By Camelia Juarez
As more events and schools shut down to follow social distancing and prevention protocols, the most vulnerable group, the elderly, are living in close quarters in assisted living centers around Hays County.
“Given their congregate nature and residents served (e.g., older adults often with underlying chronic medical conditions), nursing home populations are at the highest risk of being affected by COVID-19,” according to the CDC website page about nursing homes.
The Hays Free Press has called several assisted living centers and few have responded, but most are following strict CDC guidelines.
The first preventative measure is visitor restrictions. Currently, Buda Oaks is screening visitors about their recent international travel history and all guests must agree to have their temperature checked. If their temperature is above 99 degrees or they are showing signs of a respiratory illness, they will not be allowed in the living center due to the possible risk of infection.
The CDC advises family members to consider postponing visitation or using alternative methods of visitation like Skye for the next couple of months.
In addition to guests being screened, so will staff. Before every shift Buda Oaks staff members are required to get their temperature checked. If their temperature is above 99 degrees, they will be sent home for two weeks or 14 days.
It is not clear if staff will receive paid time off.
A Buda Oaks representative assured The Hays Free Press that all residents will also have their temperature checked regularly. The Hays Free Press has not been able to contact corporate and learn more about what will happen if the resident has a high fever.
The CDC encourages family members of older adults, prone to the virus, to know what kind of medications your loved one needs and help them get extra on hand, stock up on medical supplies such as oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care.
If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently and know the protocol if there is an outbreak.
Deer Creek of Wimberley sent the following statement that they have reviewed and will continue to follow CDC guidelines.
“We have been closely monitoring the situation and have reviewed the latest information provided by the Centers for Disease Control, the American Health Care Association, local health
departments, and the Society for Post-Acute and Long Term Care Medicine.
We are using those protocols and the latest-available information to develop education and tools for the Centers related to the Coronavirus or COVID 19. We are screening our vendors and staff to be sure that they are safe to be in the Centers. We are also adhering to guidance from State and Federal governments regarding visitation protocols, restrictions and exceptions.
Furthermore, we are keeping in regular contact with our suppliers and vendors, as well as our
pharmacy providers to ensure the Centers have access to supplies and medications necessary to care for the residents and patients they have the privilege to serve.”
Sodalis in Buda emailed the following to the newspaper office on Thursday:
“Due to extreme risk of COVID-19 our community is on lock down until further notice. We will not be accepting any visitors.”
The Hays Free Press is reminding readers to do their part in this global issue and be self-aware of any of the following symptoms of respiratory infection, including COVID-19:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
If you have any of the symptoms, please contact a health care provider to monitor your symptoms and stay home as much as possible.
