Long-Term Care Facilities
Risk at Long-Term Facilities
Among those facing the highest risk for COVID-19 are individuals living in long-term care facilities (LTC). DHSS’ Division of Health Care Quality is working closely with facilities to resume visitation at eligible facilities and to verify that all facilities have strong screening, infection and isolation measures in place. In addition, the Division of Public Health asks LTCs with questions or concerns to email DPH_PAC@delaware.gov or call 1-866-408-1899, press ext. 2.
DHSS Order on Reopening Plan for Long-Term Care Facilities
Long-term care facilities must follow DHSS guidance for reopening plans, which includes information on visitation, activities and support persons. This was order was updated on March 17, 2021.
Governor’s Order on Long-Term Care Facilities
Facilities serving older adults, including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, hospice providers, and rehabilitation facilities with older patients must follow the guidelines in the Omnibus State of Emergency Order.
Governor Announces Universal Testing in Long-Term Care Facilities
On May 5, Governor Carney and the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced a plan to test all residents and staff of Delaware long-term care facilities for COVID-19.
DPH will provide facilities with tests, testing supplies, training, and support for the universal testing program to protect the most vulnerable Delawareans. Expanding COVID-19 testing capacity for vulnerable populations is a requirement of federal guidance for economic reopening.
Public health experts at the Division of Public Health (DPH) will support clinicians at long-term care facilities with the new testing program. DPH will provide guidance on testing of symptomatic and asymptomatic persons and the interpretation of results. Â DPH will also provide recommendations to protect residents and staff based on results, including transmission-based precautions, isolation, and patient and staff management strategies.
- LTC Order and Reopening Plan (Updated 4.15.21)
- Order of the Department of Health and Social Services
- DPH COVID-19 Training 040521 (PowerPoint)
- Staff PPE For Different Zones
- PAC Medical Director Training
- Emergency Regulations from DHSS-Division of Health Care Quality
- Testing Guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities (04.13.21)
- Training Presentation: Mandatory Testing by Curative (6.3.20)
- Designation of Primary Facility SAMPLE FORM (6.3.20)
- Get Tested to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 (6.17.20) – English
- Get Tested to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 (6.17.20) – Spanish
- Get Tested to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 (6.17.20) – Haitian-Creole
- Long-Term Care Residents Consent Declination Form (6.24.20)
- SHOC Resource Request Form LTC Mandatory Testing (11.06.20)
- SHOC Resource for Curative Vendor Testing (11.06.20) – PDF Version
- DPHL Vendor Testing Agreement Form (11.06.20)
- Rapid Antigen Testing Protocols (1.8.21)
- COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing For Long-Term Care Facilities
- COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing for Congregate Settings
- SHOC Resource Request Form
- FAQ: Long Term Care Sentinel Surveillance and Testing Program (6.3.20)
- Cohorting Plan for Long Term Care Facilities (12.22.20)
- Suggested Guidelines for Determining Presumed Positive COVID-19 Resident Status (4.23.20)
- Cloth Mask Guidance (4.6.10)
- Health Care Waivers (4.9.20)
- Public Health Orders for Regulatory Requirements (4.9.20
- Staffing Assistance Request Procedure (4.9.20)
- Staffing Assistance Request Form (4.9.20)
More Provider and Long-Term Care Facility Resources
- CDC Toolkit and FAQs on the Vaccine and LTCs
- Discontinuation of COVID-19 Precautions for Long Term Care Facilities (Updated 8.5.20)
- CDC Information on Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in Retirement Communities and Independent Living Facilities
- DPH Guidance for Management of Persons with Suspected COVID-19 Exposure, Discontinuation of Home Isolation and Return to Work (updated March 31, 2021)
- Optimizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Supplies
- Strategies to Mitigate Healthcare Personnel Staffing Shortages
- CDC Information on Donning and Doffing PPE
- CDC Guidance on Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility
- CDC Guidance on Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities
- Poster for Restricting Visitors in LTC Facilities
- Alzheimer Foundation of America
Get More COVID Data
For more data on Delaware COVID cases, testing and outcomes, including demographic breakdowns, go to My Healthy Community
Related Topics: coronavirus, coronavirus and long term care, long term care facilities, ltc
