With Central New York in Phase Three, AARP says it wants senior living facilities to open its doors to visitors. But local senior healthcare executives are proceeding with caution.
“Now that we’ve opened up restaurants, and bars, and stores, I’m watching and waiting, just to see how that works out,” said Loretto CEO Kim Townsend. “Our employees are out in the community. Really, that’s how it gets into the building.”
New York is still barring visitors from assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. Loretto is investing in virtual meetings. AARP says online communication keeps families in the dark when it comes to resident health. New York requires facilities to inform the community about a positive case of COVID-19 within 24 hours. Townsend says between the website and hundreds of calls each day, her facilities are transparent.
“There’s no substitute for being able to be with your loved one, to give them a hug. It’s critically important that our residents feel that their families are accessible to them, and the support that they provide.”
Loretto is preparing for guests under social distancing restrictions, and as soon as the state allows guests they’ll be ready. But Townshend says her centers are misguided in the process.
“What’s challenging is the conflicting guidance from CDC [Center for Disease Control and Prevention], to CMS [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services], to New York State Department of Health. Sorting out which directives you follow.”
Townsend reminds residents that they are free to leave the facilities whenever they want, but recommends that they shelter in place. She believes excursions would slow the re-opening process, and jeopardize the rest of the center.