In a new video for frontline long term care workers, AHCA/NCAL’s chief medical officer Dr. David Gifford is joined by Dr. Shari Ling, Deputy Medical Director at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The two chat about ways staff members can help keep their residents, colleagues, family members and themselves safe during the holiday season by discussing some myths we’ve heard and offering the facts.
Dr. Ling and Dr. Gifford help explain why it’s important to isolate for 14 days if you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19 (and why a negative test can be a false assurance). They also emphasize the importance of following CDC guidelines while out in the community. This includes avoiding large family gatherings and wearing a mask when out in public. The two geriatricians also remind staff to wear masks in all parts of the long term care facility, not just around residents. And they encourage staff members to support and remind one another should they see a colleague not wearing PPE appropriately.
Share this video with your staff and colleagues, so we can all do our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep our residents and family members safe during the holidays.
If you’re a frontline caregiver and you have additional questions about COVID-19, email us at
covid19@ahca.org. Your question could be featured in an upcoming video.