There is no doubt that the Coronavirus pandemic has completely changed our lives including the way we work, the way we live, and the decisions we make. And, although a parent or loved one may now need daily support, it’s understandable to feel hesitant in making a decision to move a loved one to senior living because you think it‘s unsafe.
However, a report by the New York Times has shown that among 1,360 different types of long-term care facilities for seniors, about 85% of Covid-19 cases occurred in skilled nursing homes and rehabilitation centers and not in senior care or assisted living communities.
Skilled Nursing Facilities and Rehab Centers are Very Different From Assisted Living
Nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and long term care facilities have made the news for spikes in Coronavirus illness but nursing homes and rehabilitation centers are actually very different from senior living and assisted living communities.
Nursing homes typically provide access to 24-hour nursing care and offer a level of medical care that is very close to that of a hospital. This is because nursing home residents often already have pre-existing medical issues that make them more susceptible to catching Coronavirus.
Senior Living Facilities Have Strict Safety Protocols to Protect Residents
Senior living and assisted living facilities have been affected by Covid-19 far less than nursing homes. While a nursing home is for seniors who need 24/7 medical care, senior living or assisted living facilities are designed for seniors who are still active but can no longer live independently. These residents may simply be older and less agile and need help with everyday living such as help getting dressed, medication management, transportation, and meal services.
Some senior living communities also offer specialized memory care for seniors who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. These special services help reduce behaviors such as confusion, aggression, agitation, sleep problems, and wandering.
Most importantly, all of the senior living and assisted living communities we work with have enacted strict safety protocols according to CDC guidelines to keep residents safe from Covid-19. These safety protocols often include things like reduced non-essential visits, social distancing, conducting regular temperature checks, testing staff, and residents for Covid-19 onsite and more.
5 Ways Senior Living and Assisted Living Communities are Protecting Their Residents
- Virtual Tours. Senior living facilities have now stopped providing tours in order to keep their residents and staff safe. Instead, we now offer virtual tours so that you can learn more about each senior community and its services.
- New Move-in Procedures. Senior and assisted living facilities are now very careful to completely deep clean and sanitize rooms before residents move in and new residents have the option to get tested for Covid-19 or quarantine for 14 days.
- Continuous Deep Cleaning. Senior living staff have been trained to clean and disinfect all commonly used surfaces such as door handles, tables, chairs, and handrails. Staff are also trained to use and encourage residents to use proper hygiene such as washing hands and using hand sanitizer frequently.
- Room Service. Senior and assisted living communities are now discouraging group activities and communal dining in favor of door-to-door meal delivery, or 5hey have changed their dining room layouts to provide more space between tables for social distancing.
- Limited Group Activities. Many senior living communities have modified group activities and are transitioning to using technology to keep residents connected and active. Many facilities now have outdoor events with social distancing or provide virtual activities such as online fitness, games and entertainment.
What Questions Should You Ask When Moving to Senior Living During Coronavirus?
- Does the community offer virtual tours? Virtual tours are best because that means that residents and staff are safe from outside visitors.
- Are new residents tested for Covid-19 or quarantined for at least 14-days? Having new residents tested or quarantined helps protect existing residents and staff from newcomers who may have Coronavirus.
- Are staff members trained on the CDC’s pandemic guidelines? Knowing that staff is trained to protect residents from Covid-19 will give you and your loved one peace of mind during these difficult times..
- Does staff have PPE such as masks, gloves, gloves, and gowns? When staff wear personal protective equipment (PPE) it helps both residents and staff stay safe from the spread of Coronavirus.
- Are there isolation procedures for residents that test positive for Covid-19? Knowing that there are both procedures for residents to get tested and isolate infected residents to protect other residents in the community will help you feel more confident in your decision to move to senior living.
- Does the community help keep residents engaged and connected to family and friends? Social distancing and isolation can be detrimental to senior health and most communities are being creative in using technology and virtual activities to keep residents in a positive frame of mind and active during the pandemic.
We Help Families Connect to Senior Living
Moving a parent or loved one to senior or assisted living is never an easy decision but knowing what questions to ask and knowing what safety procedures are in place can help ease your mind during this difficult transition.
We are offering phone, Zoom, and FaceTime consultations including virtual tours of senior living and assisted living communities and residential homes. Currently, there are board & care residential homes and assisted living communities accepting residents, and now is an excellent time to make a reservation as there are promotions that will end soon.
We will guide you through the entire process – all at no cost to you.
Call Ron Passaro at 310-428-8221. The Passaro Group is here for you.
