On June 26, 2020, the California Dept. of Social Services issued new guidance on recommended mitigation measures and reopening strategies for assisted living. The DSS announced facilities can begin easing restrictions for visitations, communal dining and activities, given daily resident and staff screening, physical distancing and use of face coverings. Here are the details on each:
1. Visitations: Visits by family members are allowed if there is no current transmission of COVID-19 for 14 days within the facility. Visits are permitted in large communal spaces or outdoor areas where there is 6 feet or more of physical distancing. Face coverings and infection control monitoring is required. The number of visitors is limited and must be scheduled in advance.
2. Communal Dining: Communal dining can be reintroduced if persons can remain at least 6 feet apart, shifts are instituted to limit the number of people in the dining area at any one time, and face coverings are worn before and after dining.
3. Activities: DSS acknowledges that activities should be encouraged to maintain a person’s physical and mental health. The new guidance allows for socialization in common areas where social distancing is possible, small group activities, and programs offered in a staggered fashion with sign-up sheets to limit participants.
Every community is implementing these new guidelines differently. To find out what’s happening at an individual property, give Assisted Living Locators a call at 310-853-8282 to learn more.
Assisted Living Locators Los Angeles owner Sarah Ordover is one of LA’s top senior living advisors. Certified in dementia care, Sarah is a trained aging specialist who holds an RCFE assisted living administrators license. Sarah thoughtfully guides families through the senior living decision-making process, helping them find the best solution for their loved ones. Call Sarah at 310-853-8282 for a consultation. Assisted Living Locators is free to clients.
