Nashville Fox 17 news reports that lab representative Ben Cummings says several assisted living facilities (ALF) in Tennessee are refusing to test their staff employees for Covid-19, even though the tests are free.

TN Governor Bill Lee has required that nursing homes and long-term care facilities test all residents and staff for COVID-19 by the end of June. Starting in July, nursing homes must test staff once a week. Yet, according to this Fox 17 report, some ALFs and nursing homes have refused to comply.

The United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 8 out of 10 Covid-19-related deaths reported in the United States have been among adults aged 65 years and older. This is the group of people most susceptible to death from Covid 19. Not testing the staff at ALFs and nursing homes places the residents at greater risk of death.

Home modifications by a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) may help people avoid moving to assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Aging in Place home modifications incorporate Universal Design changes or additions that make a home safer and more accessible, especially for those with disabilities, regardless of their age.

A CAPS consultant can help with the design and installation of aging in place home modifications. Richard Acree is a CAPS consultant with many years of experience as a home inspector and accessibility inspector. For more information about aging in place services please see Residential Accessibility.

Please call 615-752-0060 for help with aging in place home modifications for you or your loved one.

Thank you.