I’d like to (re)introduce Bay Bluffs, your Emmet County Medical Care Facility.

In March 2020, your county medical care facility staff began the diligent task of protecting the vulnerable seniors in our care from COVID-19. We recall the official declaration of an international pandemic all too well. The immense feelings of fear, combined with determination and compassion for our residents led to one of the most successful journeys – 36 months later – that most nursing homes were not fortunate enough to experience. All while maintaining quality standards at or above state and national metrics.

Bay Bluffs has undergone dramatic changes in the last three years. Our 120 resident beds now house about half the population, as the staff who are willing to do the hard work of caring for our seniors has diminished thanks to the harrowing experiences of the last 36 months.

What hasn’t changed is the commitment to care, to quality and to our community. Not one time did the team making decisions on infection prevention strategies or the care team providing day to day care for residents even consider lowering standards or reducing efforts. Not once.

Through open communication, education on rapidly changing infection prevention guidance, and cooperation of staff, families and residents led to the incredibly low infection rate in residents. In 36 months, Bay Bluffs had 29 residents test positive for COVID-19. The first case was identified in November 2020, more than 8 months after the pandemic began, and the only significant outbreak occurred in May 2022 with 25 residents affected at that time.

The pandemic was hard. But not being able to care for our community is harder. Bay Bluffs is focused on recruiting, training, supporting and maintaining the highest quality caregiving team in the region.

Rebuilding a care team takes time. And resources. Recovery from the pandemic will be slow. Our community needs care now. Our wait list continues to grow – we could fill all of our beds and still have a waiting list if we had the staff to provide the expected (and much deserved) care.

So who in the world are we?

WE ARE the safety net healthcare provider for those with chronic health conditions, for seniors with dementia, and for those needing short-term rehabilitation services to get them back on their feet and home again.

WE ARE the safety net for those unable to afford in-home care or assisted living, caring for primarily those eligible for Medicaid.

WE ARE nurses, nurse aides, cooks, resident assistants, laundry and housekeeping aides, activity aides, and support staff. We are neighbors, family members and friends.