An Orlando-area senior living facility is awaiting test results to determine the source of a virus that has sickened more than a dozen elderly residents. According to Dain Weister of the Orange County Health Department, last week 16 elderly residents at Emeritus at Crossing Pointe developed gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. With today’s heightened awareness of swine flu, that was the first concern, but Weister told me they have  ruled that out. He said they have  also determined it was not a food-borne illness. He said they suspect it could be norovirus, sometimes known as stomach flu.

Emeritus at Crossing Pointe offers independent living, assisted living and Alzheimer’s care to 179 residents. This past weekend, the facility was closed to visitors in an effort to stop the spread of the illness. As of today, just the second floor memory care unit is still closed since that is where the outbreak occurred. A few of the sick residents had to be hospitalized but all are now back at Emeritus, according to Weister.

Weister said norovirus outbreaks are not unusual in nursing homes. According to the Centers for Disease Control, norovirus is highly contagious. The symptoms usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping. Sometimes people additionally have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. In most people the symptoms lasting for about 1 or 2 days. One of the most common complications of norovirus among the elderly is dehydration.

Many senior living facilities are run by large regional and national corporations. Those that are locally owned are usually very small, housing maybe half a dozen residents. Courtyard  Gardens in Jupiter, FL is an exception and it is this week’s Friday’s Featured Facility on the Florida Senior Living Advisor blog. Courtyard Gardens is an assisted living facility with just more than 100 residents. It opened 10 years ago and is owned by a local resident, Dr. George Peck, and his daughter.

Courtyard Gardens Marketing Director Donna Phillips started working at the facility after her mother moved in nine years ago. She told me she was raving about the care her mother was receiving to anyone who would listen, and that’s when management approached her about becoming the marketing director. “I know what people are going through because  I’ve been there,” she said. When asked what sets Courtyard Gardens apart, Phillips says it is the facility’s caring and qualified staff.

“We have 85 staff for 111 residents. And we put money into their continuing education,” she explained. “Everyone has Alzheimer’s training, even the front desk receptionist. And everyone has first aid training.” Phillips says every employees understands that the residents come first, and their safety and happiness are the top priorities.

Phillips says another reason they are always at 100% occupancy is the great food. “Our chef is from the Ritz-Carlton. Everything is made from scratch, and we always have fresh fruit and vegetables,” she said. Rates at Courtyard Gardens range  from $3135 for a studio to $4140 for a one-bedroom apartment. In addition, there are “levels of care” that can be added on if a resident needs help showering, taking medication, etc. These levels add about $400 to the monthly fee. In the Alzheimer’s unit, costs range from $3700 for a shared unit to $4500 for a single.

To learn more about Courtyard Gardens, visit the facility’s website at www.courtyardgardens.com.