Updated: April 24th, 2020
This post has been updated to reflect several changes as we adapt to new information from the CDC and others. We will continue to update as we learn more.
With the recent outbreak of Coronavirus in the United States, Avista Senior Living has been working hard to ensure that our communities are well prepared. The health and safety of our residents, their loved ones, and our team members is our number one priority. We have been monitoring the virus closely and have taken strict precautions to better protect those who enter our communities.
At this time, we do not have any active cases of Coronavirus in our communities. We know friends in other settings where this is not the case and our hearts go out to all affected. Our nation of healthcare professionals is fighting an unprecedented battle against an invisible enemy. We are hoping for prayer and grace from both the community at large and our families and friends as we continue to protect our residents and team members.
Restrictions and screening
- Only employees, essential health care personnel, and end of life visitors are granted access to the community.
- Trained team members are screening people prior to entering the community.
- Anyone who appears to be symptomatic or fails the screening will not be granted access to the community.
- Team members have had to get creative and use technology to assist our residents in communicating with their loved ones. Multiple forms of visitation have been offered to families and residents: including “window to the world,” phone service, internet, and video chat services.
- Pursuant to recent guidance, we have started symptom screening for residents who live in our communities.
- The Executive Team is providing additional oversight of operational processes to mitigate risk exposure in the community setting.
Canceling communal dining and activity programs
- Following social distancing guidelines and recommendations, we have suspended communal activity programs and dining.
- We are offering free room service and are still having individualized activities
Employee communication and prevention measures
- When in the community, team members must wear a cloth covering or a face mask.
- As guidance changes, a bulletin is sent to team members to further disseminate information and updates.
- Additional training on exposure control, personal protective equipment, national and state trending, and general disease prevention is routinely provided.
- We have engaged the services of a master’s level social worker to provide key coping and stress management techniques and will continue to offer needed support to our team members.
If COVID-19 presents in an Avista community
- While working closely with the Department of Public Health, Avista team members are trained on mitigation processes should a resident or employee test positive for COVID-19.
We appreciate all who are helping to make our communities safer. If anyone needs help with obtaining more information on an Avista community, if you’d like to coordinate visitation with a current resident, or if you have general questions, please contact the executive director. To find a team member or additional resources, visit our Utah or Arizona “Find a Community” pages.
For additional information regarding the disease, please refer to the Center for Disease Control’s website here.
For an updating map of coronavirus in the United States from USA Today, click here.
Credit USA Today