An Update on the Opening of The Lodge at Truitt Homestead

To Our Valued Lodge Members,

We hope this letter finds you and your loved ones healthy and well. As we approach summer and our opening draws nearer, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the ‘Covid tunnel,’ so to speak. We have all been affected by the limitations of the pandemic these last few months, but hope springs anew as Delaware officially begins its phased reopening, and effective June 15th we have entered “Phase 2.” These advancements all call for increasing optimism with each day that passes.

As a company, and as owners of a family-oriented organization, our word, integrity and authenticity are so important to us. We know our philosophy, values, and unique approach to senior living were likely a large factor in you choosing to place your trust in us. Our mission at its core involves a responsibility to better the lives of the seniors we serve, and to do it built on a foundation of trust and respect. Because of these values and our commitment to transparency, it is our responsibility to bring news that the goal of opening in the latter part of June must shift once again.

We are very aware of our responsibility to open our doors to you SAFELY. Though the term ‘vulnerable population’ isn’t one we like to use, because our members are quite the opposite in so many incredible ways, we all know seniors have been impacted the most by Covid-19. Because of this, we have made a strategic decision to take great care in learning from the missteps of others, to work around the clock securing ample PPE supplies, to acquire state of the art cleaning technology designed to kill germs,
bacteria and viruses quicker and more efficiently than traditional methods, and to  incorporate procedures and best practices from other infection control experts.

Your very own Executive Director, Dave Bolton, sits on the board of directors of the Delaware Healthcare Association as one of its Vice Presidents and plays a pivotal role in advising the senior living industry of the safest path forward. We are all committed to not only meet, but exceed, the safety standards set forth by local and state policies on opening. It is an understatement to say your health, safety and happiness is the only thing of importance – and this is not an area any of us are willing to compromise or cut corners on – especially when to do so could bring devastating consequences.

Based on all of this and assuming we maintain our current pace without further disruptions, we are  currently on track to receive our certificate of occupancy in the second half of July. After factoring in the delivery of our common area furnishings, thorough training of staff in all safety measures, processes and protocols as it relates to infection control, the testing and startup of all building systems and equipment, and the complete disinfecting of the building, our projection to open will follow as closely as possible behind the certificate of occupancy milestone.

Opening as soon as is safely possible is our primary focus at every level throughout Vantage Point, and while this announcement is one that is made with much frustration on our part, we can only imagine the frustration you feel after yet another delay. We know some members are more directly impacted than others – if you find yourself among this small group, reach out to us – we are here and committed to being of service, before and after The Lodge officially opens. We are also committed to transparency, no matter the degree of difficulty to be so, and will keep you posted regularly moving forward.

Having weathered many difficult times together, we want to be mindful of bringing some good news to you as well. While it’s in no way meant to invalidate any frustrations or hardships felt with the opening delayed another few weeks, we do sincerely hope it brings even the tiniest amount of joy to you:

• First, we are very happy to announce an increase in the monthly per person dining credit, from$200 per resident each month, to $250 per resident each month. We believe this will be a nice addition to your dining experience at The Lodge.
• Second, we would like to invite you to join us to cry and laugh our way through ALL the news –good and bad as it is – during a magical gathering for our Members in the form of a Pop-Up Patio Party. Scheduled for June 20th from 2-4pm. 

• Lastly, we have a surprise gift for each of you – so please join us at the Patio Party to receive it!

As always, we remain available to support you in any way possible. We can’t wait until we can open the doors to all of you, and when we do, you can rest assured that The Lodge at Truitt Homestead was built with integrity, without cutting any corners, and with the utmost investment in resident and employee safety possible. The Lodge will be an exciting and safe environment for all, and we can’t wait to walk in those front doors with you in celebration.

Warm Regards,

Rita Stevens
Cofounder, Vice President of Operations
Vantage Point Retirement Living

610-321-1977 x 114
rstevens@vpretirement.com

Greg Stevens
Cofounder, President
Vantage Point Retirement Living

610-321-1977 x 111 
gstevens@vpretirement.com