COVID FAQs

1. Can residents leave the property?  
   They can, BUT, because of ongoing risk of infection it is not recommended. Our residents are in the highest risk category for morbidity and mortality related to COVID and we all play a role in reducing risk for infection and community transmission. If residents choose to leave the grounds, for their safety and the safety of others, we strongly recommend that they follow the guidance outlined in our Safer Together Program. Safer Together asks each of us to be responsible and do our part to mitigate the risk of infection and community transmission. This includes wearing masks, physically distancing, practicing excellent hand hygiene, and getting tested as often as recommended by our clinical team.
   
   
2. If a resident leaves the property, do they have to quarantine upon return?
   We will always follow state/federal guidelines and executive orders related to quarantine protocols. In the absence of state mandated quarantine rules we will address each situation on a case by case basis taking into account many factors. In some cases, we may work with the resident to establish a quarantine protocol. In other cases, we may need to restrict the resident’s ability to participate in group activity or to make use of common areas in the building. In certain situations, residents who fully participate in the Safer Together Program and adhere to Safer Together guidelines may not need to quarantine upon return to the community. For residents who do require quarantine following return to the community, they can be given a PCR test at day 4-5 of quarantine. If the test comes back negative, quarantine is lifted. If the test comes back positive, isolation precautions are instituted. 
   
   
3. Are residents allowed to have visitors?
   We are allowing a limited number of scheduled outside visits as well as window and virtual visits at this time. All visits must be scheduled through Microsoft Bookings. Please reach out to your community if you need assistance.
   
   
4. If a family member is coming from another state, are they allowed to visit?
   We ask that traveling family members abide by all current federal, state and local guidelines and/or executive orders related to interstate travel and quarantine. Visitors traveling from designated outbreak areas should not come on grounds until after a 14-day quarantine period and they should never visit if they are symptomatic.
   
   
5. Are family members able to schedule an on-site visit if their loved one is reluctant or unable to wear a mask?
   The primary purpose for wearing masks is source control (preventing the person wearing the mask from inadvertently infecting others). Secondarily, masks may provide some protection for the person wearing them. While we always recommend wearing masks along with physical distancing, we recognize that some residents may not tolerate, or may be unable to wear masks or other face coverings. In those cases, we can make accommodations by using face shields, Eversound, and/or Plexiglass dividers.
   
   
6. If a resident is not able to wear a mask, do we recommend they schedule an off-site medical appointment?
   Because off-site medical visits do pose a slightly elevated risk for exposure, off-site medical visits should only be scheduled if the resident is able and willing to abide by all infection control measures including physical distancing, wearing a mask, and good hand hygiene. If a resident is not able to tolerate wearing a mask, it may be better to attempt an on-site visit at the community.
   
   
7. Would the communities consider an isolation area for residency based on COVID+ status within the community?
   We have been able to successfully isolate and care for COVID+ residents in their own apartments. That said, part of our contingency plan for larger outbreaks includes the possibility, when feasible, of setting up a section in the building that would be dedicated to COVID+ residents. It’s important to note that COVID+ residents who cannot be safely managed at the community are sent to the hospital for further evaluation, treatment and care.
   
   
8. Are you monitoring antibody immunity for residents who were COVID+?
   We do now recommend that all staff and residents get a baseline quantitative serology antibody test. However, at this time, immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is not fully understood so antibody results have limited practical utility.

Contact our COVID Task Force at 203-557-8742 with questions.

Maplewood Senior Living
1 Gorham Island, Westport, CT 06880 
www.MaplewoodSeniorLiving.com 
203-557-4777