow Level 2 which means “Get Ready, Get Set” we made the decision to evacuate right away instead of waiting for the Red Level 3 “Go Immediately”. Our River Terrace staff faced the difficult challenge of moving these memory care residents because they already suffer from confusion and/or memory loss. It can be very difficult to make any transition for these residents but in doing so rapidly could have caused even greater confusion and irritability. Our incredible staff stepped up to the challenge and gently and patiently helped each of these residents load on a bus for the 34 mile trip north to our sister community Creekside Place. Creekside provided a warm welcome for each of our memory care residents and the Creekside staff stepped up to help them in whatever they needed. Patriotic red, white, and blue treats were served to all. Friends are being made while these special residents are enjoying a special ‘camping trip’ to this new community. We look forward to being able to return these residents to their home community shortly.
Times have been difficult with a pandemic, divisive politics and raging wildfires but it is a beautiful thing to witness the power of human strength and love in times of need. We watched these amazing communities come together in one purpose of protecting and comforting our residents in their time of need. Recently healthcare workers have been hailed as heroes, working the frontlines of these changing times. We have and will continue to claim our caregivers, aides, and management teams as heroes as well. We understand the enormous sacrifices of time and energy our staff make day in and day out for the wellbeing of our residents. Our communities couldn’t function without you. We send each of our team members our heartfelt gratitude in unifying while facing unprecedented challenges. We see you. We hear you. We love you.
To all of our staff at each of our 20 communities, THANK YOU for going above and beyond for our residents. You make a life changing impact on all of us and we thank you for that. Be safe, stay healthy and know how much you are appreciated.
-CPM Home Office
