Do you have a loved one in a nursing or assisted living home? 6 Questions to ask.

Thousands of long-term care facilities in the U.S. have experienced coronavirus outbreaks, and Alaska’s own nursing homes and assisted living homes aren’t exempt. Residents are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to their advanced age and underlying health conditions. Worse, studies show the fatality rate for those over 80 is six times that of the rest of us.

So far, there have been few outbreaks of COVID-19 in nursing facilities and assisted living homes in Alaska. It is important to note that the risk of outbreaks in facilities increases as the number of positive cases rises in communities. In Alaska, two nursing home residents recently died from COVID-19. For those with a loved one in a nursing facility or assisted living home, AARP Alaska recommends asking the facility the following key questions:

1. Has anyone in the nursing facility or assisted living home tested positive for COVID-19? This includes residents as well as staff or other vendors who may have been in the facility.

2. What is the facility doing to prevent infections? How are staff being screened for COVID-19? What precautions are in place for residents who are not in private rooms?

3. Does staff have the personal protective equipment and training they need to keep their patients safe? If not, what is the plan to obtain personal protective equipment and training?

4. What is the facility doing to help residents stay connected with their families and loved ones during this time? Will the facility staff set up a regular schedule for you to speak with your loved one by phone or video call?

5. What is the plan for the facility to communicate important information to both residents and families on a regular basis? Will facility staff be contacting you by phone or email? How often will they give you an update?

6. Is the facility currently at full staffing levels? What is the plan to make sure the needs of residents are met if the facility has staffing shortages?

If you are concerned about the safety and well-being of a spouse, parent, or other loved one who lives in a nursing home, contact the Alaska Long Term Care Ombudsman at 334-4480 in Anchorage or 1-800-730-6393 toll-free statewide.

More information and resources from AARP are available online at aarp.org/coronavirus and aarp.org/health.