The concept of assisted living was introduced well over two decades ago but never has there been a time like this where the whole world went into lockdown and people were forced to keep a safe distance from their loved ones.
To think that senior citizens already tend to feel lonely and alienated, COVID only made things worse for them: wiith weak immune systems and subsequent vulnerability, they also began to get sick – not only did it further increase the demand for senior living options, but it also increased the burden on existing residents and the caregivers at senior living facilities, forcing all the executives, residents, and staff members to not only heal the ill but also persevere through the constantly challenging and unprecedented work conditions.
Among other senior living facilities, assisted living–which is primarily about providing supportive care to adults who are over the age of 65 and require assistance and medical care–was also undeniably taken by surprise. The residents were prohibited from leaving the rooms, avoiding all forms of physical contact with their loved ones, and of course, given timely vaccinations. However, a report suggests that mortality rates in assisted living were much lower than those in skilled nursing.
Let’s look at some of the key changes brought within the assisted living communities to adapt to the challenges posed by covid-19.
PPE Inventory
The pandemic surely brought more perspective to the members of the assisted living communities, helping them focus on the preparedness of their safety protocols. It was essential for the communities to have an adequate supply of PPE (personal protective equipment), as effective supply and distribution of PPE is one of the best responses in our fight against Covid.
Increased Sanitation
Unquestionably, the first response from assisted living communities was to increase the level of cleanliness in the premises. New protocols have been introduced that are focusing heavily on common spaces, entry points, and dining spaces where the engagement is at its peak. Many communities also implemented advanced technologies for prevention and control purposes.
Wellness Support Program
Despite all the SOPs being followed, what impacted the lives of residents the most was how much they were cared for, since long term care is the prime reason why individuals choose to live in such communities. For instance, during lockdown, social distancing and quarantines, senior citizens felt lonelier and more scared than ever before.
However, assisted living communities lived up to the expectations residents had from a community environment. The majority of these communities implemented a wellness program to address the mental and emotional wellbeing aspects of residents; support services such as mental health counseling, health screenings, and wellness check-ins became more frequent.
Conclusion
Vaccinations and PPE surely brought a sense of relief within these communities and their residents during the anticipation and anxiety filled times of COVID-19. However, major policies and protocols were introduced and/or modified to ensure and maintain the health and wellbeing of individuals.
For these elders, there was nothing better than being in the presence of other similar individuals, all vaccinated and interacting with each other in a safe environment whilst ensuring all the Covid-19 protocols were being followed the right way. These changes in the communities undeniably depict the efficiency and adaptability of assisted living communities.
If you or your loved one are considering moving into one, please visit our website, The Care Concierge and get in touch with a senior care consultant right away!