LeadingAge this week introduced the Pandemic Playbook, an interactive collection of insight, tools and best practices for serving older adults during a catastrophic health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. 

While originally conceived to help ensure that aging services providers could prepare for and mitigate the impact of a future pandemic, the playbook now serves as a timely resource as facilities nationwide are grappling with another COVID-19 surge.

LeadingAge members have always relied on shared learning. Our collective power is made greater through sharing, learning and collaboration–and never has that been more important,” said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge. “The playbook captures the creativity and innovation our members rely on to endure months of battling COVID-19.”

Developed in partnership with an expert panel and staff contributors, the playbook is a comprehensive resource for aging services providers that covers critical issues including financial strategies, crisis intervention, infection control, workforce support, and psychological wellness of staff and residents.  

There are chapters addressing the use of technology and telehealth, as well as specific strategies for reopening. The playbook is designed for providers across the senior care sector, but a final chapter addresses needs by provider type with suggestions for rural providers, skilled nursing facilities, adult day care, memory care facilities and more.