Mitigation Playbook for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly: COVID-19

Caring for elderly patients at residential care facilities

Although much remains unknown about the coronavirus and COVID-19, it is evident that older adults are particularly vulnerable to the novel virus. Significant outbreaks have occurred among the elderly in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFEs) throughout the country, prompting a need for enhanced guidelines around COVID-19 management in these settings.

The Permanente Medical Group’s COVID-19 Mitigation Playbook for RCFEs helps prepare facilities, staff, residents, and visitors to these care facilities to reduce the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks. It also offers best practices to appropriately manage residents with symptoms of a potential COVID-19 infection.

This playbook provides guidance to:

• Prevent the introduction of COVID-19 into facilities.
• End the spread of COVID-19 when there are suspected or confirmed cases.
• Assess facility readiness to prevent and manage outbreaks.

The playbook also includes appendices with facility resources, including sample signs, staff educational resources, and personal protective equipment (PPE) strategies.

The information in this playbook is intended for clinicians only. Information for consumers, members, and patients can be found at cdc.gov or kp.org.

Kaiser Permanente Mitigation Playbook for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly