Keeping our communities safe and healthy
is our highest priority

The health and wellness of our residents and caregiving associates remain our number one priority. 

We have received clear guidance from each state’s health department and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on regathering for the especially vulnerable. In accordance with this guidance, we have developed a testing plan and a comprehensive strategy for moving our communities through a phased approach to reopening in a safe and responsible manner. Testing outcomes will guide decisions and facilitate re-gathering and relaxing some restrictions. 

1. How are you protecting my loved one?

We are asking all Christian Horizons residents and associates to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19 by:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
• Practicing social distancing and avoiding close contact
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throwing the tissue in the trash
• Avoiding touching your face (eyes, nose, and mouth)
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Staying home if you are sick
  

Further, we are using isolation standards and protective equipment as guided by the CDC.

We are restricting all visitors and have set up drop off locations for deliveries that keep vendors from entering our community as much as possible. Please continue to reach out to your loved one through letters, emails, phone calls and care packages.

We ask that each resident, if possible, use a mask or cover their nose and mouth with tissues (utilizing visual aids to assist in following these procedures).

2. Should families who are worried move their loved ones out of skilled nursing centers or assisted living communities?

No. Moving the elderly or frail is risky and often has long-lasting impacts. Research around natural disasters and other emergency events have proven this over time. The CDC does not currently recommend transferring residents either home or to the hospital.

3. How can families communicate with their loved one at your communities?

Separated by a plexiglass barrier, a special headphone system with accompanying microphones allow families to easily talk with loved ones as if they were right in the room with them while wearing masks and still maintaining safe distances. Conversation station visitors must follow mask policies and guidelines, have an appointment and follow screening requirements. Contact your local community to plan your visit. Family members can still connect with their loved ones by using FaceTime through community iPads or their own personal devices, calling, texting or checking in on social media. 

4. How concerned are you for skilled nursing center or assisted living residents? 

We know that the frail and elderly are especially susceptible to this virus. That’s why we are in close communication with our local health departments, CDC and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure we have the latest information and resources available and have implemented all measures to detect, respond and contain the virus.

5. How will you communicate with me if my loved one is diagnosed with COVID-19?

We will follow our processes for change-of condition communication directly to the identified family member or the person with power of attorney in the resident’s health record. We will also notify the local public health department per regulation. 

6. What if a confirmed case were to occur at a CH community?

We are prepared to report and manage the virus in our community following all recommendations and guidelines of the CDC, local and state health authorities to ensure we are taking the appropriate steps to detect, respond, and contain the virus minimizing exposure. 

To isolate positive residents, contain the virus and prevent spread in our community, we have a dedicated unit for impacted or suspected COVID-19 residents. Our plan includes: 

• Physical plant modifications with a dedicated entrance and exit
• Medical supplies, equipment and PPE
• Restrooms and break areas for associates
• Extensive cleaning and sanitizing protocols and room safety checks
• Dedicated staffing plan with assigned team leader and associates
• Advanced COVID-19 clinical treatment protocols and communication training
• Enhanced infection control protocols

7. What is the safest way to show affection, hug during COVID-19?

Since COVID-19 and recommended social distancing the way we connect, and express affection has changed. Of the many things we miss from our pre-pandemic lives, hugging may top the list. Keeping a 6 feet distance, using a fist bump, and replacing hugs with air-fives all seem like small things, but this preventative precaution has had disproportionate impact on how the virus spreads. 

In a recent New York Times article, scientists who have studied airborne viruses offer the safest way to hug during a viral outbreak. With the highest risk of viral exposure at the start of the hug, wearing a mask is important, as is hand washing, because there’s a low risk of picking up the virus from another person’s hands, skin or clothes.

Here are the Do’s and Don’ts of hugging based on the advice of Dr. Marr and other experts.

• Don’t hug face to face
• Don’t hug cheek to cheek, facing the same direction
• Do hug facing opposite directions
• Do let children/grandchildren hug you around the knees or waist
• Do kiss your children/grandchildren on the back of the head

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8. Where can I find trusted CH COVID-19 Information?

An information line to address concerns and provide updates regarding COVID-19 has been established for each Christian Horizons community. Email us at informationline@chliving.org or visit ChristianHorizonsLiving.org regularly for the latest updates, information and useful links. Additionally, we are using a new automated messaging service to deliver our daily community COVID-19 report to priority contacts in compliance with CMS and state Department of Health guidelines. Those without texting capability will receive the report by phone or email. To ensure you get community information alerts, make sure we have the most up-to-date contact information and preferences.