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If your aging parents need more care, learn what to expect about the assisted living search process during COVID-19
During the Holiday season, it’s common to discover that our aging parents are in need of additional care. This time of year, when we get together with our loved ones, is when families suddenly realize that one or both parents need increasing assistance with daily activities. Maybe they are struggling to maintain their home, accomplish daily tasks and chores, consistently preparing healthy meals, or just suffering from increased isolation and loneliness as a result of the ongoing pandemic. Maybe you’ve also noticed some signs of memory loss. All of these scenarios should trigger a discussion and consideration of how to maintain your loved one’s quality of life.
How to Start Your Assisted Living Search
If you’re beginning the assisted living search for a loved one, it can seem overwhelming at the start and especially during the challenges of the pandemic. Here’s where you should start:
Determine the level of care needs
Is your loved one completely independent, or do they require a little extra assistance to live safely? Are they in good health? What issues do they have or do you expect them to have down the road? By determining their current and potential needs, you can narrow down the options to find a community that will suit your loved one now and in the future.
Visit virtually
Many assisted living facilities are currently on lockdown to visitors, but they are still accepting new patients and residents. During this time of visitor bans, assisted living communities are connecting with families virtually in a variety of ways so you can meet staff members and leadership and see what life is like in the community. Your assisted living search may include:
- Pre-recorded tours – These often feature interviews with staff, residents and/or family members of residents as well as video of accommodations, grounds, meals and activities.
- Virtual meetings – Communities are setting up virtual meetings so they can meet families and get to know a little more about the senior’s situation. Having this ability allows the family and the community to connect at a deeper level.
- Tours via FaceTime, Skype and other platforms – Many sales managers now show families tours of assisted living communities in real time via Zoom. They can have virtual conversations while showing families around through a video call, making the experience as interactive as before.
The senior industry is working hard to support families during the pandemic and do what is best for our seniors. There are many ways to navigate the assisted living search and you should consider talking to a local Assisted Living Locators senior care advisor to begin yours. There are solutions out there to help families. Your local advisor is knowledgeable and is in constant contact with industry professionals who have the most up-to-date information and solutions to fit each family’s unique situation.
Assisted Living Locators is your partner in finding the right senior living option. For those who are ready to take the next step, Click here to find a senior care advisor in your area today.
