Long-term care facilities to benefit from new executive order

The September 15, 2020 executive order from the Governor’s office is providing a pathway for long-term care facilities like skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities to engage in additional activities including family visitations. Long-term care facilities have borne the brunt of  COVID-19 infections and fatalities and a measured approach to a gradual reopening is welcome news to facilities and families alike.

The order recognizes that facilities in various parts of the state have widely different experiences with COVID.

Prior to relaxing restrictions, long-term care facilities must consider their own case status, and within their local community. They must provide a written plan to support their reopening which details their procedures for things like infection control and mitigation. They will be required to have a written plan for testing both staff and residents, staffing, and their access to adequate levels of PPE

A three phased approach

The new executive order provides guidelines for visitation from family as well as non-essential healthcare personnel, resident trips outside the facility for non-medically necessary reasons, communal dining, group activities and salon and gym access.

At Hurley Elder Care Law, we have first-hand experience with the negative impact of the lengthy isolation on our clients who live in long-term care facilities.  Keeping the safety of residents and staff at the center of a phased reopening is a good first step on our road back to normal.   For more information on isolation and loneliness, check out our video blog with helpful tips from our care coordination team.

Reach out to us at 404-843-0121 with additional questions