How do you tour senior communities during a pandemic?
There is no doubt the pandemic has impacted everyone this year, but this is especially true for seniors. Thankfully, with COVID-19 vaccines becoming available, we now have hope for a better future. However, we aren't there yet, and we must all do our due diligence to remain safe. While some senior care communities are offering in-person tours by following all CDC protocols, but they are other communities that aren't. So, here is how you can still safely tour a senior care community during a pandemic.
Start by researching the community you're interested in, have an initial phone consultation, and schedule a virtual tour. It's that simple. Virtual tours are a great way to visit a facility because they are 100% CDC compliant. They protect you and your loved one; they allow you to have face-to-face interaction with community representatives. They let you see the community layout, including daily activities, in real-time.
Here are three things to keep in mind when doing your virtual tour:
Community floor plans
Are the rooms large or small?
Do they accommodate those with mobility challenges?
Does the facility look clean and well maintained?
Safety and security
Are they following COVID-19 precautions, including restricting visitations and requiring masks, temperature scanning, and hand sanitizer?
Is the community well secured?
Community Environment
Are there enough caregivers available?
Do the staff seem friendly and well trained?
Does the community offer personalized levels of care?
What activities do they offer?
Considering your loved one's needs and how they could benefit from a senior care community isn't something that stops due to the pandemic. But it is important to know that it is still possible to find a good senior care community, even if the search may look a little different. If you are looking for a senior care community that can provide specialized care tailored to your loved one's needs, please contact us to schedule your in-person or virtual tour.