Senior Life Reopening Plan | July 2020
Dear Senior Life Members / Family,
As the region transitions toward a new normal and our area begins to reopen, the Senior LIFE team is doing everything that we can to ensure a quick, easy return for our members. We want to assure you that the health and safety of our members and staff are our top priorities, and we are doing everything that we can to build the best possible experience for all of our members.
In this letter, you will find a plan for the reopening of our centers and an outline for operational changes. Every step that we are taking is in line with federal and state guidelines – including recommendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control. If you have any questions, please contact me or your social worker.
These are unusual times, but by working together, we are certain that the Senior LIFE community can overcome these obstacles and move forward. We dearly miss all of our members, and we cannot wait to welcome you back into the center!
Sincerely,
Executive Director
Reopening
Currently, we hope to reopen the Senior LIFE centers in June 2020. Unfortunately, though, in order to maintain social distancing requirements, only a limited number of members will be allowed in the center at one time.
Visits to the center will be limited, but our inter-disciplinary team (IDT) of medical professionals is working with federal and state guidance to build a plan, which ensures that all members will have appropriate and necessary access. As soon as possible, an IDT staff member will be reaching out to you regarding your individual center attendance. If you have any questions about your schedule or feel that you have an urgent need which requires assistance, you can contact any member of the IDT at any time.
In the meantime, IDT staff will continue to monitor and address all members’ statuses through telephone encounters, home visits, and necessary visits to the clinic or therapy, as has been occurring since services were modified in March 2020. An on-call nurse and primary care provider will also continue to be available at all times to address any needs that arise.
New Transportation Guidelines
For those who use scheduled transportation, all members will be screened for exposure to COVID-19 before boarding the vehicle. This process includes a temperature check and a few, simple questions about COVID-19 symptoms, travel history, and potential contact with the virus. Members who have a temperature above 100.4° F or who may have been exposed to COVID-19 will be required to remain at home.
For those who do not use scheduled transportation, the screening process, including temperature checks and questions about COVID-19 symptoms, travel history, and possible exposure, will take place at the center’s designated screening area. Members who have a temperature above 100.4° F or who may have been exposed to covid-19 will be directed to a separate holding area, and arrangements will be made for them to depart the center safely.
In order to ensure social distancing during transportation, fewer members will be in the vehicle at one time, and members will be seated based on social distancing guidelines.
Vehicles will be cleaned and disinfected routinely according to guidelines, with special attention to frequently touched surfaces. All transportation staff, including drivers, will be wearing PPE, including gloves and a mask.
Masks will be provided to any member who would like one, although they will not be required.
New Center Guidelines
In order to ensure social distancing in the dayroom, only one member will be seated at each table. All activity programming and meal service will also be adapted for social distancing requirements.
Item sharing will be limited to the greatest extent possible. Any items needed to be shared will be disinfected between each use.
Please limit the number of personal belongings that you bring with you to the center. Any necessary personal items will be need to be disinfected before entering the center.
Centers will be cleaned and disinfected routinely according to guidelines, with special attention to frequently touched surfaces. Bathrooms will be cleaned between each use. All center staff will wear masks.
Masks will be provided to any member who would like one, although they will not be required.
Your Health
The most important thing that you can do is to stay at home if experiencing any symptoms of illness related to COVID-19 as stated in current Department of Health (DOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. These symptoms include fever and respiratory symptoms (cough, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath, fast breathing), diarrhea, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, or new loss of taste/smell.
Please notify your Senior LIFE nurse immediately if you have any of these symptoms. Additionally, if you or any of your family members test positive for COVID-19, Senior LIFE should be notified immediately, regardless of whether they are showing any symptoms.
We appreciate your continued communication, collaboration, and flexibility as we navigate these unprecedented challenges together. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions that you may have.
If you have any questions or needs that are not medical, please contact your social worker and they will get an answer for you.
