Long-term care facilities provide a variety of services, both medical and personal care, to people who cannot live independently, for example, Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Communities.
Given their congregate nature and resident population served (e.g., older adults often with underlying chronic medical conditions), long-term care facilities’ people are at high risk of being affected by respiratory pathogens like COVID-19.
Since the COVID-19 crisis started in the USA in March of 2020, long-term care facilities have been the center of attention given the high percentage of older adults affected by or dying from COVID-19. In Florida, 83% of coronavirus deaths are people 65 and older.
Long-term care facilities have been under a strict visitation restriction order, and they have adopted stern Infection Prevention and Control Policies to mitigate and manage the spread of COVID-19 to protect their residents and healthcare workers.
We are aware that current conditions of visitation restriction and the changes done in the way residents live, eat, and socialize in these facilities have led to isolation and lack of activity contributing to depression among residents.
As the community slowly opens long-term care facilities, wonder, is it possible to return to normal in a long-term environment?
The quick answer to a very complicated question is no, but here it is when we realize how moments of crisis pushes us to be our best self. At Residential Plaza at Blue Lagoon, they are continually searching for ways to find a new normal. Nowadays, residents enjoy activities in a scheduled, small group setting allowing physical exercise while maintaining safe social distancing, ensuring other infection control procedures remain in place, like wearing facemasks. “At Residential Plaza, we are being cautious and ensuring that the activities implemented are safe and consistent with federal, state, and local agency guidelines,” said Lizbeth Valladares, Social Services Department Director.
Residential Plaza encourages its residents to live meaningful lives despite challenging circumstances. Residential Plaza is welcoming new admissions. Visit www.residentialplaza.com for more information.
