Coronavirus and memory care facilities; Any ideas as to how to manage and minimize risk?

Yes, it is the flu. Yes ,the flu takes lives every year. But in certain conditions the mortality rates with Corona virus are higher. In any type of community living, the risk of transmission is higher. And if the community is older people with other medical conditions who share caregivers, the risk of mortality is higher pure and simple.
So it makes sense to me to treat the situation in a senior/ assisted living/ memory care facility with much more caution.

What staff should be doing is wearing gloves. And changing them for each patient. And I hear Drs are the worst. So if you are with ur LO at a facility make sure the aide or nurse has changed their gloves before touching ur LO.

If anything, I think many people have become cavalier about flu. Remember that the media love a pandemic; flu is boring to them even though it kills far more people.

From Johns Hopkins School of Medicine:
Influenza (“the flu”) and COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus, are both infectious respiratory illnesses. Although the symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu can look similar, the two illnesses are caused by different viruses.
As of Mar. 2, 2020, the **flu** is showing *much more* of an impact on Americans than COVID-19.
Both the flu and COVID-19 cause fever, cough, body aches, fatigue; sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
Both can be mild or severe, even fatal in rare cases.
Both can result in pneumonia.
Both can be spread from person to person through droplets in the air from an infected person coughing, sneezing or talking.
Severe cases of both may require hospitalization and support such as mechanical ventilation.
***Both may be prevented by frequent, thorough hand washing, coughing into the crook of your elbow, staying home when sick and limiting contact with people who are infected.***
COVID-19: Antiviral medications are currently being tested to see if they can address symptoms.
Flu: Antiviral medications can address symptoms and sometimes shorten the duration of the illness.
COVID-19: No vaccine is available at this time, though it is in progress.
Flu: A vaccine is available and effective to prevent some of the most dangerous types or to reduce the severity of the flu.
COVID-19: Approximately 90,279 cases worldwide; 100 cases in the U.S. as of Mar. 2, 2020.
Flu: Estimated 1 *billion* cases worldwide; 9.3 million to 45 *million* cases in the U.S. *per year*.
COVID-19: Approximately 3,085 deaths reported worldwide; 6 deaths in the U.S., as of Mar. 2, 2020.
Flu: 291,000 to 646,000 deaths worldwide; 12,000 to 61,000 deaths in the U.S. per year.

You prepare just as you would for any flu, or respiratory illness, good hand washing with soap and water, and masks with active coughing / sneezing.

People seem so afraid of the coronavirus, but gloss over the fact that every year, there are so very many flu illnesses and deaths.

"As of mid-January, in the US, there have been at least 9.7 million cases of the flu, at least 87,000 flu-related hospitalization, and up to 12,000 deaths, according to the CDC. Forty-six states plus Puerto Rico are currently experiencing widespread flu activity, though the type of strain and incidence vary from region to region."

Oh and now there are 2 confirmed cases here in Florida, both counties by mine. And Snowbird season, so a bit more worrisome.

The residents in facilities will not bring corona virus into this environment. The staff and visitors will be the ones to introduce the virus. So, it will be more of a matter of the staff and visitors keeping up good practices - washing their hands before and after touching clients, not breathing into clients' faces, staying home when they get sick, and using face masks if they have colds or coughs so they don't spread any diseases.... all these are practices that should already be in use.

If the corona virus does get introduced into a facility, then clients will most likely take meals in their rooms, not have "group" activities, and be monitored more closely for coughs, breathing problems and fever. The problem is when a client develops pneumonia - which is makes breathing difficult - and is harder on an aging population with underlying respiratory or cardiac problems. So far, the disease only has a mortality rate of 1% for the general population and 15% for the older population.

I think that a conversation about the facilities policies is in order. The LTC facility that each of my parents ended up in went into lock-down due to the flu. A note was posted on the visitor's entrance, as was the all-clear. All patients were given a course of anti-viral medication. They served meals in their rooms instead of communally. The hygienic methods in the kitchen must be very strict. They also paid attention to any visitors who looked like they were sick and would discourage them from visiting until they were well when there wasn't a lock down. With the coronavirus being so devastating for the elderly in LTC with chronic conditions, especially since there is a constant flow of patients going back and forth to hospitals, I am hoping that LTCs will initiate a community test sampling for the virus. They all cough, either due to chronic respiratory conditions or swallowing issues so it might be difficult to differentiate the COV patient at the onset so testing may be the only way to identify it early. Ask the director what their plans are to protect their staff if the virus does hit the facility. Hopefully, this new virus will be the catalyst for changes in long term care facilities in regard to cleanliness. Let's hope that an anti-viral that is effective for COV is developed soon. Maybe there will be better air filtration and surface hygiene methods through passive means utilized as a matter of course as well as an increase in the custodial budget. As for you and your mom, devise a list of ways to remain in touch with her if there is a lock-down. I read aloud to dad over the phone when I couldn't visit.

Everyone should wash their hands multiple times a day. The elderly frequently have forgotten the importance. My MIL basically killed herself by refusing to wash her hands for many years. When with her we would insist she do so, then she was angry with us. One good thing about dementia/Alzheimers is that the person doesn't remain angry more than a minute or two. My MIL came down with the flu and pneumonia at the same time, spent 31 days in the hospital, never to recover. So sad b/c her death could have been prevented.

The statistics surrounding Covid-19 are only as accurate as the data used. What is not being measured are factors like: how many people HAD it, but recovered? How old were they? Were they confirmed cases? What were their healthcare options? If you are looking at the infections and deaths numbers, countries with inferior healthcare are taking the hardest hit (China, Iran, who knows what in North Korea, Italy: what the heck). Also, this type of virus tends to be less active the warmer the climate. It does not seem to have much of a footprint in Africa and most of south America. With spring approaching, it will probably die out on its own, just like the "regular" flu does every year. My personal opinion is that this is mostly a nothing-burger, a tempest in a teapot no worse than the "regular" flu. Just breathless media talking-heads "reporting" numbers without context.

You've all heard of the nursing home in Kirkland, WA, where 50+ people (residents and staff) have symptoms and are being tested. https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/03/health/life-care-center-nursing-home-coronavirus/index.html

The Coronavirus is airborne. The only way to prevent transmission is to cover nose, mouth and eyes. A mask and some eye coverage. Always wash your hands and avoid touching your face.

I just called the nursing home my brother is in and asked what their plan was regarding the virus. I was told they will follow what the government advises. My concerns are huge. They already have the flu going around there. I glove, mask up and wear my glasses when I visit. Praying it doesn't spread to any NHs. I heard on Fox News that 30-40% of the population may be affected. I do not recall any other virus this intense. Probably because we don't have a vaccine?

Another way germs can be spread is with people in wheelchairs, propelling the chair using bare hands on the wheels. Whatever is on the ground gets transferred to the hands.

Geaton777 raises some good points, and that's the relevant information and co-morbidities of those who succumbed to the virus.  I've found some stats on those issues, but not as much as I was hoping to find.

I was looking for breakdowns on a cluster of statistics, and am still looking.  But here are some factors in analyzing the severity of the virus:

1.    Cases per million people. 

https://nucleuswealth.com/articles/updated-coronavirus-statistics-cases-deaths-mortality-rate/

Note that the chart indicates where diagnoses were made, as opposed to where the source of infection may have been.   The rates of Iran, Italy and South Korea are more intensive than any other country.    Question is why?    I don't know.    If Italy or South Korea were one of the poorer or strife ridden countries, I could understand, in part b/c medical facilities wouldn't be as available as in the more developed countries.

2.    In the last few or more weeks I recalled seeing a PBS program on the massive problem of trash disposal in Italy.   Streets were filled with garbage; it was too repugnant to see, so I didn't watch the rest of the program.    I wonder if that was  a factor, b/c Italy isn't one of the underdeveloped countries with limited medical facilities.

I would like to see a breakdown down of the Vatican City vs. the rest of Italy, as the former has  a more reclusive environment and from what I understand isn't as exposed as the rest of the country.

3.   The second graph addresses rapidity of detection.   The vertical line isn't identified, but I'm presuming it represents days.   Italy, South Korea and Iran were apparently later in identifying cases than other countries.    If so, there's one commonality.

4.     I'm still searching for statistics such as those addressed by Geaton777, especially the co-morbidity factors between those who died and those who survived.    I think that would be more telling than some of the reports that are being floated around.  

5.   I notice also that there are no statistics for Russia, which I assume is because they're not being reported or shared.

6.  Something no one has addressed in the many reports available are the facts that there are so many variables in potential vectors:  mail, for one.   Even though mail is automated, it's still hand delivered at the end point.   Food products are another, especially produce from other countries with different hygienic standards.  I was surprised when I'd ask various restaurants if they washed raw vegetables and fruits with hot water and soap.  They did not.   

Agencies will be gathering data for months, including after the peaks and as the virus (hopefully eventually becomes medical addressed, or runs its course.  

I'm especially interested in the role of the little critter that may have carried the virus and started the epidemic in the "fresh" meat markets of China.

Disgusted, too: yes, all vegetables and fruits purchased are washed well with hot water and soap.   I wouldn't consider eating them otherwise.

But I'm an organic gardener; I assume you're not?

disgustedtoo: Yes, we kept my MIL up to date on her flu and pneumonia injections.

One area of concern that is often overlooked is doorknobs. The hand is on the door, which could then be spread to the nose, etc.

The reason that I do not wash fruits and vegetables with hot water and soap is because if it is contaminated, it is quickly absorbed up into the plant. Has anyone seen a blue artificially colored carnation? That blue dye is absorbed quickly up from the stem.
A flower that has not yet bloomed (a rose bud) can be forced bloomed by placing it in hot water. Lettuce that has wilted can be quickly revived in cold water, because the veins of the plant absorb it.
Lettuce can be contaminated, yes.

The ALF where my mother resides was under quarantine a few months ago for Norovirus. Although my 98 yr old mom did not get sick, it was awful for her and all the other residents to be locked in their rooms for 2 weeks over the Christmas holidays. My mother became so depressed and weak, I thought she would die from downright loneliness. She wasn't eating and fell in the shower from the weakness. I pray that this virus doesn't cause her facility to go into lockdown again. I believe the quarantine will last much longer than 14 days this time around. We're in for the long haul regarding this virus, so take it seriously and be prepared in any event.

I am in the camp of people that believe that this corona virus is germ warfare from China. I have never heard of China coming out with a cure for a disease or any improvements to healthcare. That having been said I think you treat this disease like any other flew or cold outbreak. I think it is a stronger strain of the common cold. I have several articles that I have come across from some of our Republican Senators. I just want everyone to know where my information that I am posting is coming from. It will take several postings because of limited computer skills. This first one comes from The Washington Times talking about the President's efforts. https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/mar/2/thanks-to-trump-administration-the-united-states-h/

At this point I would probably not visit a nursing home. I'd be worried about introducing the virus as well as exposing myself. I'm not in that situation, but it seems wise. I get that it might not be possible not to visit for reasons I can't even imagine.

This is the first article I read on the topic. Senate President Protempor Grassly of Iowa has been involved in classified meetings and wrote an article talking about Covid-19. https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-receives-classified-briefing-coronavirus I hope these articles are helping.

Lessen your visits to the facility.

I'm reading with interest the comments about washing fruits and vegetables with hot water (and soap). To what end? If you think you are removing germs by doing this, you are not. You are removing dirt and debris, but not germs. You are not sterilizing your food. This would require very high heat for a very long time (like when you can home-grown fruits & veggies). It may remove some surface contaminant chemicals, but mostly those are absorbed and become systemic. I rinse mine in tepid water and use a tiny bit of non-fragranced mild soap. I don't get any more or less sick during the year than my work cohorts who are all organic (not that I have anything against that, I'm just too cheap and lazy). As for the chemicals, unless you grow your own you have no idea if what you're purchasing is actually truly chemical-free (or whatever you call it). There is no vigilant accountability in that industry.

As Coronavirus Cases Grow, So Does Scrutiny Of Nursing Home Infection Plans

https://khn.org/news/as-coronavirus-cases-grow-so-does-scrutiny-of-nursing-home-infection-plans

This is from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), issued yesterday.

Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in nursing homes

https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-14-nhpdf.pdf

Geaton777, I wash veggies and fruits with warm or hot water and soap to remove as much of the pesticides as I can, although there really isn't a foolproof  way to do that.

Many apple varieties have whitish stains which I suspect are from pesticides.  I've found no way to remove them except by peeling apples.

The dangers from pesticides aren't something we can't observe; it requires testing.

You're not incorrect in that home grown food is the only way to guarantee organicity, unless you know the grower.    Even so-called organic food sold in the stores can have some limited chemical applications.

The best way is to be your own grower.   Victory Gardens were a good idea; I'd like to see them make a comeback.

Nevada, if China were engaged in "germ warfare", why would it target its own people?   It's suffered a lot with the loss of life, and Xi Jinping has taken a public relations and confidence beating for his behavior in suppressing dissent as well as not responding promptly.

What would he have to gain by instituting a such a devastating plague?   How would he and the state target the victims?

I agree about containment and reducing contact. From the latest I have read, they really need to contain it. I suppose that means no visitors until things are under control. I really wish there would be more of that done now before it’s too late.

I knew a woman who (I think) may have suffered from paranoia as for YEARS AND YEARS (10 - 12 years ago) washed all fruits and vegetables with vinegar. Why I brought up the possible paranoia is that she washed an unpeeled banana with vinegar.

The  coronavirus is deadly to the elderly Not so much with younger people. I'm sorry your Mom is in that place, I know you must be worried. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing who has it. Talk to the supervisor, and see what they are doing. Wash your hands a lot and use hand sanitizer. Do not touch your face, EVER. As soon as you get home wash your hands. Some states don't have the virus yet. Check out CDC to see if it has started spreading where you are.