COVID-19 UPDATES
VISITATION GUIDELINES
Finding a balance between establishing safe practices that protect your family and our staff during the Covid-19 pandemic and allowing the visitation of our residents continues to be a top priority for us. Our staff continues to monitor the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH).
OUTDOOR VISITATION
Even when the resident and visitor are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, outdoor visitation is preferred. The natural airflow and increased space generally pose a greatly reduced risk of disease transmission.
However, in the case of inclement weather, extreme temperatures, poor air quality, or a resident’s health condition may mean that an outdoor visit is not be practical. In these cases, appropriate indoor spaces that provide a minimum safe distance between visitors and residents have been set aside for occasional use. When you schedule your visit, please indicate whether you will need an outdoor space or an indoor one.
Regardless of where the visit takes place, all visitation requirements will be in effect.
CONTACT DURING VISITS
Generally, indoor visits are allowed at all times for all residents except for a few circumstances when the risk of Covid-19 transmission is elevated. According to the latest CDC guidelines, indoor visitation is not allowed for when a resident has a confirmed Covid-19 infection, regardless of vaccination status. In this case, a quarantine must be placed on all residents and no further visitation can be allowed until all outbreak criteria are met.
Regardless of vaccination status, visitors must wear a face mask to enter the facility. The face mask must be worn during the visit and during transit to and from the visitation site. If a visitor does not have a mask, one will be provided.
If both a resident and their visitors are fully vaccinated as defined by CDC guidelines, they may choose to hug, touch, or hold hands with their visitor during their visit and in-room visits are allowed without supervision.
However, visitors should still make an effort to physically distance from other residents and staff while visiting the facility.
VISITATION REQUIREMENTS
- Please schedule your visitation ahead of time
- ALL visitors must log in to provide public-health contact-tracing information
- Visitors will be screened for Covid-19 symptoms and risk factors prior to entry
- Visitors are restricted from walking around the facility but may enter the resident’s private room if both are fully vaccinated.
- ALL visits must be recorded in a visitor log with contact information to enable accurate public health contract tracing should there be a need.
- ALL visitors must be screened for Covid-19 symptoms before entering the facility.
- Indoor or outdoor visiting location must be designated beforehand.
- Residents should wear a face mask when being transported to the visit location to prevent viral shedding.
- Unvaccinated residents and their visitors must have their visits monitored by a staff member trained in patient safety and infection control measures.
- Staff, residents, and visitors must sanitize their hands before and after their visitation, and after touching of the face or face mask. Alcohol-based sanitizer will be provided.
AFTER YOUR VISIT
Whether vaccinated or not, visitors should closely monitor themselves for Covid-19 symptoms after their visit. Any visitor that develops symptoms or tests positive with five days after visiting MUST immediately notify the staff of the Aristocrat or Adobe facility that was visited.
This allows us to closely monitor and protect your loved one as well as all the other residents and staff at our facilities. Being proactive and responsible can save lives.
VACCINATION
The availability of vaccines for the Covid-19 virus has given our residents, visitors, and staff a greater level of freedom and confidence. As we continue to receive new information about the vaccines, we will make every effort to streamline our policies and procedures for its administering. The CDC has recommended that residents of long-term health care facilities be a priority for full vaccination, along with all health care personnel.
Our pharmacy partner, RX Innovations, will provide the Moderna vaccine to all new, incoming residents along with any newly hired staff members. Currently, 98% of our residents are fully vaccinated and we also have a high vaccination rate among our staff.
PREVENTION POLICIES
As the world’s understanding of Covid-19 continues to evolve, so do the recommendations for its prevention and spread. The staff and management at the Aristocrat Assisted Living Facility and the Adobe Assisted Living Facilities are constantly monitoring the most up-to-date practices for protecting the residents and staff.
CURRENT PROTOCOLS
- Stringent monitoring of visitation procedures and policies
- Facemasks and other PPE techniques are required at all times both inside and outside the assisted living facilities and while transporting residents
- Visitors are tested for Covid-19 symptoms and risk factors when entering the building
- Contract tracing information is required to prevent uncontrolled spread of the virus
- Staff members carry alcohol-based sanitizer for consistent use
- All surfaces within designated visitation areas are cleaned and sanitized after each use
FAQS
WHAT IS COVID-19 AND HOW DO PEOPLE GET IT?
Covid19 is a novel coronavirus disease which was first detected in Asia in late 2019. It is a respiratory illness that is increasingly understood to represent a long-term risk to people in every age group but especially the elderly or those with pre-existing health conditions.
The virus is primarily thought to spread from person to person through respiratory droplets carried in the air. These tiny droplets are spread when a person coughs, sneezes, or even talks and can be a risk to people in close proximity. Covid-19 can be spread in these ways by individuals not exhibiting any symptoms, making it even more difficult to control.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Similar to the cold of flu, Covid-19 presents as a mild to severe respiratory illness but with a much greater health risk.
- Coughing
- Fevers, chills, or fatigue
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Body aches and headache
- Loss of taste or ability to smell
- Congestion, runny nose, sore throat
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
HOW CAN I VISIT PEOPLE AT THE ARISTOCRAT OR THE ADOBE?
To help protect the health and safety of our residents, staff, and other visitors to our facilities, the Aristocrat Assisted Living Facility and the Adobe Assisted Living Facilities have adopted a policy for visitation based on the latest health guidelines from medical experts. You must schedule your visit in advance with the facility and follow all the protocols requested by staff members. Facemasks, social distancing, hand sanitization, contact tracing, and pre-screening will all be required during your visit.
Our staff members will help you understand and follow the safety guidelines during your visit. For more details, please visit the VISITATION tab at the top of this page.
ARE THE RESIDENTS AND STAFF VACCINATED?
With highly effective vaccines now widely available, we have achieved a 98% vaccination rate among our residents at all of our facilities. New residents are either required to provide proof of vaccination or will receive it from our pharmacy partner before moving in. In addition, our staff members have received the vaccination and any new personnel must have the shot before coming to work in our facilities.
I’VE BEEN VACCINATED ALREADY. DO I NEED TO WEAR A MASK?
Yes. Until we receive guidance from state health officials or the CDC to the contrary, you will still be required to wear a mask to protect others and yourself.
LATEST FROM NMDOH
View the visitation and activity guidance for nursing homes and assisted living facilities from the New Mexico Department of Health.