Client:  LeadingAge Virginia, an association that serves residents and clients across the senior care continuum in Virginia.

Challenge: Adult day centers (ADCs) face distinct infection prevention and control vulnerabilities. Because participants come from the broader community, they may inadvertently introduce and spread infections within the center. Despite this risk, few ADCs have comprehensive infection prevention and control policies in place—if any at all.

Solution: A policy development workgroup—comprised of representatives from Health Quality Innovators, licensed ADCs, the Virginia Department of Social Services and the Virginia Department of Health—was established to ensure ADCs across Virginia are well-prepared to respond swiftly to current and future infectious disease threats. The objective was to reduce the risk of infections within centers and the wider community.

The team of subject matter experts created tailored policies designed to protect ADC participants, families and staff. The model policies align with state licensing regulations and incorporate evidence-based best practices. To support successful adoption, the team delivered education and shared implementation strategies with ADCs statewide.

Results: All 69 ADCs in Virginia were invited to attend 5 office hour sessions that presented 13 model policies, 6 competency validation tools, 4 tip sheets and a policy manual. The sessions yielded a total of 138 participants. Additionally, all resources were made available as downloadable and customizable templates. At the time the project was concluded, the policies were downloaded more than 600 times.

Sponsor: This project was part of The Adult Day Center Model Infection Control and Prevention Policies grant (Subrecipient Number LDASHP603-GY23) awarded to LeadingAge Virginia in 2022 with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through the Virginia Department of Health Office of Epidemiology, Division of Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Program.