Providing Companionship During COVID-19
In March Ashby Village suspended services that did not comply with the precautions mandated by Shelter in Place. After consulting with the County Public Health offices, our insurance provider, and other local senior living facilities, Ashby Village has determined that it will begin to provide outdoor volunteer companionship. Both member and volunteer will be asked to comply with a variety of personal protection activities and to sign a Companion Authorization, Liability Release, and Indemnity Form which includes some of the following required protocols (before, during and after visits).
- Receive and provide your Ashby Village in-person visits only if symptom free;
- Cancel if either member or volunteer's temperature is 100.4 or higher, have unexplained loss or altered sense of smell or taste, cough or shortness of breath;
- Wash hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after the visit;
- Wear a mask or other face-covering at all times;
- Remain outdoors, always keep a distance of 6 feet and limit the visit to a maximum of 30 minutes;
- Volunteers are asked not to enter member's home for any reason (e.g., to use the kitchen, computer or restroom);
- We ask that both parties take steps between visits to minimize your exposure to COVID-19;
- If a resident of their home or facility tests positive, or if a job/volunteering/social activity exposes either party to other people who are infected, please immediately contact Ashby Village.
Prior to the posting of a companionship request, members will be required to digitally sign and submit the above named form to the office, volunteer companions will be required to digitally sign and submit form at sign up. The initial (signed) form will cover future ongoing visits.
We are so grateful to our volunteers who are willing to step forward to serve in this particularly challenging time.