The story of how COVID-19 affected our lives was a tragedy
no one expected and no one could have prepared for. What many people don’t know
is how assisted living for seniors was affected by the pandemic and what
measures have been taken to keep seniors safe and engaged during these
difficult times.
In March of 2020, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the
World Health Organization and since then a lot has changed in terms of keeping
senior in assisted living facilities safe and secure. For instance, COVID-19 procedures
are being followed in these facilities and even family members of the loved
ones follow safety protocols while in the centers to prevent the spread of disease.
The senior living industry has taken unprecedented and
strict measures to keep the residents healthy while elevating their service
standards. Today, assisted living for seniors goes beyond its traditional
practice –focusing on the social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the
residents and not merely focusing on their physical wellbeing.
Here are some things assisted living facilities are doing to
ensure your loves ones are safe and engaged during COVID-19.
They Handle All the Necessities
When you are elderly and at home, you are constantly worried
about getting the job done but your physical strength may no longer be what it
used to be. Cleaning the backyard, cutting the grass, fixing the cable and
more. At an assisted living facility, the essentials such as meals,
medications, and housekeeping are taken care of. In addition, there are activities and offsite
trips that keep the residents entertained, socially fulfilled and engaged.
Healthcare Assistance On-Site
Imagine a 24/7 healthcare service at your disposal every
day. If you need a prescription refill, medication management, primary care, or
physical therapy your basic healthcare needs can be met onsite at the assisted
living community. Having health and
well-being assistance integrated within the assisted living home setting adds
an extra layer of comfort for the residents giving a sense of reassurance and
convenience.
Peace of Mind
Assisted living for seniors nowadays offers its residents a much-needed
peace of mind that helps them get rid of several uncertainties. For instance,
who is looking out for me? Who will handle my finances? Who is guarding the
door? Am I safe here?
According to a study, healthcare facilities like assisted
livings homes were the first to
get access to the vaccinations and their residents were the first to get
vaccinated. According to the preliminary research by the University of Chicago,
residents living outside assisted living facilities were twice as likely to die
from COVID-19 compared to those who received continuous care at the facilities. Early access to vaccinations and the ongoing
healthcare oversight in assisted living communities, likely lead to these
outcomes.
Conclusion
Assisted living for seniors has come along way since its
initial days and the definition of wellbeing has outgrown the bounds of
physical health. Today, practitioners are well-aware on the importance of
socialization, interaction and sense of security for a resident. For more
information on assisted living facilities and services click here.
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