If you’ve been putting off a decision about assisted living near you, revisit the choice. Now Is The Time To Find Assisted Living Near You.
The past year has been lonely and frightening for many seniors and their families. Many postponed a move into assisted living in 2020 due to concerns about COVID-19. Seniors who are isolated at home have missed many of their favorite activities – like enjoying meals with family and friends, volunteering or attending worship services – in an effort to stay safe.
But now, with the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s time to rethink your options. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended that those living and working in assisted living communities should have top priority. As federal and state authorities roll out the distribution of the vaccine, anyone living in an assisted living community will have the option of getting the vaccination.
Incoming residents, too, may also have priority access to the vaccine, if the new resident commits to a move-in before each community’s assigned clinic dates. Bottom line: those who choose to move into senior living will likely get the vaccine sooner than they would have otherwise, had they remained at home. But the “window” of time available for receiving the vaccine through the community may be limited.
Safety in Assisted Living Near You
Even under normal conditions, seniors with chronic diseases or memory challenges are best cared for in a safe, controlled environment with the protocols in place to meet their health, nutrition, and social needs.
If you work outside the home and are suddenly faced with the need to provide care for a parent or spouse, the risk of exposure to COVID-19 can be worrisome. Assisted living near you offers a safe place for older adults to live during the ongoing pandemic. Infection prevention policies at these communities range from enhanced sanitation protocols and symptom screenings to restricted visitation and routine testing, among other precautions.
People living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia particularly need help remembering important hygienic practices such as washing hands. Under the guidance of the CDC and local government directives, senior living communities ensure frequent and rigorous cleaning of high-touch surfaces while ensuring adequate levels of personal protective equipment (PPE) are on hand.
Certainly, the vaccine will be a turning point in our fight against the pandemic, providing another layer of infection prevention and control. However, even after vaccination, everyone in the facility will continue following all the current guidance to protect themselves and others, including wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, and cleaning hands often.
Planning the Move
If you’ve been considering assisted living near you, don’t put off the decision any longer. Your local Assisted Living Locators advisor will carefully analyze factors such as medical needs, lifestyle choices, location, activities of daily living, more to find the right plan and senior living choices.
Assisted Living Locators is your partner in finding senior living options. For those who are ready to take the next step, Connect with a senior care advisor today.