The medical community is monitoring new developments about the coronavirus and how it affects us. The CDC is evaluating long-term care policies daily and making recommendations based on new information.

Educate Facility Staff

The first step any assisted living community needs to take is training and educating their staff. What they need to do, what are the signs a resident may be infected, and how to limit unnecessary visitors are some of the steps that need to be taken.

Assisted living communities employees and staff should be trained to follow standard guidelines including:

• Door handles, handrails, faucets, and other areas that are frequently touched should be regularly disinfected.

• Increase the number of times high-traffic areas are cleaned, especially lobbies, dining rooms, and other common areas.

• Stressing the importance of washing hands regularly and other infection control training.

• How to properly use new protective equipment and supplies for staff.

Take Stock of Equipment and Supplies

Does the assisted living community have an adequate supply of protective gowns, masks, face shields, and cleaning supplies to last the foreseeable future? If there is only enough for a couple of weeks getting more supplies is a top priority.

Only Essential Personnel Allowed in Facility

Social distancing has become a phrase everyone hears a lot recently. Limiting the number of visitors to an assisted living facility greatly reduces the chances senior residents are exposed to an outside carrier of the virus. While these measures can be very hard on family members and loved ones of residents who cannot visit, it’s very important that these guidelines are followed.