What is the current visitation policy?
Bickford has implemented a phased-in approach to visitation. This policy is based on county/state requirements. Check with local Branch leadership prior to your planned visit.
Planning a visit to your local Branch?
Contact your local Branch to set a visit, and to ensure that where you reside or recent travels would not exclude you from visiting. For restricted geographical locations
click here. You will be screened upon your arrival at the Branch. Bickford requires you to wear a mask during your entire visit and maintain 6-foot social distancing at all times. Visiting is limited to resident apartment and outside areas.
How can I stay connected to my loved one?
We encourage regular communication with your loved one utilizing technology (i.e. phone, FaceTime, Skype) and are happy to assist any way we can. The local Branch’s website (www.bickfordseniorliving.com) and Facebook page will be regularly updated with Branch happenings. Be sure to ‘Like’ our local Facebook page.
Can my loved one leave their apartment?
Yes. We have educated all our residents to wear a mask, practice social distancing (
6 feet), use appropriate hand washing, and have an awareness of touching surfaces. We will continue to encourage as much activity, and social interaction as we can while maintaining a safe environment.
Is Bickford conducting tours?
Yes. In most Branches in-person tours are available. These tours will follow all Bickford guidelines for resident and guest safety. Virtual tours can be conducted in all locations.
Is Bickford accepting new move ins?
Yes. We were created to meet the needs of the frail elderly and will continue to do so during this time. New residents will go through the same procedures and screenings that our current residents do to enter the Branch. As an added layer of protection all new residents will be isolated in their apartments.
Are new move-ins tested for COVID-19?
Yes. All new residents are tested at the time of move-in and go through an initial isolation period while awaiting test results.
Does Bickford have the staff to care for my loved one?
Yes, but this is an ever-evolving challenge. We are being creative in anticipating the needs of our BFMs for things like school openings/closings, day care, personal family constraints, etc. We know as an organization we have to meet our BFMs needs so that they will be able to meet our resident's needs. So far, we are proud of how our people are rising to the challenge.
Is my loved one safe?
Bickford provides an access-controlled environment and makes every effort to keep your loved one safe. As of August
6,
2020, less than
5% of Bickford’s residents have experienced COVID-
19. Approximately 90% of our Branches have remained COVID-
19 free.
Are Residents allowed to leave the Branch?
All residents are strongly discouraged from leaving the Branch, due to the high risk of exposure. However, if a Resident chooses to leave the Branch they will be screened prior to returning. If the Resident fails this screening, they will be quarantined upon return.
What if COVID-19 is reported in a Branch?
If there is a case of COVID-
19 in one of our Branches, we will notify family and residents first, typically within
24 hours. We will then report those cases on our website.
What is Bickford doing to help prevent BFMs (employees) from bringing in the virus?
All BFMs and essential health care professionals are being screened each day at the front door prior to entry. Additionally, all BFMs are wearing masks during their entire shift. We also educate our BFMs on CDC guidelines and infection control practices to avoid exposure to COVID-
19.
How is Bickford monitoring residents for signs of COVID-19?
Each resident is monitored at least once daily for signs, symptoms and temperature.
Can medical health care professionals visit residents in the Branch?
Yes, they will be screened for admittance to Bickford Branches. All professionals must meet our stringent infection control requirements including wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Can my loved one resume routine medical appointments?
The RNC will coordinate with the resident, family and provider, to determine if the visit is essential or can be temporarily delayed and rescheduled.
Can I still bring supplies and care packages to Bickford?
Items are to be delivered to the front door and clearly labeled with resident’s name.
If I am currently setting up medications for my loved one may I continue to do so?
Yes. Deliver the pill box to the front door and appropriately notify us. Please contact Branch leadership if you would like to change who administers medications.
Does Bickford have the supplies to support my loved one’s needs during this time?
Yes. Bickford has longstanding relationships with a multitude of vendors to continue to meet the needs of our residents. We have procedures in place to ensure the continued supply and delivery of all essential items including food, medical equipment, incontinence products, etc.
Is Bickford using a chemical disinfectant that will kill COVID-19?
Yes. Bickford uses a chemical disinfectant in the Branches that kills all viruses and bacteria. This chemical is
100% effective against COVID-
19. We do not use bleach, as you might in your own home, due to its caustic nature.
Are Chaplains visiting Branches?
Chaplains are screened at entry and wear PPE. Chaplains are also available to connect with residents and families virtually or outside the Branch. Please reach out to Branch leadership if you have questions on how to establish this connection.
Over 15 million people are known to be infected with COVID-19 and the death statistics in seniors are astounding. The vaccine will be a game changer in knocking out COVID-19 in our Branches. Bickford has proactively entered the federal COVID-19 Vaccination program. We will have access to vaccine within the next few weeks.
We have also learned ONLY those Resident’s and BFM’s (employees) identified NOW will have access to the vaccination program. We have a small window to finalize our list of Residents and BFM’s and once that list is completed, the window will close.
We know until vaccine is more widely available in the fall, our Resident’s and BFM’s are at continued risk and we ask for your support, agreement, and encouragement of your family member to take the vaccine.
We have prepared the following FAQ to help answer the many questions you may have.
Why should our Residents at Bickford take the vaccine?
Our Residents are vulnerable and are more susceptible to infection and negative health outcomes. The vaccine will protect them, our BFM’s, other Residents, their families, and friends from infection.
What if a Resident (or their POA) refuses the vaccine?
Bickford strongly recommends Residents take the vaccine to protect themselves, BFM’s, other Residents, and those they love. Bickford will continue to screen for symptoms, administer tests, and quarantine as needed. Wearing a mask during person-to-person contact may also be required.
How is the COVID-19 vaccine different from the annual flu vaccine?
This vaccine is made from genetic RNA material, that is produced synthetically, there is no virus in the vaccine. Traditional flu vaccines are made from virus that has been rendered harmless. The flu vaccine is traditionally 40-50% effective whereas the COVID-19 is more than 94% effective.
Are these new vaccines safe?
Yes, RNA vaccines have been used for about a decade. Many manufactures have been working on other types of coronavirus vaccines so were able to mobilize a vaccine for COVID-19. The FDA requires 3,000 participants to receive the vaccine before approval of the vaccine. Over 50,000 participants have received the COVID-19 vaccine. These vaccines have been proven to be safe and over 94% effective.
What are the side effects?
Only 2-3% of those vaccinated, experienced side effects, such as mild headache, body and joint aches and tiredness. The side effects are similar or slightly more pronounced with the second dose. Most side effects start anywhere from 12-24 hours after the dose and usually last for no more than a day or so. Seniors generally have less side effects because their immune response and defense mechanisms are weaker. There are other very rare side effects.
Will we need to report any side effects from the vaccine?
Yes, we are required to report side effects.
Who will get the vaccine first?
Hospital, healthcare staff, and those working/residing in the long-term care and assisted living communities.
When will the vaccine become available to others?
We expect the vaccine will become available to those that have medical conditions, seniors, and other essential health care workers, in early spring. We hope that the vaccine will be widely available to others in the fall 2021.
How much vaccine will be available?
Initial estimates are enough vaccine for 10 million people in the first distribution. For this first round of vaccine two doses are required 21-28 days apart. Access to the vaccine will gain momentum as many more pharmaceutical companies bring their vaccines to market.
Are seniors more at risk if they do not get the vaccine?
Yes, death from COVID is the highest in those over the age of 65.
What happens if I don’t take the covid vaccine series (two doses)?
Manufacturers have shown effective immunity in excess of 94% with two doses. If you do not take the series the vaccine may not be effective.
Will I get COVID-19 from the vaccine or give someone COVID-19 from the vaccine?
No, because you are not vaccinated with the live coronavirus.
If I had COVID-19 do I still need to take the vaccine?
Yes, because we do not know how much immunity you acquired from being infected. We know the vaccine will provide you continued immunity and protection from re-infection.
Can I change my mind if I want the vaccine?
You will need to make this decision quickly. This is the ONLY access to the COVID-19 vaccine (in Dec 2020/Jan 2021) at Bickford.
We do expect those working/residing in assisted living to have limited access to the vaccine through local health departments (HD). This may require BFM’s or Resident’s to go to the HD or designated location to receive the vaccine.
Will I be able to stop wearing a mask or social distancing once I receive the vaccine?
No, unfortunately until we have a significant reduction in infection and the population vaccinated these requirements will continue.
After Residents and BFM’s receive the vaccine, what does this mean for Bickford COVID precautions? Do screenings continue? Do we allow entertainment, outings, etc.?
Screening will continue into the foreseeable future. We will follow the guidance of Local, State and Federal regulatory agencies as they relate to Resident activities.
Will the established FDA approval process be used for the COVID-19 vaccine?
Absolutely. The FDA follows stringent criteria for approving vaccines and will follow the same established process for the COVID-19 vaccine.
What does FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) mean?
This means the vaccine is approved for use – and establishes parameters of safe administration based on the research data from the clinical trials.
How was the vaccine produced so quickly?
A worldwide Pandemic allowed for many countries to release emergency funds as well as donated funds from other industries to accelerate the speed of development of the vaccine. We also saw an unprecedented collaboration of top scientists from around the world, (i.e., CDC, World Health Organization, National Institutes of Health) working closely with each other and the pharmaceutical industry.
For more information from the CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html
