Yes! While we know many people are eager to spend more time outside of their homes and we have eased the restrictions for leaving campus, residents are encouraged to stay home if they feel more comfortable doing so. Residents may contact the front desk to arrange for help receiving meals and services from the safety of their homes.
The Full Life Continues
This page was last updated on 11/30/2020.
Click here for a letter from our CEO.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Touchmark has been steadfast in our commitment to keeping as many residents, team members, families, and partners as safe as possible. We care deeply about all who live and work in our communities and are adjusting to a new normal whenever things change.
We have created the below FAQ to make it easier for people to find the latest information about changes within our communities, as we work with national, state, and local health agencies and professionals to combat COVID-19.
What types of Life Enrichment/Wellness events are now occurring?
Small group activities, including happy hours and group Life Enrichment/Wellness activities, are underway once again. Salons (per state and local regulations) and Health & Fitness spaces are accessible to residents following strict physical distancing and cleaning guidelines. One-on-one personal training is also available virtually or outside of a resident’s home with both the trainer and resident wearing face-coverings and remaining 12 feet apart. We also continue to provide virtual Life Enrichment/Wellness opportunities.
What types of dining options are available?
We have reopened most dining venues within the communities; however, meal delivery and/or pick-up is still available. Dining Services staff continue to provide home deliveries for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for assisted living and memory care residents. Independent living residents also have the option to order in or pick-up meals if they wish to do so.
Has the process for delivering supplies to family members changed?
All deliveries are being accepted outside of our building. Family members who need to drop items off for residents may make arrangements by calling the community as they arrive and leave the package(s) outside the main doors with the name of the resident on the package. A Touchmark team member will get the supplies and deliver them to the resident.
What transportation services are currently available?
We are providing transportation to necessary medical appointments and select approved trips outside of the community. Our staff will gladly assist residents as much as possible to shop for necessary items needed from outside the community.
What does the current move-in process look like?
We are currently offering virtual tours and limited-access tours on-site. Our retirement counselors are reaching out through phone calls, Skype, FaceTime, and other electronic means to individuals and families who have expressed interest in living at Touchmark.
In most cases, we are able to move in new residents. Each situation is reviewed, and we have implemented measures to reduce the risk for current residents and team members. Any prospective resident moving in must be symptom-free for at least the 14 days prior to move in and preferably moving directly from their home (no travel or hospitalization within the past 14 days). We do understand there are situations when new residents are discharged directly from another care center, and these will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If these criteria are met, movers may deliver personal belongings to the community, and Touchmark staff will set up in the resident’s new home. After moving in, new residents will be asked to quarantine for 14 days (with the potential for early release through testing).
COVID-19 Testing: Quick Facts
Being safe is of the utmost importance these days, for both individuals and their communities. Getting tested for COVID-19 before making plans to travel or socialize is a simple but significant step you can take to ensure you stay safe. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you are thinking about getting tested:
- There are two different types of tests available: a viral test tells you if you have a current infection, and an antibody test can tell you if you had a past infection.
- Some clinics offer rapid-result testing, which means you can get your results back within minutes as opposed to days.
- If you are displaying symptoms and want to get tested, connect with your health care provider about creating a plan so you can be sure not to endanger others during testing. Some hospitals have set up mobile or drive-through COVID-19 testing sites, but it is always a good idea to call ahead about testing options.
- Testing negative for COVID-19 doesn’t mean you aren’t sick—merely that you were most likely not infected at the time of testing. Because exposure to COVID-19 can happen at any time, you may need to be tested on multiple occasions.
Testing for COVID-19 has gotten easier over the course of the pandemic and is still a very important step to take when you’re considering traveling or being around others. Whether you’ve contracted COVID-19 or not, the peace of mind such a test can produce is invaluable.