A new Task Force on Long-Term Care in Arizona, announced Tuesday, will develop recommendations and metrics for how and when visitation within assisted living communities and nursing homes can resume safely and what steps facilities can take before then to help residents and their loved ones maintain contact.
“Many of us have family and loved ones in these facilities and are looking for guidance on when it may be safe to visit them again,” Gov. Doug Ducey (R) said. “This task force will bring together public health officials, medical experts, senior advocates, private sector leaders, legislators and family members to help us chart the path forward and develop sound policy as it relates to long-term care facilities.”
In addition to state government executives, legislators, family members and a representative of AARP Arizona, the Task Force on Long-Term Care will include representatives of senior living and skilled nursing-related associations and operators:
- Karen Barno, President and CEO, Arizona Assisted Living Federation of America
- Rocky McKay, President, Arizona Assisted Living Homes Association
- Dave Voepel, CEO, Arizona Health Care Association
- Pam Koester, CEO, LeadingAge Arizona
- John Albrechtsen, President, Bandera (Ensign’s Arizona-based portfolio subsidiary)
- Justin Stein, District Director of Operations, Brookdale Senior Living
- Heather Friebus, Administrator, Devon Gables Rehab Center
- Gaile Dixon, President, Dream Catcher Assisted Living
- Mason Hunter, President, Haven Health Group
- Donna Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, LifeStream Complete Senior Living
- Scott McCutcheon, Chief Operating Officers, LivGenerations
- Tiffany Wilkins, Vice President for Operations, Spectrum Retirement
- Joseph E. LaRue, CEO, Sun Health
