If some staff members get sick from the coronavirus, assisted living homes contact their local health department. The staff member is placed on sick leave and will not be allowed to return to work until completely well. 

Assisted living communities have been encouraged by the CDC and by a variety of regulatory agencies to follow the highest possible standards of screening, testing, and proper sick-leave policies for their staff. No one should be asked to work while they are still contagious. Staff members that become sick may be gone for quite some time, depending on the severity of their case. Management and local authorities work together to track infections, notifying people who may have been exposed.

Whether or not anyone is sick, assisted living homes are required to follow strict social distancing and cleanliness guidelines. In some cases, sickness may cause short staffing, though ideally facilities will be able to call in backups. Residents who came into contact with a sick staff member may be monitored closely for symptoms.

COVID-19 Update: With social distancing and stay-at-home orders, many seniors are struggling with loneliness and isolation. We’ve developed a list of products that caregivers or seniors can purchase to help older adults stay happy, healthy and connected, whether they are aging in place at home or in an assisted living community.

Additional Coronavirus FAQs