Questions/Procedures Surrounding Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 Vaccine: Answers to Your Questions by The Society For Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine

We know that many of you have questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine. The Society for Post-Acute and Long Term Care Medicine has prepared an excellent presentation that addresses many questions that we have been hearing. Please take a look at it as you consider the options available to you and your loved ones related to the vaccine. We will be sending more information throughout the week to help you make a well-informed decision. Source: COVID 19 Vaccine Staff QA

What are some symptoms that a resident should notify someone of?

The following symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure:
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • A general feeling of being unwell (body aches, chills)
  • Diarrhea or nausea
  • Respiratory problems
Source: CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

How does the virus spread?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new disease, and we’re still learning how it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and to what extent it may spread in the U.S.

Person-to-person:

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:
  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

  • People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
  • Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the primary way the virus spreads.

contact with contaminated surfaces or objects:

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or possibly eyes, but again, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily the virus spreads:

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while others do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping. The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Source: CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/transmission.html

What are L4 Properties doing to help protect residents, associates, and visitors?

  • We have re-educated our teams on the appropriateness of infection prevention measures, which are a part of how we operate on a daily basis.
  • We have suspended planned or sponsored group outings (with the exception of healthcare-related visits).
  • We are restricting visitors and non-essential health personnel from our communities, except in end-of-life situations or pursuant to the guidance of public health officials.
  • We are conducting health screenings on anyone coming into the Community.
  • Additionally, we are doing the following:
    • Ensuring that any of our employees who are sick stay home.
    • Providing regular updates to our teams to answer any and all questions.
    • Taking this very seriously and acting out of an abundance of caution.
    • Reviewing reputable health websites for updates on a daily basis to be able to share the latest news and information.

How will L4 Properties determine when to test residents or associates if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19?

We are closely following CDC and local government official testing guidelines. Source: CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/transmission.html

What does/will the process of testing for the virus look like?

The process is handled on a case-by-case basis, whether testing will happen in a community, a designated clinic testing location, or hospital. Source: CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/transmission.html

Do you have separate rooms and restrooms for residents who show symptoms?

We have procedures in place to isolate residents who show symptoms.

What precautions are you taking to help ensure the virus is not brought into your communities?

To reduce the risk of exposure in our communities, we are currently restricting visitors, except for end-of-life situations or pursuant to the guidance of public health officials.  We are also conducting health screenings on anyone coming into the community. If a confirmed case were to occur, we would continue to act in full compliance with the CDC, local, and state health authorities. We would follow the CDC guidance for confirmed cases in healthcare settings; that guidance includes steps to minimize chances for exposure, adhering to personal protection protocols and managing visitor access.

What if I want to visit a resident in one of your communities?

In an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, all L4 Lifestyles communities have restricted access to visitors. Unless otherwise mandated by public health officials or pursuant to the direction of corporate clinical leadership, the following currently applies to visits in our communities:
  • Healthcare providers are continuing to provide services essential to the health or safety of a resident.
  • Such individuals are subject to screening and their access prohibited if they fail to meet screening criteria.
  • Other visitors are prohibited at this time except for resident visitors in end-of-life situations.
  • We have implemented a plan for virtual visits and encourage FaceTime, Skype, and Google Duo calls to help combat social isolation and loneliness.

What should your residents and employees be doing to stay safe?

First, we want to commend our employees who are on the community frontline of helping to keep our residents safe during this pandemic.
    • Personal Safety Measures:
      • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water for a least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol (if soap and water are not available).
  • Community Safety Measures:
    • Practice social distancing.
    • Updated and enhanced cleaning protocols.
    • Restricting visitor access to end-of-life situations
    • Performing health screenings on associates, permitted visitors and essential third-party providers.
    • Rolling out a “virtual visit” plan, and encouraging video calling tools like FaceTime, Skype, and Google Duo in order to help combat social isolation and loneliness.

Are residents allowed to leave their rooms?

Yes, in most cases, residents are allowed to leave their rooms. We are educating our residents on social distancing and health practices set forth by the CDC and local government officials. In accordance with the recommendations of the CDC, we will ask our residents with respiratory infections or suspected COVID-19 to self-isolate in their rooms for the protection of others in the community.

What is the outing and transportation policy for residents within the communities?

Outings other than to medical appointments are suspended. If the medical appointment is elective, we encourage it to be postponed.

What is the best way for me to stay up-to-date on how an L4 Lifestyles community is responding to the virus?

There are a few ways to stay informed as to what it going on:
  • First, contact the Executive Director of yaour local community.
  • Check the local community social media pages.

Are L4 Lifestyles communities conducting tours?

In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, all L4 Lifestyles communities are offering virtual tours. You can contact your local community to request a tour.

Is L4 Lifestyles accepting move-ins and admissions?

Yes, L4 Lifestyles is accepting move-ins, unless the specific community has been otherwise instructed by public health officials or pursuant to the direction of clinical leadership.

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