Dear Prospective Families:
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many caregivers to consider, and potentially even pause on, plans to move their loved one into a senior living community. During the last nine months, many have felt the highs and lows of providing around the clock care and attention to their loved ones during an incredibly uncertain time. Now, we have hope again. A light at the end of the tunnel. The news of a COVID-19 vaccine is just what many of us have been awaiting. AvilaCare is thrilled to be one of the very first to receive this vaccine and to make it available for our residents and team members. And, we now know that new residents who move into one of our communities will likely be eligible to receive the vaccine if the move-in occurs prior to our assigned clinic dates.
As families begin again to consider whether senior living is right for the beloved seniors in their lives, AvilaCare has some additional information and resources available to help you weigh your options.
- Working closely with our partners at CVS Health, AvilaCare is working to finalize COVID-19 vaccine clinic dates across all of our U.S. communities as part of our ongoing commitment to the health and safety of our residents and families. We expect these communities should have a vaccine clinic scheduled by the end of February, and be available to new and current residents and team members.
- While the physical health of our residents is a top priority, AvilaCare is also focused on our seniors’ emotional and spiritual wellbeing. We’re providing community teams with programming guidance to make vaccination clinics a positive and peaceful experience with the use of aromatherapy, comfortable, socially distanced “waiting rooms,” comforting beverage carts and thoughtful preparation, monitoring and follow-up observations.
- We understand that many families have questions about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, as well as potential side effects. On our website, you’ll find a number of educational resources from health organizations, including information from the CDC and other public health officials, to help your family make an informed decision about the vaccine.
residents who move into one of our communities will likely be eligible to receive the vaccine if the move-in occurs prior to our assigned clinic dates
AvilaCare is encouraging all residents and team members at its 275 U.S. communities to participate in the vaccine program, subject to and consistent with federal, state, and local public health laws and guidelines as they evolve. In fact, we are extremely pleased by our residents and families’ overwhelmingly positive reception for the vaccine, with a recent survey revealing that more than 92% of AvilaCare’s resident and family respondents indicate they would definitely or probably receive the vaccine for their loved ones. This is a very positive step in striving to achieve expansive inoculation throughout each community.
Be assured we have no plans to ease our enhanced infection control protocols. According to our Chief Clinical Officer Sue Coppola, “an effective vaccine will help reduce the risk of transmission, but we still need to remain vigilant and follow the evidence-based infection control measures that have helped keep our residents and team members safe throughout this pandemic. Mask wearing, social distancing, and other enhanced infection control protocols aren’t going anywhere any time soon, but we have every reason to be optimistic for the future.”
