{"id":2130,"date":"2021-05-21T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-21T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.boomershub.com\/?p=2130"},"modified":"2024-06-14T17:19:46","modified_gmt":"2024-06-14T17:19:46","slug":"moving-to-assisted-living-during-covid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/moving-to-assisted-living-during-covid","title":{"rendered":"Moving to Assisted Living During the Covid-19 Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Introduction<\/h2>\n

Living through the\u00a0COVID-19<\/a>\u00a0pandemic has certainly presented us with a new normal. This pandemic has affected aspects of life in some way. This is true for\u00a0assisted living<\/a>\u00a0communities as well. Are there\u00a0benefits to moving to assisted living during COVID<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

Previously, these communities were seen as safe havens for older adults. However, many of us are insecure in deciding to move to assisted living during COVID. Why? Perhaps a lack of information or misinformation. You may\u00a0fear being isolated<\/strong>\u00a0or regard these senior living communities as a\u00a0high-risk area for infection<\/strong>. Maybe, you are\u00a0not even sure\u00a0how to move to assisted living<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and are unclear about the path you need to take.<\/p>\n

There are, in fact,\u00a0definite benefits to living in such facilities during COVID<\/a><\/strong>. This article will clarify what a move during COVID entails and what the potential benefits may be.<\/p>\n

Benefits of Assisted Living during COVID<\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

1. \u00a0 \u00a0Direct Access to Healthcare Services<\/h3>\n

There are assisted living communities that offer\u00a0on-site primary care, medication management, prescription refills,\u00a0COVID-19 testing<\/a>, and physiotherapy<\/strong>. Often, residents have\u00a0access to COVID-19 vaccines\u00a0<\/strong>before the rest of the older adults outside these communities through on-site vaccine clinics. To ensure physical fitness, communities have fitness centers as well as outdoor spaces. The added benefit is that no one else uses these spaces other than the residents, which decreases the risk of exposure.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 \u00a0 Tight Infection Prevention Rules<\/h3>\n

Although assisted living facilities have always had stringent cleaning procedures, their guidelines have become even tighter since the pandemic. These\u00a0guidelines<\/a>\u00a0are enforced by each state with guidance from The Center for Disease Control (CDC).<\/p>\n

The CDC recommends that these facilities\u00a0regularly clean frequently touched surfaces and shared areas with hospital-grade disinfectants<\/strong>. This includes areas such as lobbies, hallways, and furniture and equipment. In addition, facilities schedule regular handwashing by both residents and staff members.<\/p>\n

Staff undergoes training on\u00a0best practices to prevent the spread of COVID<\/a>. They are screened before each shift to assess whether they have any symptoms. If they do, they are not permitted to come to work.<\/p>\n

3. \u00a0 \u00a0Assistance with Any Necessities<\/h3>\n

During the pandemic, repairs and maintenance to one’s home are often problematic. Sometimes, you must wait for extended periods before someone will be available to assist you. You may be without power or water or a broken window for a while. This is not a problem in assisted living as this is attended to by staff or contracted staff.<\/p>\n

Residents do not need to go out to buy groceries or pick up medicines.<\/strong>\u00a0There are delivery systems in place for these communities. This prevents them from getting exposed to possible infections, bad weather, as well as other dangers.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Moving to Assisted Living During COVID<\/span><\/h2>\n
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What to do before your move to an assisted living community:<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Schedule and plan your move<\/h3>\n

Your moving date and time, if possible should be scheduled with the senior living community in advance. This is done to allow other residents to distance themselves physically.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, it is advisable to predetermine where your furniture and belongings will be placed. This may be done by asking for pictures and measurements before the move. Another alternative may be a virtual tour.<\/p>\n

2. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Check local regulations<\/h3>\n

Each state may have\u00a0specific regulations related to moving into assisted living<\/a>. These regulations often rapidly change should there be an outbreak. Check the news as well as government websites.<\/p>\n

3. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Find out how many people are permitted to assist with the move<\/h3>\n

Facilities may have a limit to the number of people allowed to assist with the move, or they may have other regulations. Check with them before moving in. Ensure that the moving company is prepared to work in an assisted living community. Currently, some movers may not be able to work with seniors.<\/p>\n

4. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Screen yourself as well as moving staff<\/h3>\n

Some facilities require the moving staff to be screened before the move. The moving team is required to wear cloth face masks as well as other PPE. Furniture, as well as other belongings, may be required to be sanitized before entering the facility. It is also essential to have a COVID test for when you move into the facility, as most facilities will request this.<\/p>\n

5. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Prepare yourself mentally<\/h3>\n

When moving to any new residence, it can be stressful\u00a0adjusting to the changes<\/a>\u00a0this brings. This may often mean new routines and changes in your daily life and the people in it. To help ease the transition, bring with you your hobbies and communication devices.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What Happens after You Have Moved into Assisted Living?<\/span><\/h2>\n