A reason for hope: The COVID-19 vaccines

COVID-19 & Safety

A reason for hope: The COVID-19 vaccines

The COVID-19 vaccines are the most important tools we have to end the pandemic. The Good Samaritan Society is working to immunize as many employees and residents as possible.

COVID-19 & Safety

Safety is our priority as we reopen

It’s more important than ever for our communities and the people we serve to feel safe and have peace of mind. Safety precautions are in place in all of our care settings to protect residents, clients, employees and our communities. With dedicated staff and precautions you can trust, rest assured knowing it’s safe to receive care and services at the Good Samaritan Society.

COVID-19 & Safety

The COVID-19 vaccine: Why you should get a shot

The message from the Good Samaritan Society is very clear to those who are wondering about a COVID-19 vaccine: When you are eligible, you should get it. It is safe and effective. The future has the potential to be much brighter individually, within your family and within your community if you get vaccinated.

COVID-19 & Safety

COVID-19 FAQs: What is social distancing?

Efforts now can 'flatten the curve' and help everyone around you stay healthy.

COVID-19 & Safety

Majority of residents have received COVID-19 vaccine

Good Samaritan Society’s chief medical officer says 50% of residents have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine so far.

COVID-19 & Safety

It’s safe to get rehab at the Good Samaritan Society

Occupational, physical, speech-language therapy available in variety of settings.

COVID-19 & Safety

Send a note to residents with our free service

You can help our residents and staff feel loved by using Send a note to connect with someone at a Good Samaritan Society location.

COVID-19 & Safety

COVID-19 vaccine: Who are the priority populations?

Health care workers and long-term care residents are the top priority when it comes to COVID-19 vaccine distribution at Good Samaritan Society locations across the United States.

COVID-19 & Safety

COVID-19 vaccine: When’s the right time for the second dose?

Good Samaritan Society nurse Marianna Brawand received her first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in mid-December at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

COVID-19 & Safety

Vaccination monitoring quick, convenient with v-safe

Officials at Sanford Health and The Good Samaritan Society want to assure everyone that COVID-19 vaccination safety is an ongoing commitment.

COVID-19 & Safety

Good Samaritan Society provides new COVID-19 treatment [video]

When John Erickson tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 1, he was surprised.

COVID-19 & Safety

After COVID-19 vaccine: What are the side effects?

This week, Sanford Health and the Good Samaritan Society made history and breathed a collective sigh of relief.

COVID-19 & Safety

COVID-19 vaccine: Separating myths from facts

As a massive vaccine distribution is underway and a nationwide campaign begins, Sanford Health and Good Samaritan Society physician leaders are helping us separate myths from facts.

COVID-19 & Safety

Long-term care partners with pharmacies on COVID-19 vaccine

Residents and health care workers at long-term care locations are two groups with top priority when it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations. According to Good Samaritan Society Chief Medical Officer Gregory Johnson, MD., and two executives from Omnicare, a CVS Health company, vaccines should be coming to the Society's locations soon.

COVID-19 & Safety

What kind of mask is best? Ask an infectious disease doctor

Wearing a mask is helpful in limiting the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 & Safety

Staying at home versus moving to assisted living

Debating whether to stay home or move into an assisted living community? Good Samaritan Society would like to help. The Society can provide many services to keep you healthy and happy, especially during a pandemic.

COVID-19 & Safety

COVID-19 FAQs: How do vaccines get developed and approved?

Scientists around the world are racing to develop an effective vaccine to protect people from the coronavirus.

COVID-19 & Safety

Strokes and COVID-19: What you need to know about symptoms

During the pandemic, providers are seeing more strokes in individuals who are suffering from COVID-19.

COVID-19 & Safety

How to have a safe visit

To protect our residents, the Good Samaritan Society implemented visitor restrictions early on in the COVID-19 pandemic. While safety remains our priority, the precautions we’re taking allow our residents to have in-person visits.

COVID-19 & Safety

Managing mental well-being after COVID-19 quarantine

By now, it goes without saying: The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard.

COVID-19 & Safety

How to deal with difficult times

Living through a pandemic can take an emotional and mental toll on a person’s well-being. The Good Samaritan Society’s Greg Wilcox, senior pastor and vice president of mission integration, shares some insights for dealing with difficult times.

COVID-19 & Safety

Helpful tech tips for seniors

COVID-19 has made it necessary for everyone to become more tech savvy.

COVID-19 & Safety

Journaling can improve mental health and wellness

The COVID-19 pandemic is a difficult period of transition or change that has disrupted day-to-day activities. However, research shows that regularly writing down what’s on your mind can help you release emotions and make sense of what’s going on in your life. Journaling also can help improve your relationships with others, lower your blood pressure and decrease symptoms of depression.

COVID-19 & Safety

How You Can Help During COVID-19

If you would like to get involved and support our Good Samaritan Society communities during the pandemic, there’s a variety of ways you can help by donating funds, supplies or items for residents. You can also share encouragement by sending a note to a resident using our free online service. Explore all these opportunities below and know that you’re making a difference in the lives of others.

COVID-19 & Safety

COVID-19 FAQs: Do we need to wear face masks?

If you have to go to the grocery store, pharmacy or anywhere else where social distancing is tough, the CDC now recommends wearing a mask.

COVID-19 & Safety

Staying in touch when you can’t visit residents

During this time, as COVID-19 concerns restrict visitors for the health and safety of residents and employees, the Good Samaritan Society has ways to help family and friends brighten a resident’s day.

COVID-19 & Safety

COVID-19 FAQs: How can I tell if I have coronavirus?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath.

COVID-19 & Safety

Focus on your behaviors to relieve COVID-19 anxiety

If you’re feeling fearful or anxious about the coronavirus pandemic, that’s natural.

COVID-19 & Safety

Tips to stay safe at home

Each year, thousands of people over 65 are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with items they live with and use every day.

COVID-19 & Safety

Know the signs of elder abuse

Sources and additional resources: National Center on Elder Abuse, National Institute on Aging, Nursing Home Abuse Guide, CDC: Division of Violence Prevention

COVID-19 & Safety

Reduce your risk of falling at home [infographic]

While some falls that happen at home are caused by health-related issues such as poor eyesight, medication interactions and weakened muscles, many falls in the home happen because of environmental oversights and are easily preventable.