Being Safe – But Social – in an Assisted Living Community

We’ve had some time now to figure this COVID thing out and while no one is letting their guard down, our residents are still able to enjoy life. Here’s how.

• Non-restrictive residences – While a COVID outbreak will include senior care safety rules for sheltering in place to avoid infections travelling from resident to resident, having apartment-style living spaces with several different floorplans makes everything a lot easier on residents. With one and two-bedroom spaces with several different layouts as well as spacious rooms for memory care patients, assisted living in Atlantic County feels like a community and not a facility.
• A strong social calendar – Again, social activities are currently being determined by senior care safety rules, but the strong actions taken by our community has helped minimize the impact of COVID. Usually, the social calendar is a full one that’s rich in community life offerings that range from yoga and book clubs to gardening clubs, cooking demonstrations, social outings and even fishing trips. During COVID, we’re doing all we can to keep residents socially active as well as safe with in-person visits and activities where it is safe to do so, as well as supporting online family calls and virtual activities.

The UNITEDforSAFETY Program

Due to the especially high risks that seniors face during the COVID pandemic, our assisted living care community has implemented an impressive infection control and cleanliness program for the entire community, residents and staff to make safety a top priority. With the help of infection control specialists certified by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, we have all the recommended protocols and best practices in place to make sure the assisted living environment is as safe, hygienic and clean as possible.

In addition, we have a strong set of protocols in place to manage potential outbreaks effectively to reduce spread, care for all residents, provide care for COVID patients and keep families updated at all times.

Can I Move into Assisted Living in Atlantic County?

While the process has changed a little to ensure the safety of current residents, you are allowed to move into assisted living in Atlantic County. As senior care specialists, we know that many seniors and their families need the assistance provided by our community now more than ever, and that a pandemic doesn’t change the fact that many elderly loved ones need essential support and care right now. Here are some general guidelines for anyone considering a move into assisted living

• Touring assisted living communities – While touring assisted living communities is the best way to see all the amenities and get a good feel for what they offer, it’s not possible at this time due to the risk of COVID infections. Instead, many facilities are offering virtual tours, meetings and consultations over Skype or Zoom. Websites are also great resources for finding out more about prospective communities, so take some time to read about offerings, senior care safety measures and, of course, blogs.
• Moving in – The moving process will also be a little different, and your chosen community will send you plenty of information on the process they want you to follow and how this best protects residents and your loved one. It will likely involve restrictions on viewing the apartment space, on how many people can help your loved one move in, screening procedures to ensure anyone helping is not infected, requirements for movers to wear masks and undergo sanitization procedures, and requirements for sanitizing possessions and furniture that are being moved into the residence.

Although these restrictions can be frustrating, it’s important to keep in mind why they are in place. Ultimately, it is all about ensuring the safety of residents and staff, keeping everyone’s loved ones as protected as possible while making sure they get the best support and assistance. To get in touch with the team at our assisted living care community in Atlantic County, contact us today or visit us at https://umcommunities.org/theshores/discover-your-loved-ones-new-home/