Actions to Take During Pandemic for Assisted Living Facilities

Overseeing an assisted living facility comes with difficult responsibilities – especially during a pandemic. You have been tasked with evaluating your current cleaning and disinfecting protocols and procedures, ensuring that the staff, residents, and guests are as safe as possible from infectious disease while keeping up with other projects.

The CDC recommends routinely clean and disinfect touched surfaces – doorknobs, light switches, counter-tops, etc. with cleaners that your facility typically uses. It is important to use all cleaning products according to the directions on the label. If a COVID-19 case is discovered at your facility, it is crucial to follow strict infection control procedures.

Per the CDC, it is highly recommended that administrators and other personnel take the following actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their community or facility: 

Promote social distancing – cancel group activities, limit visitors, alter schedules, etc. 

Support residents in preparing – identify staff and patient needs, and work with them to tailor strategies to fit their needs.

Monitor for cases and act when someone is sick – screen workers, volunteers, and patients. If you suspect a COVID-19 case, then work with local health authorities.

It is important to encourage staff, volunteers, patients and guests to take everyday preventive actions to prevent the spread of illness – staying home when sick, appropriately coverings coughs and sneezes, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and washing hands often with soap and water. 

If a staff member or patient at facility exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 – fever and respiratory symptoms (shortness of breath, new or change in cough) then administrators should work with local health authorities to establish procedures for those who become sick. If sick, avoid contact with others. If you believe someone has COVID-19, then ask the person to self-isolate and contact local health officials. It is important to work with the local health authorities there is a case of COVID-19 in your facility. Clean and disinfect all shared facilities and high-touch surfaces. CDC has a full interim guidance for facilities with COVID-19. 

How System4 Can Help You

System4 Facilities Services Management is an industry leader in commercial cleaning and disinfecting services. We specialize in creating custom solutions to fit all facility types – medical , general office, school, etc. . Our vast network of experienced, vetted service providers is well-prepared to support any type or size facility for commercial cleaning, disinfecting, and repair and maintenance services. Whether your facility is seeking a specialty deep cleaning service, or would like to find the right service provider who can ensure a sparkling clean and disinfected environment, we are here to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.