Facilities for seniors lock down for flu season

Communities protect residents by restricting who can visit family.

If you’re planning to visit a senior residential community any time soon, there’s a good chance you could be turned away at the entrance or bluntly told not to come at all. With flu season in full swing, assisted living communities around Atlanta have proactive measures in place to protect their high-risk residents.

At A.G. Rhodes Health & Rehab properties in Atlanta and Marietta, signs are posted on entrance doors letting visitors know to stay away if they’re sick, and even guests who are well are encouraged to practice infection control while on-site, like covering their cough and washing their hands.

“We also reiterate to volunteers and other groups that if anyone is feeling ill, they should not visit, and we will cancel groups that are scheduled to come, or other activities, if it’s in the best interest of our elders,” said Jackie Summerlin, RN, director of Clinical Services at A.G. Rhodes Health & Rehab.

Because the immune system weakens with age, adults 65 and older are considered at greater risk for flu complications. In recent years, the vast majority of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations and deaths have occurred among this population group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Not only should seniors get an annual flu vaccine, but the CDC recommends the “highdose” version as well as a pneumococcal vaccine to protect against pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections.

The high-dose vaccine has four times the amount of antigen as the regular flu shot. It is still available in metro Atlanta, but

as with all dosages could be in short supply, said Nancy Nydam, spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Public Health. Seniors wanting the shot should call ahead to their pharmacy or health provider to inquire if it’s in stock.

Lenbrook, a continuing care senior residential community in Atlanta, made sure its 500 residents had early access to the flu shot. Free vaccinations were offered onsite during October, and health care staff routinely send out memos to increase awareness of flu activity and remind residents and staff to take precautions.

Automatic hand sanitizers, face masks and on-site flu testing are all part of Lenbrook’s protocol during flu season. Residents who don’t feel well can get their meals delivered until symptoms go away. They’re encouraged not to visit their neighbors or spread germs to other areas of the campus, and the fitness center is off-limits as well.

vice president of health services at Lenbrook

“We try to encourage them to stay in their rooms,” said Darlene Ruffin-Alexander, Lenbrook’s vice president of health services.

At A.G. Rhodes, extra steps are taken to keep germs from spreading by someone visiting a resident who has the flu or other contagious illness. Visitors are asked to stop by the clinic and get gloves, mask or gown before entering the room.

Staff at senior communities are also encouraged not to come to work with flu-like symptoms.

“We’ve been on the forefront to keep it from spreading, and even though we’re on the downside of this now, we don’t want to get careless,” Ruffin-Alexander said.

‘Even though we’re on the downside of this now, we don’t want to get careless.’

Darlene Ruffin-Alexander