• As is the case around the country, obtaining PPE is extremely difficult. LCCA and its facilities are working around the clock to secure and distribute needed supplies to our facilities.

• All employees are educated on infection control practices upon hire and at least annually. In addition, we are continuing to educate and monitor our employees on the current CMS and CDC infection control guidelines. As these guidelines change, we are providing the most up-to-date information to our staff. Also, each facility has a dedicated Infection Preventionist.

• We are using various methods including one-on-one education, electronic methods, and return demonstration.

• We are following the CMS and CDC approved screening process for all employees upon entering the facility. This includes our staff being educated to immediately report any signs or symptoms of illness to their supervisor, if they develop during the shift.

Each Life Care facility around the country is following stringent safety and cleaning protocols aimed at safeguarding our residents and associates and increasing their protection against COVID-19. These protocols include:

• Daily monitoring of residents for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
• Screening all associates and visitors for signs and symptoms, including temperature checks at the beginning and end of each associate shift and before all visits.
• Testing residents and associates in accordance with all state and federal guidelines, which is based on the level of community spread of COVID-19 in the surrounding area.
• Utilizing Point of Care testing for rapid testing of anyone with signs or symptoms. Any positive tests are then confirmed through PCR testing.
• A quarantine period for all new admissions or residents returning to the facility to prevent new introduction of the virus into the facility.
• Separating symptomatic residents from asymptomatic residents, according to state and local health department guidelines.
• Strict compliance with CDC, CMS and state health department guidance on infection control.

• Each facility has made available alternate means of communication to ensure your loved ones are able to stay in contact with family and friends, such as video conferencing (Skype, FaceTime), Facebook, text messaging, email or phone calls.
• Families/visitors may visit at the windows. We encourage visitors to let the facility know if they will be doing that.

• Life Care is following the White House's 3-phase plan for Opening Up America Again as outlined by CMS. Please contact the facility's Executive Director for information about where the facility is in the process.

We know many of you are concerned about the spread of COVID-19 virus and how it may affect your loved ones here in our facilities. Ensuring our residents are cared for in a safe and healthy environment is our first priority. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended a variety of steps that we are implementing to help reduce the potential for the virus to enter our building.

Visitation guidelines vary between states and communities, please contact the facility's Executive Director to learn more about current visitation guidelines.

• In general, bringing a loved one a special item is permitted. Please contact the Executive Director for the facility's specific process on dropping off items.

• Yes, mail is still being delivered to our residents on a daily basis. Receiving a card or special note may be a good way to put a smile on your loved one's face and stay connected.

• Testing is an important tool that is used to detect COVID-19 and the facility is working closely with local health and state authorities on the use of testing within our facilities. Know that your loved one is monitored by licensed staff multiple times a day to detect possible other indications of COVID-19. Should your love one need to be tested, the facility will be in contact.

• Each facility is working hard to maintain proper staffing levels. When necessary our facilities partner with staffing agencies to ensure the needs of all residents are met.

• Each facility's Activities and Social Services department utilizes a wide array of methods to provide meaningful activities geared to each individual. If you are concerned about your loved one's mental well-being, please contact the facility. Mental health services are available for all of our residents.

• During this national pandemic each individual facility is handling the admission process a little differently. Please contact the facility for more information.