I remember the dark days of COVID as you do. I remember wondering what could ever bring an end to this destructive virus, how we would ever move past it. I also vividly remember the first glimmer of light as the news of effective vaccines began to surface. I know you were, as I was, glued to the news on approvals and then waiting and waiting for the day to come when vaccines would become available for our elders and our staff. The day finally arrived for our first vaccine clinic and we all felt relief and then, as our clinic schedule continued and our second doses went into our arms—along with the arms of our elders and staff—we felt as if we could finally exhale.

There is no question in my mind that vaccines have helped us turn the corner. From the days of March and April last year when our long-term care community was flooded with COVID to today, so much has changed. We no longer have COVID cohorts on each of our units. We are no longer all dressed in PPE from head to toe. We are no longer testing elders and staff multiple times a week. Families are visiting, activities are bringing life back, and dining has returned to being both a social and nutritional event.

And now, we, an organization, are taking the next step. After much consideration, and in consultation with our medical staff, we are making COVID vaccination a condition of employment at the Jewish Home Family. We are taking this action in consultation with legal counsel. We are taking this action concerned about the possibility that we may lose some staff. But we are taking this action because we believe fully that this is the right thing, the only thing to do.

We exist to care for older adults, to keep them safe and well, and to enhance their quality of life. I have always held as my personal commitment that we work to make aging “an enriching and fulfilling experience.” I believe that we each have a binding obligation to care for our elders, that their well-being has been entrusted to us, and that it must be our primary driver.

When we shine that bright COVID spotlight on it, the answer for my team is clear. This is the action we must take to protect our elders, to protect our staff, to protect our families, and to protect our community.