Residents in long-term care facilities are among the most vulnerable populations for contracting severe cases of COVID-19. They were the first group to feel the impacts of the pandemic, as the virus swept through facilities at rapid rates before anyone really understood just how serious the coronavirus was going to be. The close quarters and shared spaces in assisted living facilities make it difficult to adequately quarantine or social distance, two of the steps needed to halt the spread. An important measure in ALF risk management is to ensure every resident is vaccinated as quickly as possible. Here are steps your clients can take to prepare their nursing home inhabitants for receiving their COVID vaccines.
Encourage and Engage Residents
Occupants in long-term care facilities should all be encouraged to get their COVID vaccines as soon as possible. These vaccinations are key to saving lives and returning to normal activities in and out of ALFs. Let your clients know that they can encourage their residents and engage them in regular conversations about COVID immunization. They should regularly point out that this measure is safe and effective, with few side effects. As part of vaccination risk management for assisted living facilities, your clients should talk about the vaccine and the process well ahead of scheduled clinics so that residents and families know what to expect.
Provide Residents and Families With Information
Nursing home inhabitants and their families must be provided with accurate and sufficient information regarding COVID vaccines. Your clients may have to train staff members about what information they should distribute and how to talk about vaccination. While residents are largely receptive to getting their shots, staff have been reluctant, which could have an impact on resident perceptions if caregivers fail to offer accurate information due to their own reluctance. The type of information that staff should give residents include:
- Consent processes: Each individual — or their medical proxy — will need to give consent before receiving the vaccine. Staff needs to document consent in resident charts. Though federal law does not require written consent, some vaccination providers do. LTCF staff needs to be prepared to obtain written consent if it’s required.
- Emergency Use Authorization Fact Sheet: Nursing home staff should inform residents and family members that they’ll receive a EUA Fact Sheet explaining benefits and risks before receiving their vaccination. They’ll also be provided with a shot record that identifies which vaccine they received and on what date they received it.
- What to expect after vaccination: Lastly, your clients need to make sure that their residents and family members know what to expect after vaccination. This includes any changes in policy and procedures. Everyone needs to be aware that ALF risk management requires that the nursing home continues to follow Centers for Disease Control guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19.
About Connected Risk Solutions
At Connected Risk Solutions, we use our expertise and experience to provide insurance information and programs to those who serve long-term care and senior living facilities. Since 2007, we’ve been offering insurance and risk management plans designed to help our agents give their clients the ability to achieve continued growth while simultaneously protecting against loss, containing costs and increasing profitability. With three offices to serve you in Chicago, Illinois; Phoenix, Arizona; and Burlington, Connecticut, we do everything we can to make your experience with us as professional and transparent as possible. To learn more, contact us at (877) 890-9301.
