Important Updates on COVID-19 and Resident Health

Author

Golden West, The Towers

Posted on

Oct 11, 2021

Book/Edition

Colorado - Boulder County

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The rates of infection in Boulder County remain in the CDCs High Transmission rate and therefore the County is requiring everyone age 2 and older to wear a face covering while in indoor public areas in the County. Golden West continues to require everyone wear a face covering inside our buildings due to the CDPHE infection control guidance. The 14-day average for cases per 100,000 individuals has declined for the second week in a row and as of today is 253.7 (274.8 on September 27), but the positivity rate has increased a little, up to 3.7% (3.5% last week).Hopefully the increasing vaccination rates and wearing of masks in indoor public areas will result in continued decreases.
We continue surveillance testing of all employees and Mezz residents since we had positive test results back on September 16, with all coming back negative, so there does not appear to have been any spread from those cases! We will test all employees and Mezz residents again this week and if the results are negative, we will be officially out of outbreak status and can stop testing everyone. We will continue to test any employees that are not yet fully vaccinated (two weeks after final dose) with rapid tests each shift and weekly PCR lab testing.
Vaccines
On August 30, the Colorado Board of Health approved emergency regulations requiring all healthcare facilities have 100% of employees be fully vaccinated by October 31, 2021.Assisted living falls under these regulations and therefore Golden West must comply with the regulations. Golden West has finalized our policy and procedures to be in compliance with the new regulations and all employees have gotten at least the first dose or been approved for an exemption based on medical or religious reasons. Any staff granted exemptions from the vaccination requirement will have to follow strict infection control procedures to minimize any risk to residents or co-workers. The infection control procedures will include daily COVID rapid tests, and at minimum, weekly COVID PCR tests, masking and distancing requirements.
Boosters
The FDA and CDC approved boosters for individuals 65 and older or those with compromised immune systems.We have scheduled the on-site vaccination clinic with Good Day Pharmacy for October 25! Good Day is the pharmacy that serves our assisted living. They will be able to administer flu vaccines as well. We will distribute more information as we finalize the plans.
Golden Wests continues to follow the CDPHE guidance for infection control in long term care communities which is as follows:
All Golden West staff and visitors must continue to be screened before entering the buildings and everyone must wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth.

Screening is at Door #4, West Entrance.
Staff and visitors must be screened for symptoms and fever.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or a temperature of 100 or higher will be denied entry.
All staff and visitors must wear a facial covering.

Visits

Residents may only have two visitors at any one time.
Visits should take place outside when possible.
Visits to Towers residents should be in the residents apartment and not in indoor public areas.
Mezzanine visitors

Unvaccinated visitors must schedule an appointment and may not participate in activities.


Vaccinated visitors do not need an appointment and may participate in activities if documentation of vaccination status is provided.



Everyone should follow these basic infection control procedures:
Hand Hygiene

Use hand sanitizer that is available in public areas.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces

Residents should continue to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in their apartments.
Golden West will continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the public areas on a daily basis.

Illness

Residents that do not feel well should stay in their apartments. Please contact your physician and notify Golden West if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
Golden West staff are required to stay home from work if they are not feeling well, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitors that are not feeling well should stay home.
Residents directly exposed to someone with COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.
Golden West staff with a direct, unprotected exposure to COVID-19 will need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

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Local Services By This Author

Golden West

Independent Living 1055 Adams Circle, Boulder, Colorado, 80303

Recently renovated, Golden West is a nonprofit, affordable senior living community for people age 62 and older. Our long-time staff provide quality services, including programs and activities, social events, entertainment and educational programs. In addition to community-based opportunities, we facilitate outside trips and coordinate volunteer opportunities for our residents with respected local organizations. Our midtown Boulder location offers easy access to many Boulder amenities including dining, shopping and entertainment with healthcare providers and services also nearby.

Golden West, The Towers

Affordable-Subsidized 1055 Adams Circle, Boulder, Colorado, 80303

Recently renovated, Golden West is a nonprofit, affordable senior living community for people age 62 and older. Our long-time staff provide quality services, including programs and activities, social events, entertainment and educational programs. In addition to community-based opportunities, we facilitate outside trips and coordinate volunteer opportunities for our residents with respected local organizations. Our midtown Boulder location offers easy access to many Boulder amenities including dining, shopping and entertainment with healthcare providers and services also nearby.