Keeping residents safe during a global health pandemic

Since March, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on nearly every person’s life across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), older adults have the highest risk of contracting the virus—especially those over the age of 75. With the senior community being especially at risk, the personal care home industry has taken extra precautions and made extreme adjustments to their practices. 

Heather Glen Senior Living has adopted several new guidelines for the health and safety of our staff, residents and their families, and we will continue to follow these guidelines for the foreseeable future. We detail the precautions we’re taking at Heather Glen below and touch on the benefits of choosing our community during the pandemic.

#1: Hospital grade disinfectant spray used throughout the community on contact surfaces, twice daily seven days per week 

While our community has always prioritized cleanliness, COVID-19 has brought a new level of attention to our sanitization practices. Following CDC recommendations, we clean any and all frequently-touched surfaces and shared areas with hospital-grade disinfectant. This includes tables, counters, chairs, physical therapy or exercise equipment and more. 

#2: Employee temperatures taken prior to the start of all three shifts, seven days per week 

A high temperature is one of the first signs of a COVID-19 infection, even if the person doesn’t have any other symptoms. By taking employee temperatures prior to each shift, we can negate the risk of an asymptomatic employee entering the community and spreading to other staff or residents. 

#3: Residents temperatures taken, three times per day seven days per week 

As mentioned above, taking temperatures can help detect an early warning of a COVID-19 infection. 

#4: Additional hand sanitation stations throughout the community 

While hand sanitizer was already available before the pandemic, we’ve increased the number of stations to encourage good hand hygiene practices. We use CDC-recommended, alcohol-based sanitizer made with at least 60% alcohol. 

#5: Masks worn at all times by all staff

The CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially during close interaction. Masks act as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people. All staff members at Heather Glen are masked up at all times. 

#6: Training received by Lehigh Valley Health Network on proper N95 mask fitting

Besides requiring masks be worn, we made sure that our staff was knowledgeable on how to wear N95 masks to maximize the effectiveness. 

#7: Increased housekeeping services and staff with increased sterilization done 

In addition to the previously mentioned sanitation protocols, we’ve also increased our housekeeping services and staff members. With more rigorous requirements, residents and their families can be rest assured that our community is as sterile as physically possible. 

#8: Scheduled and observed family visitations in designated areas, with masks required 

While we always look forward to our residents’ families and friends coming for a visit, we are taking their best interest to heart by requiring scheduled and observed visits. All visits must be done in areas we’ve designated to ensure sanitation practices, and masks are required to be worn by all visitors. Also, we are instructing visitors to postpone their visits after exposure, potential exposure or the showing of any symptoms of COVID. 

#9: Air Purification UR lights system added 

For years, UV lights have been installed in HVAC systems to help kill mold, viruses and other bacteria. Heather Glen has invested in this technology to prevent bacteria from spreading throughout the air in our community, thus improving the air quality and overall cleanliness. 

Moving your loved one into a personal care home can be scary enough as it is, without the added pressure of a global health pandemic. But by trusting the community you choose to do everything in their power to keep their residents safe and healthy, you can be more comfortable with your decision. As the premier community in Lehigh Valley, Heather Glen Senior Living has gone above and beyond in the fight against COVID-19. To learn more about our precautions, the services we offer and how we always strive for resident wellness, contact us today.