The fact is that assisted-living residents are much safer living in our communities than they would be living by themselves with the physical and cognitive impairments that characterize most of those we care for.
Assisted-living residences are as well prepared as other settings to combat the presence of the new coronavirus (“Assisted-Living Facilities Draw Scrutiny,” The Coronavirus Pandemic, April 6). With the emergence of Covid-19, assisted-living providers have carefully followed the specific recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and have overwhelmingly gone beyond this guidance to implement safe containment plans that protect residents and staff. Assisted living continues to work cooperatively with the various agencies that are helping us navigate this pandemic, including the CDC, state departments of health and other agencies that provide quality oversight of assisted living.
Across our memberships, residences are monitoring and screening all visitors and staff to minimize the likelihood that someone with the virus gains entry. We have implemented enhanced disinfection protocols and are doing everything within our power to procure supplies such as disposable and washable personal protective equipment, approved cleaning agents, disposable dishware and testing kits to allow us to identify and quickly isolate those who are infected with the virus. Unfortunately, it has been virtually impossible for assisted-living providers to access fast-acting testing kits because we haven’t been prioritized for these lifesaving tools.
The fact is that assisted-living residents are much safer living in our communities than they would be living by themselves with the physical and cognitive impairments that characterize most of those we care for. While Covid-19 is present everywhere, those working on the front lines of assisted living are dedicated to being part of the solution to this crisis.
James Balda
Argentum
Alexandria, Va.
David S. Schless
American Seniors Housing Assn.
Washington
