LeadingAge Minnesota

Adult Day: COVID-19 Communication Tools

On March 17, 2020 by Roni Falck

At this time, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has not mandated closure for adult day centers. It is up to each provider to determine whether it will continue to stay open or temporarily close. The following is guidance and communications tools you can use: 

Staying Informed

If the DHS licensing division provides new or additional guidance concerning operation of adult day centers, we will provide this information to you via email and post it to our Coronavirus webpage.

Information and Guidance for Adult Day (as of March 17):

If you choose to stay open:

• The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends postponing or cancelling events with more than 10 people where the majority of participants are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.  Given this recommendation, adult day centers should limit services to groups of 10 or fewer individuals, including both staff and client participants.
• As you continue to operate, be diligent in implementing these community mitigation strategies recommended by MDH to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19. 
• Additional resources on proper handwashing and other ways to prevent the spread can be found on the MDH website. Many MDH resources are translated into several languages.

If you choose to close temporarily:

• Use our communication tools to inform families, staff and the community: COVID19-Adult Day Resources.
• Notify LeadingAge Minnesota, DHS Licensing, through the HCBS Help Desk at 651.431.6624, and the Senior Linkage Line at 1.800.333.2433 that you are temporarily closing.
• Take steps to help ensure a smooth transition and continuity of services and supports, including contacting client case managers to notify them of your temporary closure, and referring clients and family caregivers to the Senior Linkage Line at 1.800.333.2433 to access resources and referrals to additional services.

We know a decision to reduce services or close temporarily will have a serious impact on your staff, and we are working to compile information and resources to help you address those issues.  One item we can share for today is that the State of Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Division has a dedicated webpage for workers whose employment is affected by COVID-19.

For assistance on these recommendations, contact Roni Falck. For assistance with media requests, contact Jodi Boyne.

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