Tennessee Communities COVID-19 Update

Good afternoon Families and Friends,

This past week an announcement was released that visitation restrictions were being lifted due to the release of the COVID-19 vaccine in Long Term Care facilities. At Dominion Senior Living, we believe that residents of our communities benefit emotionally, psychologically, and physically from visitation of loved ones. We understand and empathize that residents desire to visit their family members as well as the need to maintain safety of everyone in the community. Therefore, our policies are being amended regarding resident transportation and visitation. These changes will be effective March 1, 2021. Please see revisions below:

New guidelines for transportation of residents are as follows:

• Residents that have received their second dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine will be eligible for this new transportation policy.
• Persons transporting residents (“Driver”) must notify Dominion Senior Living of a pending appointment and/or external visit at least 24 hours prior to the outing.
• To maintain social distancing, only the Driver and resident should travel together.  
• Driver and resident agree to abide by all precautions, including but not limited to attempting to maintain >6 feet in distance between them, regardless of the setting, using proper hygiene, and strictly adhering to mask requirements (Driver must wear a mask for the duration of the trip; Resident must wear surgical mask for the duration of the trip ).
• Dominion Senior Living must screen Driver with symptom and temperature checks immediately upon entry to community grounds. If any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or elevated temperature (>100.°F) are detected, Driver should not be permitted to transport the Resident.
• If resident begins to exhibit symptoms associated with COVID-19 post-outing, resident will be quarantined per CDC recommendations. Resident may be required to take a COVID-19 test upon return.
• Even with no symptoms upon return to the community, the resident should continue to wear mask and proceed directly to their room to change clothing that may be contaminated. A quarantine period is not necessary, but they may be required to take a COVID-19 test at the discretion of staff or if signs and symptoms of COVID develop.
• These guidelines are applicable for resident that may have left the community for emergent conditions requiring transport to a hospital or ambulatory care center.

Visitation Requirements

Regardless of how visits are conducted at the community, there are certain core principles and best practices that reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Please ensure the following when you come and visit your loved one:

• Screening to be completed of all who enter the facility for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., temperature checks, questions or observations about signs or symptoms); denial of entry of those with signs or symptoms.
• Hand hygiene practices followed (use of alcohol-based hand rub is preferred)
• Face covering or mask worn during visit (covering mouth and nose)
• Social distancing must be maintained and at least six feet between persons

It is recommended that those individuals that plan to visit our community are tested for COVID-19 prior to any visit or transportation of residents. Please note that Dominion Senior Living reserves the right to rescind visitation privileges if policies are not followed. Additionally, the company reserves the right to place the community on quarantine if an outbreak occurs. Communities are advised to structure visitations that are appropriate for their design and population. 

We are pleased to provide you this update and look forward to seeing you at one of our communities soon!

Humbly,

The Dominion Senior Living Team