VENICE – A Banyan Residence Executive Director and Administrator Blake Anderson says educating residents has been key.
“It may just be for updates on progress internationally, and how it’s developing locally, but I also get a lot of questions on what we’re doing for prevention and containment,” Anderson said.
Anderson’s worked with the CDC to create a coronavirus prevention and response plan,, which takes effect as soon as you walk in the door.
“Every visitor, whether it be a family member, or medical professional, or even staff member, has to go through a questionnaire process that focuses on travel patterns, exposure to people with illness, as well as whether they’re showing any symptoms themselves,” Anderson said.
Their temperature’s taken at the door.
“If there are red flags in any of this process, they’re required to go get cleared by a medical professional before they enter the property,” Anderson said.
As of now they haven’t banned visitors, but Anderson recommends family members call or video chat their loved ones to minimize risk.
“Even to conduct over-the-phone medical screenings when appropriate,” Anderson said.
No A Banyan residents have any respiratory symptoms at this point, but they’ve added extra staff to be safe.
“..to constantly disinfect any commonly used surfaces, as well as afford us flexibility if a staff member falls ill,” Anderson said. “It allows them time to go get cleared by a medical professional before returning to work.”
Anderson says it’s a balance of being prepared and maintaining residents’ quality of life.
“A lot of the people that live here do rely on the social aspect of being a part of our community, and that is dining with friends or group activity and exercise,” Anderson said.
For now those activities will continue.
“Quality of life for us is important, as is resident health and well being,” Anderson said.
You can click here to view A Banyan Residence’s full coronavirus preparedness plan.