Contra Costa, Alameda Co. Senior Homes Battling COVID Outbreaks

EL CERRITO, CA — Dozens of residents and staff members at one Contra Costa County assisted living facility are currently battling COVID-19, according to statistics from the California Department of Social Services. Neighboring Alameda County has 9 outbreaks at facilities, bringing the East Bay total to 10. The tri-valley is especially hard-hit, accounting for half of the East Bay total.

The Contra Costa outbreak is at Sunrise Assisted Living Of Danville which has 29 sick staff members and 18 ill residents.

In Alameda County, outbreaks are being fought at Aegis Assisted Living Of Fremont, Carefield Pleasanton, Elder Ashram in Oakland, Lakeside Park Dementia & Memory Care in Oakland, The Parkview in Pleasanton (not to be confused with Parkview Health Care Center in Hayward), Quail Garden in Livermore, Rose Gate Living in San Leandro, Silverado Senior Living - Berkeley, and The Watermark At Rosewood Gardens in Livermore.

The most serious outbreak in Alameda County is at Silverado which reports 41 cases in both residents and staff, as of Sunday’s statistics.

Rosegate has 18 sick patients, and fewer than 11 cases amidst staff.

Carefield has 17 sick patients, and fewer than 11 cases amidst staff.

The Watermark At Rosewood Gardens has 15 sick patients, and fewer than 11 cases amidst staff.

Quail Garden has 11 sick patients, and fewer than 11 cases amidst staff.

The state Department of Social Services does not provide exact case count and death totals in facilities with fewer than 11 cases to report, in the interest of protecting patient privacy.

The challenge of preventing coronavirus is especially great at assisted living facilities with memory care units.

Residents in memory care units may not always understand the need to socially distance and wear a mask, though seeing others in masks can serve as a helpful reminder to those struggling with dementia, according to Teri Tift of Eskaton which operates care facilities in the East Bay. Tift is a registered nurse and holds a doctorate in health administration.

Facilities are continuing to work with county public health workers to carry out COVID-19 testing protocols, deliver meals to residents, and ensure people are isolating when necessary.

The coronavirus "is affecting millions of people, and it is very difficult and hard on families, and residents and staff," Tift said. "I'll be so glad when we have the vaccine going to everybody."

— Written by Patch editors Bea Karnes and Courtney Teague