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Learn About The Precautions That Are Being Taken To Protect Residents
The senior assisted living industry, including independent living, assisted living, memory care and continuing care communities, is serving an important role as we battle the COVID-19 virus. It is estimated that nearly two million seniors across the country call their senior living communities home. Every day, staff members are preparing food, cleaning and disinfecting rooms and common areas, keeping residents engaged with activities and assisting with personal care needs.
Senior assisted living communities have also rigorously increased stringent protocols and general precautions during the coronavirus.
Precautions In Senior Assisted Living Communities
Here are a few of the steps many senior assisted living communities are taking to protect their residents.
Visitor restrictions
To keep residents safe and virus free, visitors have not been allowed in most communities, but numerous extra steps have been taken to keep residents connected with loved ones and in positive spirits. The staff have set up residents with Facetime video chats and window-side visits with their families.
Staff are screened for symptoms of any type of illness
Staff members are screened for symptoms and contacts with potentially infected individuals at the beginning of each shift and many communities are elevating the priority of testing for staff and residents alike. Personal protective equipment is worn by staff at all times.
Smaller groups with appropriate social distancing
Activities that used to be held in large communal settings have been altered to cater to smaller groups with appropriate social distancing. Apartment doorway exercise classes have gained a solid following and everyone gets meals delivered by room service.
Enhanced cleaning procedures
While senior living facilities always need to maintain cleanliness, facilities are adhering to more strict cleaning procedures. The CDC recommends that long-term care facilities frequently clean any and all frequently-touched surfaces and shared areas with hospital-grade disinfectants.
Resident assessments
Facilities are regularly screening residents for any symptoms of coronavirus, specifically respiratory distress. Daily screening helps facilities catch any cases of coronavirus early and prevent further community spread. In addition to daily health screenings, facilities are scheduling regular hand washings throughout the day.
When you consider the steps that senior communities are taking, such as enacting strict social distancing rules and other safety protocols, and the fact that residents do not need to leave for essentials, your loved one may be safer in a senior community at the moment. Meals, wellness checks and assistance with ADLs cannot be overlooked when assessing the value of senior assisted living communities and the positive impact on residents’ overall sense of wellness.
As a senior living referral service, Assisted Living Locators takes this responsibility very seriously. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones find the care you need at a community that has the highest standards of coronavirus preparedness.
Assisted Living Locators offers a FREE service for seniors and their families to help you explore and understand senior care options. An advisor will meet with you and your loved one for an in-depth assessment discussing your current situation and help you find assisted living.
Assisted Living Locators is your partner in finding the right senior living option. Click here to find a senior care advisor in your area today.
