CUMMING, Ga. — An assisted living facility said it's helping hospitals by taking in overflow patients. However, some family members of those at the Phoenix Senior Living community in Cumming are concerned.
Jennifer Beverly and Susan Middlecamp’s parents are staying at The Phoenix at James Creek.
“Why at this point in time would they let anybody in," said Middlecamp.
“The first thing I'd like to say is this is our parents' home," said Beverly.
Medical professionals said Georgia hospitals could be pushed to the limit in the next couple of weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Management at Phoenix Senior Living told 11Alive the company is helping packed hospitals by taking in about 18 overflow patients. However, the two sisters are not happy.
“Especially since the seniors are the more at-risk group," Middlecamp said.
Yolanda Hunter, vice president of quality assurance and risk management at Phoenix Senior Living, said they will screen all incoming patients.
“So we do take the care of our residents serious," Hunter said.
“We will be requiring them to take a COVID-19 test to determine if they are negative or positive. If they are positive, they will not be accepted into that community.”
Hunter said they expect to see the overflow from area hospitals in the next couple of weeks.
“Probably in the next couple of weeks there will be a greater need," Hunter said.
Phoenix Senior Living said they will keep residents and incoming patients separate, but that's still no comfort for those family members.
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