COVID-19 protocols at senior living facility centers

COVID numbers continue to spike along the Coast, leaving those in nursing homes, personal care homes, assisted living homes, and intermediate care facilities wondering if they will have to revert back to the COVID-19 protocols that were put in place at the start of the pandemic.

When the pandemic first hit, seniors were not allowed to leave the facility or interact with family members.

Once the vaccinations were administered, the centers for Medicare and Medicaid services allowed senior care facilities to ease up on restrictions, letting patients have visitors and allowing seniors to feel a sense of normalcy.

Now that the delta variant is spreading, many senior facilities are cracking down on their safety protocols once again.

News 25 spoke with the Wellness and Community Relations Director at the Claiborne at Gulfport Highlands to see what safety measures and protocols they are taking to keep their seniors and staff safe. “Our community has many measures to ensure a safe and healthy environment. We screen all staff and guests upon entry into the community. We also monitor residents up to three times daily for any signs and symptoms and any signs and symptoms are immediately reported to management.”

The Claiborne at Gulfport Highlands says although they do not require COVID vaccinations, they suggest everyone within their facility get the vaccine.

They do require everyone to wear a mask at all times and visitors are required to fill out a COVID questionnaire.