FALA Media Coverage
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Only 30% of Long-Term Facility Staff in State Want COVID-19 Vaccine, Data Show
February 2, 2021 WFTV Click here for full story. Florida's Nursing Home, Assisted Living Staff Members Hesitant About COVID-19 Vaccine February 3, 2021 WEAR Click here for full story. Only 35% of Staff in Florida Long-Term Care Facilities are Getting Vaccinated February 4, 2021 WKMG Click here for full story. Apopka Assisted Living Facility Finally Receives Coronavirus Vaccine February 4, 2021 FOX 35 Orlando Click for full story. Majority Of Employees In Florida’s Assisted Living Facilities Decline COVID-19 Vaccinations January 30, 2021 WUWF Click for full story. UPDATE: Breaking down the cost of vaccinating Florida’s long-term care facilities January 28, 2021 WFTV Click for full story. Nearly all Florida nursing homes have received COVID-19 vaccines, data shows January 26, 2021 WFTV Click for full story. Some Florida Long-Term Care Facilities Concerned Over Missing COVID-19 Doses January 22, 2021 News 13 Orlando Click for full story. Tampa Bay assisted-living facilities see cases rise. Where’s the vaccine? January 22, 2021 Tampa Bay Times Click for full story. Residents, staff at Fernandina Beach Assisted Living Facility receive 1st dose COVID-19 vaccine January 13, 2021 First Coast News Click for full story. After weeks of waiting, a push to vaccinate Florida’s assisted living facilities January 15, 2021 Miami Herald Click for full story. Picked up from Miami Herald: Bradenton Herald Assisted Living facilities receive COVID-19 vaccinations, some frustrated by slow rollout January 13, 2021 WFTS Click for full story. Frustrated seniors at assisted living homes will get vaccines soon now that state has stepped in January 11, 2021 South Florida Sun-Sentinel Click for full story. |
Long-term care residents feel deceived: They thought they were highest priority for COVID-19 vaccine
January 8, 2021 South Florida Sun-Sentinel Click here for full story. Assisted living facilities receiving scheduling for vaccine clinic dates January 6, 2021 WFTS Click here for full story. Protecting the Vulnerable December 2020 Orlando Family Magazine Click here for full story. Florida Exceeds 21,000 Resident Deaths From COVID-19 December 26, 2020 CBS Miami Click here for full story. Picked up from CBS Miami: The News Service of Florida Florida assisted living facilities given OK to schedule COVID-19 vaccinations December 29, 2020 Tallahassee Democrat Click here for full story. Florida Vaccinates Seniors While Those in Assisted Living Facilities Wait December 30, 2020 Bay News 9 Click here for full story. FALA CEO Speaks Out - Testing Requirements Change for Assisted Living Facilities September 15, 2020 ABC Action News Click here for full story. Florida Community Care Supports Their Senior Living Providers as Well as Florida Communities During COVID-19 by Addressing Food Insecurity July 21, 2020 PRNewswire Click here for full story. Florida Community Care Supports Their Senior Living Providers as Well as Florida Communities During COVID-19 by Addressing Food Insecurity July 21, 2020 PRNewswire Click here for full story. Ageless Grace and TMH help seniors stay mentally, physically active during COVID-19 lockdowns July 6, 2020 WTXL Channing Frampton Click here for full story. Now is not the time to give up on social distancing and masks | Letters June 15, 2020 Tampa Bay Times Click here for full story. Monday’s letters: Salvation Army, law and order, elderly abuse, more June 15, 2020 Sarasota Herald-Tribune Click here for full story. The Ledger Click here for full story. |
Letters on Behalf of Members
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PRESS RELEASE
FALA Connects with Hilton Hotels to Provide Emergency Displacement Housing
Sept 15, 2020
Tallahassee, Fla. – Being prepared for hurricane season means more than just making sure you’re well-stocked on batteries, food and water. It also means having a plan in case you need to evacuate and ensuring you will have a safe and comfortable shelter. As past storms have demonstrated, this is particularly important for those residing in long-term care facilities where operators are tasked with finding suitable alternate housing for dozens of residents in the event that their facility becomes uninhabitable during an emergency or natural disaster.
In order to ensure the safety and continuity of care for residents of assisted living facilities (ALFs) and adult family care homes (AFCHs), the Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA) has connected with Hilton, which may be able to provide shelter in the event any of FALA’s member ALFs or AFCHs are forced to evacuate their residents. FALA represents more than 650 ALFs and AFCHs, as well as nearly 300 associate members who provide products and services.
“Our members and providers throughout the state are required to be prepared to relocate for many different reasons, and hurricanes are a major cause of evacuation. A storm could potentially impact hundreds of our members at the same time,” said FALA CEO Veronica Catoe. “After the 2018 Emergency Environmental Control for Assisted Living Facilities requirements were implemented, additional challenges arose for providers who were accustomed to partnering with other businesses as air-conditioned space became essential. While some providers have always had contracts with hotels for emergencies, the impact of COVID-19 and requirements to ensure social distancing is maintained created the need to partner with a major brand.”
FALA has connected with Hilton to identify hotels operating in Florida under the Hilton portfolio of brands that have the necessary resources to meet ALF requirements. The association has identified more than 60 Hilton hotels in Florida that meet these qualifications and may be able to provide housing and related services in the event of an emergency. ALFs, AFCHs and other long-term care facilities that are faced with the prospect of finding suitable alternate housing for residents due to an emergency or natural disaster can work with this list of qualified hotels to identify a hotel that can accommodate their displaced residents.
“This partnership with Hilton allows our members to easily identify hotels in the areas they may need to evacuate to that have emergency power, easy entry and other amenities that will provide for a pleasant experience during stressful times. No one wants to leave their home, and ALFs and AFCHs are our residents’ homes. We are excited and grateful to Hilton and all of the properties that have signed up to partner with ALFs and AFCHs,” said Catoe.
“Throughout our 101-year history, Hilton has provided hospitality and support to communities in need,” said Cheryl James, director of sales, Hilton Worldwide Sales. “Our collection of Hilton properties is delighted to be an option when a need arises in the state of Florida for the Florida Assisted Living Association’s members.”
About Hilton
Hilton is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. The company’s portfolio includes 18 world-class global brands and an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton Honors®. For more information about Hilton, visit www.hilton.com.
Tallahassee, Fla. – Being prepared for hurricane season means more than just making sure you’re well-stocked on batteries, food and water. It also means having a plan in case you need to evacuate and ensuring you will have a safe and comfortable shelter. As past storms have demonstrated, this is particularly important for those residing in long-term care facilities where operators are tasked with finding suitable alternate housing for dozens of residents in the event that their facility becomes uninhabitable during an emergency or natural disaster.
In order to ensure the safety and continuity of care for residents of assisted living facilities (ALFs) and adult family care homes (AFCHs), the Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA) has connected with Hilton, which may be able to provide shelter in the event any of FALA’s member ALFs or AFCHs are forced to evacuate their residents. FALA represents more than 650 ALFs and AFCHs, as well as nearly 300 associate members who provide products and services.
“Our members and providers throughout the state are required to be prepared to relocate for many different reasons, and hurricanes are a major cause of evacuation. A storm could potentially impact hundreds of our members at the same time,” said FALA CEO Veronica Catoe. “After the 2018 Emergency Environmental Control for Assisted Living Facilities requirements were implemented, additional challenges arose for providers who were accustomed to partnering with other businesses as air-conditioned space became essential. While some providers have always had contracts with hotels for emergencies, the impact of COVID-19 and requirements to ensure social distancing is maintained created the need to partner with a major brand.”
FALA has connected with Hilton to identify hotels operating in Florida under the Hilton portfolio of brands that have the necessary resources to meet ALF requirements. The association has identified more than 60 Hilton hotels in Florida that meet these qualifications and may be able to provide housing and related services in the event of an emergency. ALFs, AFCHs and other long-term care facilities that are faced with the prospect of finding suitable alternate housing for residents due to an emergency or natural disaster can work with this list of qualified hotels to identify a hotel that can accommodate their displaced residents.
“This partnership with Hilton allows our members to easily identify hotels in the areas they may need to evacuate to that have emergency power, easy entry and other amenities that will provide for a pleasant experience during stressful times. No one wants to leave their home, and ALFs and AFCHs are our residents’ homes. We are excited and grateful to Hilton and all of the properties that have signed up to partner with ALFs and AFCHs,” said Catoe.
“Throughout our 101-year history, Hilton has provided hospitality and support to communities in need,” said Cheryl James, director of sales, Hilton Worldwide Sales. “Our collection of Hilton properties is delighted to be an option when a need arises in the state of Florida for the Florida Assisted Living Association’s members.”
About Hilton
Hilton is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. The company’s portfolio includes 18 world-class global brands and an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton Honors®. For more information about Hilton, visit www.hilton.com.
STATEMENT: Reopening of Long-Term Care Facilities
From Veronica Catoe, CEO, Florida Assisted Living Association
On Tuesday, September 1, Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order to end the ban on visitors at long-term care facilities. The ban has been in place since March in an effort to protect some of the state’s most vulnerable residents from COVID-19. Although we understand the importance of allowing visitation, we decry the lack of clear communication, standardized procedures and administrative support.
Confusion among facilities comes from a lack of proactive communication with the impacted businesses prior to statements being released to the general public. This led to an influx of phone calls and requests to providers before they knew what was to be required of them. On top of that, the rule is complicated because it impacts a variety of businesses that are differentiated by their size, location and the types of residents they care for. The rule also allows for essential caregivers to not solely be someone who was providing care before, but includes anyone who wants to provide care now.
Communities could not make preparations without an order. Now that the order has come down, many facilities are trying to finalize policies and procedures, as well as confirm staff trainings and schedules, all while continuing to provide regular care and services. We are working with our members and others to help build the bridge in order to bring residents and families back together as quickly as possible. We are encouraging our members to communicate with their residents and families to decrease confusion and frustration.
Our providers understand the importance of visitation and are fully aware of the impact of visitation being halted. However, our providers were not consulted before the order went into place. Since the pandemic began, providers have been triple checking everything in an effort to protect all residents and staff. The order refocuses this effort, but, the governor has not put any protections in place for facilities against civil liability. Other states have recognized the potential long-term problems and are implementing protections; why isn't our governor? More legal cases, no matter the outcome, will eventually increase insurance rates, even if the claims are not in our state. Insurance rates were already climbing in long-term care centers in Florida before COVID-19. Assisted living facilities in particular have not received any financial relief thus far.
Lastly, it is important for everyone to know that state-funded and required testing in assisted living facilities stopped as of Sunday, September 13, 2020. If facilities want to continue testing both staff and family members, that will be their cost to bear. With an influx of new people entering facilities, the ability to monitor the impact will be diminished.
On Tuesday, September 1, Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order to end the ban on visitors at long-term care facilities. The ban has been in place since March in an effort to protect some of the state’s most vulnerable residents from COVID-19. Although we understand the importance of allowing visitation, we decry the lack of clear communication, standardized procedures and administrative support.
Confusion among facilities comes from a lack of proactive communication with the impacted businesses prior to statements being released to the general public. This led to an influx of phone calls and requests to providers before they knew what was to be required of them. On top of that, the rule is complicated because it impacts a variety of businesses that are differentiated by their size, location and the types of residents they care for. The rule also allows for essential caregivers to not solely be someone who was providing care before, but includes anyone who wants to provide care now.
Communities could not make preparations without an order. Now that the order has come down, many facilities are trying to finalize policies and procedures, as well as confirm staff trainings and schedules, all while continuing to provide regular care and services. We are working with our members and others to help build the bridge in order to bring residents and families back together as quickly as possible. We are encouraging our members to communicate with their residents and families to decrease confusion and frustration.
Our providers understand the importance of visitation and are fully aware of the impact of visitation being halted. However, our providers were not consulted before the order went into place. Since the pandemic began, providers have been triple checking everything in an effort to protect all residents and staff. The order refocuses this effort, but, the governor has not put any protections in place for facilities against civil liability. Other states have recognized the potential long-term problems and are implementing protections; why isn't our governor? More legal cases, no matter the outcome, will eventually increase insurance rates, even if the claims are not in our state. Insurance rates were already climbing in long-term care centers in Florida before COVID-19. Assisted living facilities in particular have not received any financial relief thus far.
Lastly, it is important for everyone to know that state-funded and required testing in assisted living facilities stopped as of Sunday, September 13, 2020. If facilities want to continue testing both staff and family members, that will be their cost to bear. With an influx of new people entering facilities, the ability to monitor the impact will be diminished.
PRESS RELEASE
Assisted Living Facilities to Receive Thousands of Boxes of Donated Produce
Tallahassee, Fla. – While everyone is at risk during the coronavirus health crisis, those living in long-term care facilities, such as assisted living facilities (ALFs), adult family care homes (AFCHs) and nursing homes, are especially endangered due to their advanced ages and existing medical conditions. It is important now more than ever to keep these fragile populations healthy, which begins with access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their preferences and needs.
The Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA), which represents more than 650 ALFs and AFCHs, as well as nearly 300 associate members who provide products and services, has partnered with Independent Living Systems, Independent Community Living Systems and Florida Community Care to provide thousands of pounds of fresh produce to residents in long-term care facilities across the state. Over the summer, FALA will help distribute thousands of boxes of food to seniors in need, thanks to the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program.
The boxes provided through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program contain fresh produce that can feed approximately three residents per item. The USDA is working directly with farmers, ranchers and specialty crop producers to ensure that people have access to fresh food during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This obviously does not meet all of the daily food requirements for our ALF residents, however, it is a considerable step in supplementing the protein and dairy in each meal to assist long-term care providers and save them money when they have had to increase spending due to higher food costs, additional staffing and the requirement for personal protective equipment,” said Veronica Catoe, CEO of FALA.
Deliveries to a central location in each of Florida’s 11 regions will begin within the next two weeks and run throughout July and August. Once a region reaches the minimum order of 1,200 produce boxes, refrigerated semi-trucks carrying the boxes will be directed to designated drop-off locations that are being identified and set up by FALA. ALFs and AFCHs may reserve a food donation with as little as 48 hours’ notice. The produce boxes will be distributed at the designated drop-off locations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the help of fully-protected volunteer teams.
Long-term care providers who are interested in registering their communities for the food donation can visit www.fala.org/food-distribution to sign up. A list of distribution sites, organized by region, is provided below.
The Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA), which represents more than 650 ALFs and AFCHs, as well as nearly 300 associate members who provide products and services, has partnered with Independent Living Systems, Independent Community Living Systems and Florida Community Care to provide thousands of pounds of fresh produce to residents in long-term care facilities across the state. Over the summer, FALA will help distribute thousands of boxes of food to seniors in need, thanks to the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program.
The boxes provided through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program contain fresh produce that can feed approximately three residents per item. The USDA is working directly with farmers, ranchers and specialty crop producers to ensure that people have access to fresh food during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This obviously does not meet all of the daily food requirements for our ALF residents, however, it is a considerable step in supplementing the protein and dairy in each meal to assist long-term care providers and save them money when they have had to increase spending due to higher food costs, additional staffing and the requirement for personal protective equipment,” said Veronica Catoe, CEO of FALA.
Deliveries to a central location in each of Florida’s 11 regions will begin within the next two weeks and run throughout July and August. Once a region reaches the minimum order of 1,200 produce boxes, refrigerated semi-trucks carrying the boxes will be directed to designated drop-off locations that are being identified and set up by FALA. ALFs and AFCHs may reserve a food donation with as little as 48 hours’ notice. The produce boxes will be distributed at the designated drop-off locations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the help of fully-protected volunteer teams.
Long-term care providers who are interested in registering their communities for the food donation can visit www.fala.org/food-distribution to sign up. A list of distribution sites, organized by region, is provided below.
PRESS RELEASE
Florida Assisted Living Association to Help Providers Address Resident Isolation with Ageless Grace Fitness Program
Tallahassee, Fla. – While everyone is at risk during the coronavirus health crisis, congregate living facilities – including assisted living facilities (ALFs), nursing homes, rehab centers, homeless shelters and detention centers – are especially endangered due to proximity and challenges with social distancing. Add to that the advanced ages, fragile natures and existing medical conditions of ALF and nursing home populations and it creates especially frightening and frustrating challenges. One of the most significant challenges these facilities have had to face is resident isolation due to restrictions on visitation and community gatherings.
The Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA), which represents more than 650 ALFs and AFCHs, as well as nearly 300 associate members who provide products and services, is going to help long-term care providers across the state battle resident isolation by offering a free, virtual fitness program. Ageless Grace is a seated exercise program that activates all five functions of the brain and simultaneously addresses all physical skills needed to remain vibrant and functional.
FALA has partnered with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) and certified trainer and educator Marghi McClearn to host four Ageless Grace classes in the month of June. The classes will take place Tuesday, June 16, and Tuesday, June 23, both at 10:30 a.m., and Thursday, June 18, and Thursday, June 25, both at 1:30 p.m. Registration is open to all long-term care providers in the state and there is no cost to participants, thanks to a grant provided to TMH’s Memory Disorder Clinic.
“TMH is proud to offer Ageless Grace programs to community members in the Big Bend and, thanks to this partnership with FALA, across the state of Florida,” said Vicky Rose, the Memory Disorder Clinic coordinator. “Ageless Grace is a wonderful program to keep the mind and body active, which is such a critical component to maintaining a healthy brain.”
Long-term care providers who are interested in registering their communities for the fitness program can visit www.fala.org to sign up. There may be a maximum number of seats available. Participants are not required to attend all classes.
The Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA), which represents more than 650 ALFs and AFCHs, as well as nearly 300 associate members who provide products and services, is going to help long-term care providers across the state battle resident isolation by offering a free, virtual fitness program. Ageless Grace is a seated exercise program that activates all five functions of the brain and simultaneously addresses all physical skills needed to remain vibrant and functional.
FALA has partnered with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) and certified trainer and educator Marghi McClearn to host four Ageless Grace classes in the month of June. The classes will take place Tuesday, June 16, and Tuesday, June 23, both at 10:30 a.m., and Thursday, June 18, and Thursday, June 25, both at 1:30 p.m. Registration is open to all long-term care providers in the state and there is no cost to participants, thanks to a grant provided to TMH’s Memory Disorder Clinic.
“TMH is proud to offer Ageless Grace programs to community members in the Big Bend and, thanks to this partnership with FALA, across the state of Florida,” said Vicky Rose, the Memory Disorder Clinic coordinator. “Ageless Grace is a wonderful program to keep the mind and body active, which is such a critical component to maintaining a healthy brain.”
Long-term care providers who are interested in registering their communities for the fitness program can visit www.fala.org to sign up. There may be a maximum number of seats available. Participants are not required to attend all classes.
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About Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) is a private, not-for-profit community healthcare system committed to transforming care, advancing health and improving lives with an ultimate vision to elevate the standards of healthcare practice, quality and innovation in our region. Serving a 17-county region in North Florida and South Georgia, TMH is comprised of a 772-bed acute care hospital, a psychiatric hospital, multiple specialty care centers, three residency programs, 32 affiliated physician practices and partnerships with other hospitals. For more information about Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, visit www.tmh.org. About Ageless Grace Ageless Grace is a brain and body fitness program based on the science of neuroplasticity, consisting of 21 tools to stay functionally youthful at any age. Ageless Grace is a seated program that can be used as a developmental tool for children, a maintenance tool for adults or a restorative tool for seniors. For more information about Ageless Grace, visit www.agelessgrace.com. |
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PRESS RELEASE
Assisted Living Facilities to Receive 10,000 Donated Masks
Tallahassee, Fla. – Local Emergency Operation Centers throughout Florida have worked to supply personal protective equipment (PPEs) such as masks, gloves and gowns to long-term care facilities who may struggle to obtain them due to national shortages. In the wake of these shortages, many organizations and individuals have stepped up to help with donations of PPEs. This has and will continue to help assisted living facilities (ALFs) and adult family care homes (AFCHs) protect staff members who are working diligently to provide care to residents, while also helping to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA), which represents more than 650 ALFs and AFCHs, as well as nearly 300 associate members who provide products and services, has been able to supply its members with PPEs after receiving several generous donations. 6,000 N95 masks were donated to FALA on May 1 by a client of Lakeland City Commissioner Scott Franklin for facilities in the Lakeland area. Last week, FALA accepted a donation of 1,200 masks from Stanley Healthcare, an associate member.
Earlier this afternoon, FALA accepted its largest donation to date: 10,000 cloth washable masks from associate member UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. These masks will soon be distributed to FALA's more than 650 member facilities, in accordance with their needs. ALFs and AFCHs are at the forefront of serving some of the state’s most fragile, vulnerable and at-risk populations, and FALA is focused on protecting those who live and work in long-term care facilities.
The mask drop off took place Thursday, May 28, at FALA’s headquarters in Tallahassee. Diane Owens, the Marketing and Community Development Manager for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, presented FALA CEO Veronica Catoe with the donated masks. FALA staff members, as well as representatives from UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, also were in attendance.
The Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA), which represents more than 650 ALFs and AFCHs, as well as nearly 300 associate members who provide products and services, has been able to supply its members with PPEs after receiving several generous donations. 6,000 N95 masks were donated to FALA on May 1 by a client of Lakeland City Commissioner Scott Franklin for facilities in the Lakeland area. Last week, FALA accepted a donation of 1,200 masks from Stanley Healthcare, an associate member.
Earlier this afternoon, FALA accepted its largest donation to date: 10,000 cloth washable masks from associate member UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. These masks will soon be distributed to FALA's more than 650 member facilities, in accordance with their needs. ALFs and AFCHs are at the forefront of serving some of the state’s most fragile, vulnerable and at-risk populations, and FALA is focused on protecting those who live and work in long-term care facilities.
The mask drop off took place Thursday, May 28, at FALA’s headquarters in Tallahassee. Diane Owens, the Marketing and Community Development Manager for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, presented FALA CEO Veronica Catoe with the donated masks. FALA staff members, as well as representatives from UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, also were in attendance.
STATEMENT FROM VERONICA CATOE, CEO, FLORIDA ASSISTED LIVING ASSOCIATION
On Saturday, April 18, the Florida Department of Health released a list of long-term care facilities that purports to identify "COVID-19 positive reports in staff and residents ... from March 2, 2020 to date." About 30 of the nearly 700 members of the Florida Assisted Living Association are on that list.
Unfortunately, we have determined that there are numerous errors on the list.
We agree that posting a list such as this is intended to provide critical information that families of residents and community members want and deserve. Releasing this information will go a long way to enhancing confidence and ensuring transparency during this health crisis. However, it is absolutely essential that this information be accurate. From what we have seen so far, this is not the case. We have identified several instances of ALFs that are on the list but have not had a single case of COVID-19 infection. In one instance, an ALF may have been put on the list because a third-party vendor who had visited the facility later tested positive, but there was no transmission of the virus. Third-party health care services to meet the medical needs of residents is another entry point of potential infections in our communities.
While releasing a list of long-term care facilities with cases of coronavirus infection is important, it is even more important that the public can rely on a fully accurate list -- and it is just as important that facilities are not tainted by false identifications. We implore the Department of Health to take every step possible to ensure this list's accuracy.
We also want to express our gratitude for the continued effort of local Emergency Operation Centers throughout Florida which have worked to supply personal protection equipment (PPEs) when facilities struggle to obtain them from state and national shortages. This has and will continue to help us tremendously in protecting our staff members who are working so diligently in providing care to our residents while also helping to prevent community spread of the coronavirus among our residents. Unfortunately, many facilities continue to struggle to keep an adequate supply of PPEs. We hope this will be corrected quickly.
Perhaps the top weapon in this pandemic war is testing – especially now that we know that some people may be infected and communicable but asymptomatic. The limitations on testing have been one of the greatest impediments to keeping COVID-19 out of our long-term care facilities or controlling its spread. We are grateful that the Governor has committed Strike Teams from the National Guard to conduct aggressive testing in areas and at facilities that are particularly at risk. We welcome this attention -- and hope that more will take place quickly across our state.
Unfortunately, we have determined that there are numerous errors on the list.
We agree that posting a list such as this is intended to provide critical information that families of residents and community members want and deserve. Releasing this information will go a long way to enhancing confidence and ensuring transparency during this health crisis. However, it is absolutely essential that this information be accurate. From what we have seen so far, this is not the case. We have identified several instances of ALFs that are on the list but have not had a single case of COVID-19 infection. In one instance, an ALF may have been put on the list because a third-party vendor who had visited the facility later tested positive, but there was no transmission of the virus. Third-party health care services to meet the medical needs of residents is another entry point of potential infections in our communities.
While releasing a list of long-term care facilities with cases of coronavirus infection is important, it is even more important that the public can rely on a fully accurate list -- and it is just as important that facilities are not tainted by false identifications. We implore the Department of Health to take every step possible to ensure this list's accuracy.
We also want to express our gratitude for the continued effort of local Emergency Operation Centers throughout Florida which have worked to supply personal protection equipment (PPEs) when facilities struggle to obtain them from state and national shortages. This has and will continue to help us tremendously in protecting our staff members who are working so diligently in providing care to our residents while also helping to prevent community spread of the coronavirus among our residents. Unfortunately, many facilities continue to struggle to keep an adequate supply of PPEs. We hope this will be corrected quickly.
Perhaps the top weapon in this pandemic war is testing – especially now that we know that some people may be infected and communicable but asymptomatic. The limitations on testing have been one of the greatest impediments to keeping COVID-19 out of our long-term care facilities or controlling its spread. We are grateful that the Governor has committed Strike Teams from the National Guard to conduct aggressive testing in areas and at facilities that are particularly at risk. We welcome this attention -- and hope that more will take place quickly across our state.
PRESS RELEASE
We Must Protect Those Working and Living in Extended-care Facilities
By Veronica Catoe
This is an extraordinary time with extraordinary circumstances – like nothing our country has experienced in more than a century. While we all are at risk during the coronavirus health crisis, congregate living facilities – including extended-care centers such as assisted living facilities (ALFs), adult family care homes (AFCHs) and nursing homes (NHs) – are especially endangered due to challenges with social distancing.
Add to that the advanced ages, fragile natures and existing medical conditions of our ALF, AFCH and NH populations, and it creates especially dangerous, frightening and frustrating challenges. I want to commend the dedicated, hardworking staff of all of Florida’s long-term care facilities for putting themselves at risk to provide the highest possible level of care to residents.
The governor’s decision to release the names of Florida’s NHs, ALFs and other extended-care centers with cases of coronavirus will go a long way to enhance confidence and ensure transparency during this health crisis. This is critical information that families of residents and community members want and need.
When the list was originally released last month, it was fraught with errors. Some long-term care facilities were on the list that should not have been, while others were omitted that should have been included. One facility was listed because a third-party contractor who had previously visited the facility tested positive, even though the contact did not result in any residents or staff testing positive.
This is a “living, breathing” list that is continually being updated. It changes daily due to receiving the results of increased testing, as some cases are resolved, new infections are discovered and infected residents are transferred to hospitals.
Perhaps the top weapon in this pandemic war is testing, especially now that we know that some people may be infected and communicable but asymptomatic. Testing is the only way to know how pervasive coronavirus is and how to measure when the curve flattens. The limitations on testing have been one of the greatest impediments to keeping COVID-19 out of facilities or controlling its spread.
I am grateful the governor has committed Strike Teams from the National Guard – and very recently, a mobile unit – to conduct aggressive testing at long-term care facilities and in areas that are particularly at risk. On May 5, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) issued Emergency Rule 59AER 20-1 requiring testing of all patients transferred from a hospital to any long-term care facility.
I’m glad that, in Florida, the governor and AHCA have made long-term care centers and their residents a priority for testing. I would like to see additional rules issued to mandate the same transfer testing between ALFs and NHs. This will increase protection to the receiving facility’s residents and staff.
As more tests are conducted in general, we will see an increase in cases. It stands to reason that long-term care facilities will be the first places we see numbers increase. This is not necessarily because infection is spreading or because facilities are not doing everything possible to prevent or contain COVID-19. As more people are tested, the number of infected is going to increase everywhere.
During this crisis, immunity from liability has been granted for coronavirus-related actions taken by medical personnel in hospitals, EMTs and others. There has been talk of extending this protection to management and staff of long-term care facilities. I urge support for this initiative.
ALFs, AFCHs and NHs are at the forefront of serving some of our most fragile, vulnerable and at-risk populations. Sometimes, caregivers must take steps that go beyond normal routines and procedures. In addition, given that some caregivers and residents may be infected but asymptomatic, there may be instances where it is impossible to protect others from infection.
While we’re all fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, we can’t also have a lawsuit epidemic. Operators of long-term care facilities working in good faith need a safe harbor. I hope all vital healthcare professionals will be protected from legal exposure, outside of gross negligence, during this challenging time.
Veronica Catoe is the chief executive officer for the Florida Assisted Living Association, which represents more than 650 assisted living facilities and adult family care homes, as well as nearly 300 associate members who provide products and services. She can be reached at veronica@fala.org.
Add to that the advanced ages, fragile natures and existing medical conditions of our ALF, AFCH and NH populations, and it creates especially dangerous, frightening and frustrating challenges. I want to commend the dedicated, hardworking staff of all of Florida’s long-term care facilities for putting themselves at risk to provide the highest possible level of care to residents.
The governor’s decision to release the names of Florida’s NHs, ALFs and other extended-care centers with cases of coronavirus will go a long way to enhance confidence and ensure transparency during this health crisis. This is critical information that families of residents and community members want and need.
When the list was originally released last month, it was fraught with errors. Some long-term care facilities were on the list that should not have been, while others were omitted that should have been included. One facility was listed because a third-party contractor who had previously visited the facility tested positive, even though the contact did not result in any residents or staff testing positive.
This is a “living, breathing” list that is continually being updated. It changes daily due to receiving the results of increased testing, as some cases are resolved, new infections are discovered and infected residents are transferred to hospitals.
Perhaps the top weapon in this pandemic war is testing, especially now that we know that some people may be infected and communicable but asymptomatic. Testing is the only way to know how pervasive coronavirus is and how to measure when the curve flattens. The limitations on testing have been one of the greatest impediments to keeping COVID-19 out of facilities or controlling its spread.
I am grateful the governor has committed Strike Teams from the National Guard – and very recently, a mobile unit – to conduct aggressive testing at long-term care facilities and in areas that are particularly at risk. On May 5, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) issued Emergency Rule 59AER 20-1 requiring testing of all patients transferred from a hospital to any long-term care facility.
I’m glad that, in Florida, the governor and AHCA have made long-term care centers and their residents a priority for testing. I would like to see additional rules issued to mandate the same transfer testing between ALFs and NHs. This will increase protection to the receiving facility’s residents and staff.
As more tests are conducted in general, we will see an increase in cases. It stands to reason that long-term care facilities will be the first places we see numbers increase. This is not necessarily because infection is spreading or because facilities are not doing everything possible to prevent or contain COVID-19. As more people are tested, the number of infected is going to increase everywhere.
During this crisis, immunity from liability has been granted for coronavirus-related actions taken by medical personnel in hospitals, EMTs and others. There has been talk of extending this protection to management and staff of long-term care facilities. I urge support for this initiative.
ALFs, AFCHs and NHs are at the forefront of serving some of our most fragile, vulnerable and at-risk populations. Sometimes, caregivers must take steps that go beyond normal routines and procedures. In addition, given that some caregivers and residents may be infected but asymptomatic, there may be instances where it is impossible to protect others from infection.
While we’re all fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, we can’t also have a lawsuit epidemic. Operators of long-term care facilities working in good faith need a safe harbor. I hope all vital healthcare professionals will be protected from legal exposure, outside of gross negligence, during this challenging time.
Veronica Catoe is the chief executive officer for the Florida Assisted Living Association, which represents more than 650 assisted living facilities and adult family care homes, as well as nearly 300 associate members who provide products and services. She can be reached at veronica@fala.org.
