SantaFe Senior Living
Miami-Dade County, like every county across the nation, has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, thanks to a concerted partnership with hospital and health care partners, cities, private partners and the state of Florida, great strides are being made to quickly and efficiently provide vaccinations for members of our community.
“Our state has determined that persons 65 years of age and older, as well as health care professionals with direct patient contact, are currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Miami-Dade County,” says Mary Scott Russell, Director of Community Relations at East Ridge at Cutler Bay. “East Ridge was one of the first senior living communities in Florida to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. All residents and staff members are currently in the process of receiving the two-step vaccine.”
The COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses for full efficacy. Per guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the second dose should be administered as close to the recommended interval as possible, although the second dose may be scheduled for administration up to six weeks (42 days) after the first dose.
“We will continue to do due diligence for our community members and ensure that our community has the option to become completely vaccinated in line with the CDC guidelines,” says Mary.
Current Safety Precautions for East Ridge at Cutler Bay
East Ridge has been following safety precautions throughout the pandemic in order to protect the health and safety of residents and those who work here. The following precautions are still in place to help reduce risk as our community becomes vaccinated.
Re-entry plans for the community are still underway, and will be communicated as they update or change. All high-risk communal activities have been halted at the community, but low-risk activities that include social distancing guidelines are currently allowed. In-person dining has started back up for our independent living residents (as we follow sanitary protocols and physical distancing), while in-residence meal delivery remains in place for the Three Palms Health Center.
Until it is deemed safe, everyone is continuing to wear masks and following appropriate social distancing guidelines. Our residents are strongly encouraged not to leave the community unless necessary, and all individuals entering our community are being screened for COVID-19.
General visitation has been put in place for Compassionate Care Visitors and Essential Caregivers. We look forward to allowing general visitors in the near future. All visitors prior to their visit receive education in the areas of infection control, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand sanitation and social distancing. Every visitor is screened at the entrance gate of our community and must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test no more than 14 days prior to the time of visit.
We Continue to Monitor the Situation
The health and safety of our community is of utmost importance to us. As the vaccine rollout continues and we see what 2021 has in store, our leadership will continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidelines set by the CDC and the Governor’s Task Force.
“We strive to make East Ridge at Cutler Bay the safest place our residents can be,” says Mary. “By providing a secure environment and assisting residents by taking care of tasks and chores, we are able to reduce the risk of infection and provide the safest lifestyle possible.”
For more information about our coronavirus updates and protocols, please visit our website.
About East Ridge at Cutler Bay
East Ridge at Cutler Bay is Miami-Dade County’s only true Life Plan Community. The nonprofit community draws from the neighborhood charm of suburban Cutler Bay and the vibrancy of Miami in a lush tropical setting of 76 acres, located at 19301 SW 87th Avenue. The community offers a continuum of care including independent living, assisted living and memory support residences in a neighborhood setting; respite care, skilled nursing and are available within Three Palms Health Center.
For more information or to schedule a tour, please call 305-256-3564.