Dear Residents, Family Members, and Guests,
As we continue to educate our various constituents about COVID-19 policies at our communities, we are committed to providing you with updates on the preventative measures we’re taking to protect our residents and Team Members.
Visitors
We are following all state and local health department guidelines regarding visitors. All persons entering the community must be screened for signs and symptoms or possible exposure to COVID-19. All visitors and Team Members must wear a face covering or mask that covers the mouth and nose when in all public and common areas of the community. Please refer to all posted signage with information regarding each communities local visitation policies which vary by state. As a reminder, please do not visit if you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 including fever, cough, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle or body aches. Ensure hand sanitizer is readily available at entrances. When in-person visits are paused use technology to help family members communicate with residents. This can include telephone, video conferences, or mobile devices (e.g., Facetime).
Visitors must adhere to the following policies:
- Wear a mask while in the community, and use all other PPE as needed in accordance with CDC guidelines, state and local governmental orders, and community policies & procedures.
- Visitors are allowed in the common area if vaccinated.
- Not have contact with other residents.
- Limit contact with staff members.
- Limit the number of visitors to avoid overcrowding the apartment.
Family Members
Residents are allowed to have family and friends visit. These visits can take place in a designated outdoor or indoor visiting area that is cleaned and disinfected between uses, or in the resident’s apartment when allowed by state guidelines. These visits should only be suspended when directed by the state licensing agency or health department. Visits may be suspended if confirmed COVID-19 infection or a new onset of COVID-19 cases in the community or at any time as directed by the Ally Senior Living senior leadership team.
Activities
We are currently following all state/county recommendations. If all residents participating in an activity are fully vaccinated, they may choose to have close contact and not wear a mask during the activity. If unvaccinated residents are present, all residents in the activity they must remain 6 feet and wear a mask.
Outside performers, entertainers, or volunteers will be permitted in activity programs to the extent visitors are allowed. Performers/entertainers will be screened, perform hand hygiene, and wear a mask as all visitors do.
Residents are allowed to leave the community in accordance with local guidelines. Residents should be encouraged to wear a mask when leaving the community. When residents return they will be screened for symptoms and exposure to COVID-19. Residents returning from an outing will not be required to quarantine upon return if they are asymptomatic unless required by state/local guidance. The community may conduct outings using community transportation/vehicles. If all residents participating in the outing are fully vaccinated, they may choose to have close contact and not wear a mask during the activity. If unvaccinated residents are present for the outing, all residents in the activity they must remain 6 feet and wear a mask.
Environmental Cleaning
We will routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, countertops). This will be done at least once per day. We will also clean and disinfect dining areas between meals. Management of laundry, food service utensils, and medical waste should also be performed in accordance with routine procedures.
Best Regards,
The Ally Senior Living Team
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Prevent Spread in Long-term Care Facilities
THHS Guidance on COVID-19 Response in Assisted Living Facilities (ALF)
At Surpass Senior Living, the health and safety of our residents is our top priority. As news of the COVID-19 virus affecting our areas continues to evolve, we wanted to share some important information with you. We continue to monitor the spread of the coronavirus and follow guidelines specified by the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”), and state and county health care agencies.
We seek guidance from the aforementioned health authorities who instruct our every move when it comes to protecting our residents. Implementation of a Temporary Corona Virus Policy is currently in effect. Listed below are some, but not all, changes currently in effect at our communities.
Visitors
Effective March 12th, we are limiting visitors to necessary medical professionals, prospective tours, and known vendors. Visitors will be required to consent to a temperature check, a questionnaire regarding symptoms and sanitize their hands before being allowed access to the community. In the event a visitor refuses to comply, has a temperature reading at or above 99.5 degrees, or answers yes to any question on the questionnaire they will be required to leave the premises immediately.
Family Members
Family members are strongly encouraged to visit only as is necessary. In the event, family members do visit, we would respectively ask that you convene in your loved one’s apartment.
Activities
We have canceled all non-essential activity outings at this time. Essential appointments will continue (e.g., medical visits, dialysis, etc.). Family members may pick up their loved one; however, we will require a temperature check upon returning to the community, completion of the Coronavirus questionnaire, and that they sanitize their hands.
Environmental Cleaning
We are increasing the number of routine cleanings of public areas throughout the day.
In-services
We are also in the process of providing additional in-services to team members on our viral outbreak policy. Further, we will also provide an in-service to residents on proper prevention techniques and the measures we will need to take in the event of a confirmed COVID-19 amongst a resident or team member.
Dining
We have removed our dining mats from the place setting and are rolling our silverware to prevent unnecessary exposure to people touching silverware between meals. We are also removing our menu jackets and switching to one time use paper menus. Our Directors of Dining Services have also ordered additional food supplies in excess of what is required by the state’s licensing body.
Team Members
Upon each shift change we will take team members temperatures similar to visitors. Any refusal or reading at or above the threshold will require that we send the team member home and will not allow them to return to work without medical clearance and sign off by our Regional Director of Operations.
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