Welcome to the winter edition of Friends & Neighbors, a digital newsletter for the Acts family! This new version replaces the print publication with a more dynamic, digital-friendly reader experience. Enjoy!
Steadfast and Unwavering, One Day at a Time
The year 2020 has been a year none of us will ever forget. Yet, despite all the uncertainty and challenges, one thing that has never changed here at Acts is our dedication to our mission of serving residents in a spirit of Loving-Kindness. In fact, it is stronger than ever. As we await the arrival of a vaccine and continue with our efforts against the pandemic, please know that we will always prioritize the health and well-being of our residents and employees. Our communities continue to implement all recommended safety protocols including resident health monitoring, employee screenings and temperature checks before each shift, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, and proper social distancing practices to limit personal contact. Since the start of the pandemic, our health centers have had more than 80 comprehensive infection control surveys across our Acts communities completed by local, state and federal regulators. All of the surveys have concluded with appreciation and acknowledgement of our sound protocols and practices in the areas of staffing, care quality, infection control, and other safety measures in place. This is truly remarkable and a testament to the dedication and skill of our health care team who have worked heroically throughout these extraordinary times.
We remain thankful and appreciative for the strength, patience, perseverance and support that we are observing every day from our residents and staff throughout the Acts family. The past year has proven once again that we are stronger together, and that is a spirit you find within every Acts community.
Thank you for being a cherished member of the Acts family. We wish you all the blessings of the Holiday Season and New Year ahead!
Introducing Matthews Glen
(formerly Plantation Estates)
We are excited to announce the next phase in the evolution of our Matthews, North Carolina, community. Watch the video introducing Matthews Glen!
Driving Change Through Meaningful Action
Acts remains committed to being a positive force for change by creating a more equitable, diverse and inclusive culture within our organization. Our newly formed Diversity and Inclusion Task Force had its first meeting during the summer and has been meeting frequently ever since to discuss our strategic planning goals for diversity and inclusion, training and initiatives across our organization. This includes expanding training to prevent unconscious bias, as well as promote diversity in recruiting, hiring, training, and leadership. We look forward to hearing your voices and ideas on how we can continue to embrace and enhance our diversity and inclusion efforts throughout our communities and organization. Please send your suggestions to your Executive Director.
Acts President's Award Winners
We are pleased to announce the winners of the Acts President’s Award, the highest honor given in each region to recognize model employees who exemplify Acts' mission of outstanding service in “The Spirit of Loving-Kindness."
Each year, during the Acts Leadership Conference, the management teams from the communities and corporate office are invited to participate in selecting the winners based on the distinctive qualities of the nominees that are shared and demonstrated via a nomination video, including why he/she should be selected as a President’s Award winner. Congratulations to this year’s President’s award winners:
Acts Chief Medical Director Receives Award for Lifetime Achievements in Long-Term Care
Congratulations to our very own Dr. Paul Reinbold for receiving the prestigious Berman Award for his lifetime achievements in long-term care! Dr. Paul is the Chief Medical Director for Acts and serves as an integral member of our clinical team in supporting our community staff in providing outstanding care and services to our residents throughout the Acts system. The award is given by the Mid-Atlantic Medical Director's Association to exemplary physicians who have devoted their careers and made significant contributions to the long-term care continuum. We congratulate Dr. Paul for this achievement and thank him for his many contributions to Acts and our industry!
Acts Earns Excellence in Healthcare Compliance
We are pleased to share that Acts has received a three-year re-certification of the organization’s compliance program from the Health Ethics Trust. This re-certification was completed following an extensive peer review of the organization’s program, policies, and procedures, and extends the prior certification of the program. The review panel noted that they were "not only impressed by their review of program documents" but highlighted "the support for the Compliance Program by Acts’ leadership." For nearly 50 years, Acts has built a reputation of trust through its ethics and compliance efforts. This achievement is a further indication of Acts’ steadfast commitment to operating in an ethical, legal and responsible manner throughout all levels of our organization.
COVID & Me:
Memoirs of a Pandemic
Over the spring and summer, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, 35 residents from the Chesapeake Region participated in a four-week memoir-writing workshop.
“We’re living in historic times. I wanted to encourage residents to write down all the small moments and life lessons learned," - Bill Tamulonis, Managing Director of the Acts Center for Applied Research, who conducted the workshop.
The workshop was conducted virtually and included writing tips and sharing writing excerpts. “I didn't know much about creative writing, nor did I like the thought of ever doing it, but the workshop changed my perspective,” said Carol Decker of Buckingham's Choice. “I also enjoyed talking with others in the communities, especially during the time of sheltering-in-place.”
Seventeen residents submitted original writings or artwork for publication in a book titled, COVID-19 and Me: Memoirs of a Pandemic, which was released in October. You can find it online here.
Acts Praised For Handling of Another Eventful Hurricane Season
Acts received an overwhelming positive response of support from residents and staff of Azalea Trace in Pensacola, Florida, and Westminster Village in Spanish Fort, Alabama, who experienced a record-shattering hurricane season.
"We are definitely taken care of. A large group of corporate employees who are trained to handle situations that might occur during a weather event are here to supplement our local employees who are unable to come to work. We are enjoying the delicious meals being prepared for everyone. What peace of mind all this brings!" - Marquerite Soper, resident of Westminster Village
Fortunately, our communities received minimal damage and only brief power outages. Our back-up generators were fully operational and extra staff, including members of senior management, were on hand to ensure all essential services were uninterrupted.
We are extremely thankful for the patience and support of our residents in these challenging times. We are also grateful to our campus operations and corporate support teams for their diligence throughout these storm events as our highest priority has always remained ensuring the well-being of all residents and employees.
Acts' First Ever Virtual OlympiActs a Rousing Success
All five regions competed in Acts' 2020 Virtual OlympiActs with "live" virtual contests over a two-week span that kicked off during Active Aging Week. The new virtual format was in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, yet it was a resounding success with more residents involved than in years past.
"This year has been one to remember. I'm so pleased that despite the pandemic we were able to have fun and be competitive while playing against fellow communities." - Jonathan Grant, Acts Senior Vice President of Community Operations
Special thanks to our fitness and life engagement staff for pulling together a remarkable event. This short recap video shows a few of the many great moments captured during the virtual games.
Acts Expands Indian River Estates with Luxurious Two-Story Villas
We are pleased to share very exciting news about a beautiful addition to our Vero Beach community, Indian River Estates. The Citrus Blossom Villas will include five new buildings on campus. The two-story villas, 20 in total, offer a luxurious open-style floor plan and two-car garage. Right now, Indian River Estates is in the pre-selling phase with construction beginning once 75% of the villas are sold. Take a virtual tour here or call (772) 492-4240 to learn more!
Introducing the New Bayside Club at Westminster Village
Our new Bayside Club is now officially open at Westminster Village! This beautiful new building has a lot to offer: a game room with ping pong and billiards, a card room, reading nooks, private lounges and multiple covered outdoor patios. RSVP for a small group tour of the Bayside Club, complete with safety measures, by calling (251) 277-5207.
Acts Golf Classics 2020
The Acts Pennsylvania Golf Classic, held September 21 at Cedarbrook Country Club, and the Florida Golf Classic, held at the PGA National on December 3, were a resounding success! Thank you to all who participated and adjusted to the necessary reformat and COVID-19 precautions.
CARF Accreditation Update
For more than a decade, Acts has taken pride in having the largest number of accredited CCRCs by CARF International of any senior living provider. We have invested heavily in our accreditation efforts to hold ourselves to the industry’s highest standards. As the accreditation process has changed over the years, we, along with many providers, have struggled to see the value from the continued investments and have recognized the opportunity to validate excellence differently.
Moving forward, we have decided to change our efforts to a "best of breed" strategy, and will be partnering with recognized specialty experts in the industry that can validate our operational practices in specific areas. We also believe that in certain areas we could potentially establish our own certification process through our Acts Center for Applied Research. We remain committed to maintaining excellence in all aspects of senior living while serving current and future generations of Acts residents and will continue to validate that through this new process. We will keep you updated on these exciting plans, and in the meantime please feel to reach out to your Executive Director with any questions.
Year-End Gift-Planning Reminders
The Acts Legacy Foundation is blessed to have its efforts supported by so many residents and employees. As you plan your year-end charitable giving, remember qualified gifts to Acts Legacy Foundation are tax-deductible. The deadline to apply to this tax year is December 31. Please allow time for the Foundation to receive and process the gift.
You can honor someone special this holiday season with a tribute gift. Acts Legacy Foundation will send a card informing them of your thoughtful recognition. Also consider a New Year's resolution for convenient recurring donations throughout 2021.
To give other assets, such as stock, mutual funds and other securities, please discuss your intent with your broker by early December. Also note: IRA Charitable Rollover gifts can fulfill your required minimum distribution and eliminate tax on the withdrawal. Visit ActsLegacyFoundation.org or contact your Foundation Regional Director for more information.
Interested in $1,000 or more?
Imagine if your friends or family lived here so you could share the Acts culture of Loving-Kindness. It's easy to do with our resident and employee referral programs which could deliver significant financial incentives to YOU. Just pick up your personal referral cards from the Sales office at your community and talk to your community's Life Care Consultant for more information. Then encourage friends and family who have not yet contacted the community to come experience our remarkable lifestyle firsthand.
Acts Daily Devotionals Inspires Residents, Staff in Challenging Times
Trusting God is easy when things are going well. Trials and tribulations, the likes of which we’ve experienced this year, tell a different story. Our Daily Devotionals, offered by our Chaplains, is a resource that can keep our faith on an even keel. They emphasize God’s presence with us in every circumstance in life. They remind us that God walks with us through every trial we face. They underscore the fact that even our tribulations are part of His plan. And most importantly, they celebrate the fact that God is in control. Please take advantage of these daily doses of encouragement and inspiration.