Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

Senior Living During COVID-19: What You Can Expect

by Joe Dixon

If you are considering helping your parents move into a senior living community during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be understandably unsure of what to expect from the process and from the retirement community itself. Many retirement communities are taking serious steps to reduce the risk of residents contracting and spreading COVID-19 in the community. Get to know some of what you might be able to expect from a senior living or retirement community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, you can be sure you and your parents are prepared for the transition into retirement living.

Expect Regular Temperature Checks

When your parents move into a senior living or retirement community, they will likely want to engage in community activities like meals, arts and crafts, card games, and more. If they wish to do so, they will likely be asked to have their temperature taken regularly to ensure that they are not symptomatic for COVID-19. 

This is a simple precautionary step that staff at the senior living community can take to try to keep everyone in the community healthy. It is also of little to no hassle for your parents to do. As such, it should not be a big deal. 

Alternatively, residents of the retirement community may be asked to monitor their own temperatures on a daily basis and avoid group activities or interactions with other residents if their temperature is elevated. This can help your parents feel more autonomous but still work to protect the health of all residents. 

Expect Limited Visitation

Many retirement communities have restricted visitation policies based on the number of COVID-19 cases circulating in the surrounding city or area. If the risk of community spread is very high, for example, there may be no visitors allowed. If the risk is mid-level, visitors may be allowed only outdoors, 6 feet apart, with masks on. If the risk is lower, visitation may be unlimited or limited only by a mask requirement. 

These steps are all to protect the residents of the retirement community and prevent the community from becoming a site of community spread of the virus. Because retirees are all in a more high-risk group for severe symptoms of the virus, facilities and communities need to take such precautions when COVID-19 case rates are high in the surrounding area. 

Knowing these things you can expect from senior and retirement living during COVID-19, you can be sure you are as prepared as possible for the process of transitioning your parent into their new home.

For more information, reach out to a local senior living community.


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About Me

Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

There are many different types of assisted living facilities, and choosing one can be confusing. You want your loved one to be safe, happy and cared for, but how do you know which facility will best meet your needs? My name is Meghan, and I have helped my family place our loved ones in various assisted living homes. I'd like to give you a checklist and questions to ask yourself when you choose an assisted living facility for someone you love; you don't have to be overwhelmed. I can help you find the best place for your elderly loved one.