023. How Senior Living is adapting to COVID-19

Is it safe to move into senior living right now? Are people still moving in? What precautions are being taken? These are common questions that arise when it comes to senior living communities and COVID-19. 

While the pandemic has changed the industry a lot, safety is still a top priority, and many residences have creatively adapted to the circumstances.In this episode Lori shares her observations of senior living in a COVID world and what considerations to make when it comes to choosing your new home. Keep in mind that safety practices differ depending on the type of senior residence. For instance, assisted living and memory care facilities will be a little stricter and follow CDC guidelines while independent living allows for prescreened visitors. 

Plus, a local senior living consultant will have exclusive resources to help those who need to make this transition - from packing and realtor services to communities who can give virtual tours.

Takeaways from this episode:
- Independent living often accepts visitors but has adapted with plexiglass at check-in, temperature checks, mask requirements, gloves, and social distancing.
- Residents of independent living can expect community dining and activities but with safety modifications, like group number limits.
- Assisted living and memory care facilities allow essential caregivers, like home health professionals, but now a family member can be qualified as well.
- Outdoor visits and window visits are on the rise for assisted living, and technology has played a huge role in connecting as well.
- Senior living may pose a lower risk than the status quo: For some people who need meals prepared, going to a grocery store may be riskier than the controlled environment of senior living.
- Smaller residential homes may be a safer option too - a lower number of residents and fewer visitors are going in and out.
- Each individual has to weigh the pros and cons. Socialization and a sense of community is still a big feature of living, but now with added safety precautions.
- Senior living professionals have resources like virtual tours, and connections to help seniors begin the moving process, like realtors and packing resources. 

Topics from this episode:
- Local Senior living consultant
- Independent living community
- Assisted living and memory care
- COVID-19 and seniors
- Senior living safety measures
- Assistance finding senior living
- Social distancing with family
- Senior safety

If you wish to suggest a topic, be a guest or want to support the podcast please email Lori@Loriwilliams-seniorservices.com or reach out online: https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/
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