Gina Huckstep said the transition on her return to Harbor Place in Linn as the director has been very smooth, and she’s happy with the way things are going, especially considering the pandemic which continues to create challenges.
“We’re still working under of a lot of regulations and recommendations, but overall, we’re doing very well,” said Huckstep, who left Harbor Place in July of 2019 to serve as director of another facility and was very happy when the opportunity to come back to Harbor Place arose with the planned retirement of then manager Nina Henderson. “I was working part-time at Walgreen’s when I learned that Nina was leaving Harbor Place. We talked about things and I was happy to get the opportunity to come back.”
Huckstep rejoined Harbor Place in November and has spent time maintaining the health of HP’s staff and residents while allowing limited visits. While visitors are allowed at Harbor Place, there are limitations, with only two per resident allowed at a time and only in the resident’s room. There is no time limit on the planned visits but they must be conducted during normal visiting hours. Also, Huckstep said families must make an appointment and masks are required.
“Unfortunately, we are not yet able to hold group gatherings with family members yet,” said Huckstep. “Administrators and professionals in the business may get heat from families sometimes but there’s nothing we can do. Our job is to keep our residents and staff as safe as possible. We have to maintain recommended protocols. Our residents’ families have been great during these trying times.”
When staff and residents gather for a group activity, masks are worn and all other protocols are observed.
“Our staff is very careful,” said Huckstep. “They don’t want to spread COVID or bring it in. We’re doing everything we can to prevent that including regular testing, signing in with a temperature check and a check for any symptoms.”
All told, three staff members and three residents have tested positive for COVID over the past year but Huckstep said everyone at this time is healthy. Residents have received the first vaccine shot and will get the second dose this week.
A Valentine’s Day party was held with residents that went very well and additional activities are planned. “All our staff has done a great job stepping up to help organize activities,” said Huckstep. “Residents need good food, activities, and lots of attention as we continue to battle COVID.”
Bingo is played with residents, and Huckstep plans to bring a drumming class to the facility.
“It’s a really neat exercise activity using an exercise ball and drumsticks,” said Huckstep. “A volunteer will come in to run the class and we’ve had a lot of drumsticks donated.”
As spring nears, Huckstep hopes to begin working with residents on an outdoor garden, and car rides in the country are on the horizon. One resident at a time will be able to take a ride in the country with a staff member with both wearing masks to mitigate COVID.
“Our residents are looking forward to getting outside,” said Huckstep.
In the meantime, Jane Theissen has returned to provide beautician services for residents with appropriate precautions in place. “It’s a great service and I’m glad we were able to bring her back,” said Huckstep.
Harbor Place owner Bruce Wiley said he is happy to have Huckstep at the helm once again and expressed his appreciation for the great job Henderson did over the past year during one of the worst pandemics in our nation’s history.
“My hat is off in gratitude to our great staff, along with the residents and their families, that have worked together to keep everyone safe and healthy this past year,” said Wiley. “We are proud to be an important part of the Linn community serving the living and healthcare needs of our senior citizens.”
Harbor Place has a capacity for 18 residents and currently, there are 16 residents with deposits on the remaining two rooms in hand.
Anyone interested in more information on Harbor Place on Hwy. 50 just east of Linn, may call 573-897-2100.