Cindy Thomson is the new face of SunPorch of Dodge City for incoming residents and their families, as well as for outreach into local and area communities.
Thomson, who recently joined the SunPorch team, is now the marketing and admissions coordinator at the short- and long-term-care residence, 501 W. Beeson Rd.
“I assist in the first steps of admissions for new SunPorch residents,” Thomson said. “Also, I reach out to community organizations and other entities that might be interested in learning more about SunPorch and referring residents to us.
“Anyone who wants a tour is encouraged to contact me,” Thomson added. “I enjoy helping others and am committed to accommodating community members in any way I can.”
Thomson, a long-time resident of Dodge City, believes newcomers to SunPorch will be impressed with the residence’s services and personnel.
“I know my first impressions have been great and I think the community will feel the same way,” she commented. “SunPorch is such an inviting place. The staff works diligently to meet the needs of our elders while being engaged in their community.”
As Thomson becomes acquainted with staff members and families, one goal is to “encourage
organizations and individuals to become involved in events alongside our residents. Socialization is so important to all of us and our residents are no exception.”
Thomson has a bachelor’s degree in vocal music education from Minnesota State University in Moorhead.
“There is a chance I will use this music background to engage and entertain our residents,”
Thomson noted. “However, our activities director, Danielle Thomas, coordinates with several community groups who come in and sing to the elders.
“Danielle also collaborates with Crooked Creek Band, which visits here regularly. Maybe we can encourage other groups to sing and play for us too.”
Her professional background includes serving more than 15 years as a K-12 music educator, and as the adult programming supervisor, and marketing and outreach coordinator at the Dodge City Public Library.
During the pandemic shutdown, Thomson worked from home for AFIRM, a company in
Colorado, performing audits for various businesses throughout the Midwest. Originally from northern Minnesota, Thomson has lived in Dodge City since
August 2003.

While SunPorch of Dodge City is still adhering to strict COVID-19 guidelines, it has taken its first baby step to reopening, said Administrator Ryan Salinas.
           
SunPorch is the short-term rehab and long-term-care residence at 501 W. Beeson Rd.
           
“We made the calculated decision to use a multi-phase approach to lifting the visitation restrictions that began March 12,” Salinas said. “The screening of families, clergy and vendors entails the same protocols we have been using since that date.
           
“Our nurses are asking the same questions, and taking temperatures and oxygen-saturation levels. We also provide education about the masks we provide visitors.”
           
In addition, SunPorch staff members offer recommendations about social distancing, handwashing and other methods of preventing the spread of COVID-19. This advice comes from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).
Adhering to these procedures in recent months led to zero deficiencies during an on-site state survey that focused on COVID-19, Salinas noted.
           
“Our policies may seem strict but they are necessary for this first phase to be successful,” Salinas noted. “While practicing these protocols during this difficult time, we did not have one resident test positive for the virus.”
           
The decision to begin with phase one came after collaboration with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, Ford County Health Department, Kansas Department of Health and Environment and SunPorch’s medical director, Dr. Andrew Schowengerdt.
           
Tosha Fields, RN and director of nursing services, also played “a vital role” in crafting procedures for in-person visits, Salinas noted.
           
One current restriction is that no more than two family members may visit an elder at one time; they must schedule these visits.
           
“One big factor behind this phased-in reopening is we all need that human connection,” Salinas said. “We do our very best but we know we cannot replace their loved ones.
           
“Some elders are in varying stages of dementia,” Salinas added. “When they can’t see their families, it really affects their emotional outlook and can lead to feelings of isolation. Providing a high quality of life in whatever way we can is very important to us. In fact, one of our precepts is to help older people have a better rest of their life.”
           
Salinas also noted that families support the decision to slowly reopen. However, SunPorch still offers visits at the window, and by Skype, Facetime and other services.
           
If all goes well, less restrictive procedures will be considered in a few weeks.
           
Debbie Allen, SunPorch marketing & community liaison, emphasized that the community has played a big role in recent successes.
           
“We could not have made it through this difficult time without the dedication and support of our community,” Allen said. “It has been absolutely amazing.”
           
People have made facemasks and isolation gowns; sent gift cards to staff for their extra efforts;

The hair salon reopened “to the delight of everyone who needed a trim or perm. Many elders were lining up outside the door to get in,” Allen laughed.
           
She noted the hairdresser went above and beyond in providing her services quickly and professionally.
         
“A local 4-H club brought flowers and planted them around our residence,” Allen commented. “Nothing like beautiful flowers to make each day more enjoyable. And Girl Scouts brought their cookies from all the troops in the Dodge City area.”
 
​“There are so many people that have meant so much to us. Everyone who helped in any way has our heartfelt appreciation.”

By Judd Weil/Dodge City Daily Globe
Posted May 6, 2020 at 1:38 PM
 
An on-site survey conducted by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services, at SunPorch of Dodge City revealed to staff that the confidence had in their routine COVID-19 prevention procedures, was not misplaced.

“Everyone in every department is responsible for maintaining the infection-control guidelines,” said Tosha Fields, RN, director of nursing services. “These guidelines are the processes we use to attempt to break the cycle of infection and prevent transmission from one person to another.”

Staff was subjected to state surveyors’ observations of basic care services and other measures including, screening processes, personal protective equipment procedures, hand hygiene, and all processes pertaining to dining and other activities.

Due to COVID-19, SunPorch shifted visitation procedures, making them only by phone, and other services, such Facetime and Skype. This extends to tele-conferences with physicians, at the long-term-care residence.

Before entering the building, everyone is screened at the front door and required to answer a questionnaire. Masks are also mandatory throughout the duration of all shifts, and temperatures and oxygenation levels are routinely recorded.

“We also have turbo-boosted our cleaning and disinfection schedules,” Fields said. “In addition, we are providing further in-service training regarding infection control and hand hygiene.

“We are so proud of all our team members. They are working hard to care for our elders and are extremely diligent about the processes we have in place.”

SunPorch administrator Ryan Salinas added, “Keeping our elders safe is always first and foremost in our minds. We have adapted to this new era of COVID-19 by enhancing our infection-prevention processes to keep up with the ever-changing requirements.
​
“Having state surveyors notice our efforts is similar to studying hard for that really tough exam and getting an A-plus.”

Velma Ferguson, SunPorch of Dodge City elder, is surrounded by family members at the long-term-care residence’s Thanksgiving Dinner as a surprise for her 88th birthday. More than 100 elders, family members and staff attended the event.