Industry Specific CDC Guidance: Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities

The novel coronavirus that has swept the globe and become a devastating pandemic has perhaps ravaged the elder community and nursing homes more than any other population. As many states move into reopening phases, new industry-specific guidelines are being released to ensure that the workers and those living at these long-term care facilities can remain safe and protected at all times.

Here is an update on some of the key guidelines.

Long-Term Care Facilities & Nursing Homes: COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

Accurate Reporting & Dedicated On-site Management

One of the most important things the CDC is asking from all long-term care facilities that cater to the aging population is that they accurately report any illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths that occur as a result of COVID-19 infections. These accurate accounts are critical in disease tracking and understanding what populations are most affected. They are also enforcing that long-term care facilities have a properly trained and dedicated staff member that oversees all of the appropriate rules that are being followed on site for safety and sanitation.

More Frequent Testing

In order to maintain low infection rates and stop the spread, more frequent testing should be done to identify someone who may be ill before they are able to spread germs throughout the high traffic and densely populated long-term care facilities. Offering screening tests for all faculty and staff on a daily basis is necessary.

Virtual Communications Technologies

Strict visitation rules to stop the spread are also challenging those families with someone staying at these long-term care facilities. Initial reopen guidelines limit visitations from outsiders and non-necessary appointments outside of the facility to reduce contraction rates. For staff working inside a facility, they must wear face masks at all time and practice safe distancing guidelines. Even after rules become laxer, the need for virtual video communications technologies for meeting with families will alleviate much of the depression, loneliness, and anxiety that is being felt by families as we combat this disease.

Infection control policies and maintaining clean sanitary conditions go hand in hand with stopping the spread of disease in this vulnerable population. If you are a healthcare provider, nursing home or long-term care facility looking for assistance with disposal of medical waste, call Red Bags today!

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