Long-Term Care Families and the Public

In a long-term care setting, in order to help protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19, one of the most important things you can do is to make sure you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations.

Remember:

• It’s important to note, that COVID-19 vaccines are effective and safe especially against becoming seriously ill.
• Older adults and people with compromised immune-systems are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.
• You can’t get COVID-19 from COVID-19 vaccines.
• COVID-19 vaccines can help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19.
• Know when to get your booster vaccine: COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters | CDC
• The vaccine is free of charge regardless of health insurance status.
• You can talk to long term care staff to see about getting vaccinated on site.

For changes on visitation guidance and procedures, please be sure to reach out directly to the corresponding facility.

Aligned with CDC Supporting Your Loved Ones in a Long-Term Care Facility (Accessed June 1, 2020)

As part of a commitment to protecting residents, families, and staff from serious illness and complications, LTCFs are continuing to follow guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

During this challenging time, LTCFs are committed to helping residents stay connected with their families and loved ones. Below are some ideas on how to keep in touch, and ways that facilities are supporting communication between residents and their families: 

• TECHNOLOGY for more frequent video chats, emails, text messages, and phone calls. Many LTCFs are teaching residents to use video chat applications (such as Skype and FaceTime) and will help read emails or texts on personal devices if needed.
• CARDS AND LETTERS with messages of support and updates on family members. Facilities can often supply paper, pens, envelopes and postage for residents to easily reply. If needed, many LTCFs will write replies dictated by residents.
• RECORDED VIDEO MESSAGES to share via email or text message, if live-video chatting is not feasible. Facilities may help record outgoing messages and share incoming messages with residents.
• “VISITS” through a glass window or a parade of cars. Many LTCFs will make every effort to ensure residents are able to safely participate if scheduled in advance. 
• VISUALS TO EXPRESS CARE. For example, ribbons around trees or benches, planting  flowers outside, or outdoor posters and banners to show support. Facilities will often work to designate areas to place these visuals and safely take residents outside to show them these symbols of your support.
• CARE PACKAGES that could include items such as photographs, cards, drawings, snacks, and entertainment (such as books, magazines, and puzzles). Facilities may be able to establish a system for care package drop-offs that is safe and does not require entry into the facility. 
• DEDICATIONS on the in-house cable channel and intercom system. Many LTCFs can ‘dedicate’ songs or share anecdotes via the intercom prior to broadcasting a movie or playing music. If your loved one has a favorite song, poem, movie or television show, please let their LTCF know.

(This message can be shared with residents’ family members and potential visitors using this CDC flyer.)