Our COVID-19 Response Measures

Prior to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Sunrise had in place an evidenced-based Infection Control and Prevention program based upon the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention guidance for long-term care communities. Starting in February 2020, we significantly expanded the program to continue to protect our communities and fight the spread of this virus.

SCREENING, VISITORS, & NEW RESIDENTS

• Securing the entrance to the community and limiting visitors to only those medically necessary, including hospice and one visitor per shift for any resident nearing end of life. No visitors under the age of 18 are permitted.
• Implementing screening protocols for all residents, team members, and essential visitors. Every person who enters our community is screened for temperature, potential symptoms of illness, recent travel history, and possible exposure to the virus.
• Restricting new resident move-ins to help prevent the virus from entering our buildings.
• Conducting temperature and comprehensive COVID-19 symptoms checks on residents at least daily and supporting our independent residents who may want us to complete this assessment on their behalf.
• Reinforcing community cleaning protocols and completing professional sanitation throughout the community as necessary.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

• Promoting social distancing throughout the community, including moving to individual resident engagement activities. Communal dining has been temporarily discontinued and residents are now served meals in their suites.
• Asking all residents to self-quarantine in their suites and extensively limit their time in common areas of the community.
• Facilitating social and emotional connections for our residents by arranging opportunities for virtual visits and phone conversations with families and loved ones.
• Promoting telehealth visits with physicians and other health professionals.

TEAM MEMBERS

• Training and retraining team members to help ensure that community teams are following the standards in our Infection Control and Prevention program, such as frequent handwashing, cleaning of high-touch surfaces, and other recommended hygiene measures. Team members have also been trained on proper donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE) and provided guidance on contact and airborne precautions.
• Utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE) to support residents and team members; following CDC guidance on PPE preservation to ensure that our PPE levels continue to be sufficient.
• Providing team members with masks to wear throughout the community at all times, and supporting residents who are able to wear them while care or support is being provided, as well. Team members wear full PPE, including masks, goggles, gloves, and gowns, while serving any residents experiencing symptoms and/or with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19.