Premier Senior Living Group has re-evaluated all cleaning regimens, protocols and procedures at its facilities around the United States in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), people with underlying health conditions like heart disease, lung disease or diabetes are more susceptible to the virus, so it’s crucial that senior living providers take accountability – and action – to protect its residents. We’re proud to announce that our communities are one of the safest places for seniors right now – and we’d love to tell you why.
Limiting Visitors
PSLG communities are currently limiting visitors, based on guidelines set forth by the CDC and the Department of Health (DOH) state by state and county by county, said Sheri Steele, PSLG’s Chief Marketing Officer and Director of business development. The group gets real-time updates from federal, state and local authorities and can adjust policies and procedures as things change.
Steele said another important safety precaution is a proper screening of personnel.
“At our communities, every staff member and essential service provider is screened each time they enter,” she said.
Members of the PSLG team responsible for making key decisions concerning the pandemic include Gregg Calvert, PSLG’s Chief Operating Officer; Carol Krueger, National Director of clinical and quality services; Sara Cataldo, DVP of Operations; and Steele.
Social Distancing
Premier Senior Living Group communities have implemented new processes, procedures and communication, Steele said. Part of the process included adjusting some traditional services and amenities to adhere to new local, state and federal guidelines.
“It adds an additional layer of information, security and protection that living at home alone simply cannot,” Steele said.
Steele said changes included moving meals from a communal dining room to more distanced dining, staggered dining times, and, in some instances, on-demand dining. Adjustments were also made to activity time so residents can continue their productive endeavors in a safe environment.
Hospital-Grade Cleaning Supplies
All PSLG communities are now using hospital-grade antiviral disinfectant not available to the public, Steele said. To be considered “hospital grade,” the disinfectant must be registered by the EPA for use in clinics, dentist offices, hospitals and other medical facilities. It commonly targets microorganisms found in healthcare.
Steele said strict cleaning schedules are maintained at all communities on hourly, shift and daily cleaning regiments.
Communities also have exclusive access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like face coverings, gloves, hand sanitizer and toilet paper – even if supplies run short at the local grocery store. In addition to emergency PPE kits, facilities are also fully stocked with other necessities like medical gowns and thermometers, Steele said.
“As we all know, most – if not all – these items become increasingly difficult for the public to purchase,” she said. “Our PPE is stocked well in advance of any pandemic or isolation and standard precautions as needed.”
Delivery of Meds
Another step that helps patients is the delivery of necessary medicines. All meds are delivered on a daily schedule and as needed for new orders and admissions, Steele said. The pharmacy will deliver any order written by the resident physician.
Improved Move-In Procedures
Just because there’s a pandemic doesn’t mean seniors aren’t in need of medical care, Steele said. The group has never stopped accepting new guests during the pandemic.
At PSLG, every staff and essential worker follows up-to-the-minute CDC and DOH guidelines.
“Our community is one of the safest places to be right now,” Steele said. “We are here to protect our seniors.”
PSLG accepts admissions from homes, hospitals, emergency rooms and skilled nursing facilities for patients in need of continuing care, meals, social interaction, physical therapy and other medical needs. According to Steele, socialization is important during the pandemic and making sure no one is left alone.
Steele said most new residents are required to quarantine in their new apartment for the first 14 days upon admission. Residents must also have negative results on both a TB test and a COVID-19 test.
“We have been very fortunate to have limited cases test positive,” Steele said.
According to Steele, admissions are returning to their normal monthly volume after the pandemic caused a lull in new admissions earlier in the year. According to Steele, the letup was initially over concerns about COVID-19.
“In the spring and summer months, we had families wanting to take their loved ones home,” she said.
Now that more is known about the virus and additional steps have been taken at care facilities, caring family members are anxious to get some help.
“Some families simply cannot continue to care for their loved ones at home for the long term,” Steele said. “We offer a safe environment with enriching activities, fellowship, meals and meds that ensure our residents are taken care of emotionally, physically, spiritually and cognitively. We work closely to understand the needs of our seniors – and we take pride in that.”
