How PSL is Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic
As the CDC, World Health Organization (WHO), and local health departments continue educate the world on how to stay safe as we continue to live through this COVID-19 pandemic, the following procedures have been implemented throughout Phoenix Senior Living communities:
- Visitation/Tours
- Visitation and tours can be scheduled (based on COVID-19 phases determined by the number of positive cases in the local community’s county)
- Visitation is taking place in designated indoor and outdoor areas of the community only
- Outdoor visits are possible with the use of the SafeHug Window (pictured) when indoor visits are not an option
- CDC recommended screenings and protocols are in place
- All visitors must be 16 years of age or older unless there is an extenuating circumstance approved by the Executive Director of the community.
- Compassionate care and end of life visits can occur during any phase by scheduling directly with the community.
- Healthcare professionals may enter a community to care for our residents once they are screened per CDC guidelines and wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Vendor access to communities is limited
- New resident move-ins and returning residents
- All new residents scheduled to move into a community will receive a COVID test
- Any resident returning to a community will be screened according to CDC guidelines which may be subject to a 14-day quarantine and a COVID test
- Associates
- Associates who (i) had contact with anyone having COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 14 days without PPE and/or (ii) present Coronavirus symptoms must stay home for a period of 10-days or more to ensure that symptoms subside during the stated incubation period
- Associates who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are instructed to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C] or greater using an oral thermometer) and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants)
- Associates should notify their supervisor immediately if experiencing any of these conditions
- COVID testing
- Testing at each community is based on the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) and local Department of Health guidelines and recommendations.
- A Clinical task force is in place to monitor and track all symptomatic residents and associates company wide.
The health and wellness of our residents, caregivers, families, and staff in Phoenix Senior Living communities is our highest priority. Phoenix executives and managers remain in close communication with the respective Boards of Health and other public health officials to make informed, operational decisions. Phoenix Senior Living will continue to follow the guidance from the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to implement health recommendations and share updated information with our PSL team as it becomes available.
We have established an internal task force to advise and guide our community’s preparedness and prevention which includes the following actions:
- Implementing ongoing infection control training to staff
- Monitoring briefings from state and federal health officials and following their recommendations
- Inventorying and monitoring PPE and placing orders to prevent anticipated shortages
- Receiving ongoing guidance and education from public healthcare professionals with current information about the status of the disease and precautionary measures
- Implementation of precautionary measure protocols including pre-screening, restricting visitor and vendor access to our communities, and appropriate quarantine measures in certain instances
- Increasing our communities cleansing and providing preventative care resources as suggested through CDC guidelines
Phoenix Senior Living continues to implement proactive measures limiting the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and minimizing risk to residents, employees, and families. We thank our associates for their commitment and dedication to our residents and teammates as we navigate through this pandemic.
Media Updates
For more information on how Phoenix Senior Living is responding to COVID-19, please refer to the following updates…
March 12, 2021 (Updated visitation protocols)
January 8, 2021 (Vaccination FAQ)
October 10, 2020
April 24, 2020
March 30, 2020
March 27, 2020
March 25, 2020
March 20, 2020
March 17, 2020
March 16, 2020
March 14, 2020
March 13, 2020
Prevention
Currently, no vaccine is available to prevent the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. As a reminder, the CDC always recommends daily preventative actions to help stop the spread of respiratory diseases. We are emphasizing the following guidance with our communities and valued team members. These are important steps for all families as recommended by health officials including the World Health Organization:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (especially after eating, using the bathroom, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing). Hand sanitizer that has an alcohol content of 60% or greater can also be used if soap and water are not readily available.
- Maintain social distancing – at least six feet from anyone who is coughing or sneezing
- Wear mask/facial covering
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Practice respiratory hygiene (cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze then discard tissue immediately)
- Keep surfaces sanitized that are frequently touched (sinks, door handles, faucets, desks, etc.)
-
- Do not report to school or work if you are ill
- If you experience symptoms, get medical care early!
Helpful Links
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (updated Monday through Friday at noon)
Argentum
American Seniors Housing Association
Leading Age
.