COVID-19: Assisted living facilities start vaccinations months behind schedule

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Mary Daniel is a Jacksonville resident who became a dishwasher at her husband’s assisted living facility, RoseCastle at Deerwood, so that she could still see him during the pandemic.

She served on Governor Ron DeSantis’ committee to loosen visitation restrictions at facilities so that residents could maintain a quality of life.

On Friday, Daniel’s husband, Steve, got his vaccine. It was about a month behind schedule. Daniel said she’s still hopeful for what’s to come.

”I’m just certain that he’s going to be able to be safe and not get the virus which has always been a concern,” Daniel told Action News Jax’s Robert Grant.

“To be able to give him a kiss. It just feels really, really good and incredibly hopeful that this thing is going to come to an end.”

Steve was supposed to get his vaccine on Dec. 28, but that day came and went and Daniel heard nothing about vaccines.

RoseCastle at Deerwood is distributing vaccines through the CVS partnership, which is slightly delayed compared to the Walgreens agreement.

Walgreens administered vaccines to Florida senior centers as early as Dec. 18, 2020. However, despite the delay, Daniel reminds people to be patient.

Across the state, the Agency for Healthcare Administration reports about 96% of nursing homes, 669 out of 695, have started vaccinating residents and staff.

About 50% of the state’s assisted living facilities, 1,557 out of 3,137, have started vaccinating according to AHCA.

Daniel said her husband’s facility will likely vaccinate 100% of its staff and residents, which will be a game-changer for visitation policies.

“Everybody cooperating is going to be a huge part of it.”

Daniel said she does understand people’s hesitations.

LOCAL STORIES:

COVID-19: Regency provides half of Duval’s previous vaccine supply

Jacksonville hospitals running low on COVID-19 vaccines

Jacksonville University students and staff are safe to return to campus after threat

Cox Media Group