Must-dos for Modifying Senior Living Routines for COVID-19

While COVID-19 has forced senior living communities around the world to come to a halt, by adjusting routines and incorporating new measures, we have been able to keep residents comfortable and safe without keeping them locked in their rooms all day. Modifications include:

Incorporating social distancing into familiar routines 

Consistency is key to the comfort of our residents. Instead of canceling activities, we offer regular activities while incorporating social distancing for safety. For instance, bingo is now offered in two sessions to increase our ability to separate players. And, country rides include social distancing, masks, and multiple drive times so everyone can enjoy the scenic views without packing the vehicle with people. Caregiver teams also take on an important role. For residents choosing to stay in their residence, the team makes socially distanced visits to provide snacks, enjoy happy hour, or bring activities. It is vital that residents feel included in the community, even if that means playing bingo in their room over the phone.

Finding creative ways to keep residents connected with loved ones

There are many ways that residents can connect safely, even during a pandemic. Parades on holidays like Mother’s Day and Father's Day allow families to visit the senior care communities with decorated cars and fun signs. It is obvious how much residents enjoy seeing loved ones and feeling the excitement of the event. Families are also encouraged to send letters; a hand-written note is a beautiful way to connect with family members or loved ones. And for those who want to visit in person, our plexiglass cubicle offers safe person-to-person interaction, or visits can be made through windows.

Reinventing their favorite outside experiences within the community 

Many residents look forward to going out into the community, which is why we are reinventing outside experiences by bringing these moments directly to them. Missing your favorite restaurant? We offer dining options with food brought in directly from favorite eateries. A night at the movies? No problem. We offer a movie theater experience two times a week, complete with social distancing. Or maybe music is more your thing. Entertainers perform outside or behind plexiglass with the audience socially distanced.

Driven by our love and dedication, what it really comes down to is creativity and keeping a positive outlook. By thinking outside the box and making decisions with empathy and understanding, we can recreate the sense of normalcy that help our residents to thrive. 

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