The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life in many ways. The best senior living communities have gone above and beyond to adapt to these changes.
As the holidays approach, it’s important for your senior loved one to have a safe and secure community to call home.
While the pandemic understandably has raised concerns among caregivers to find safe senior living, these communities actually are able to create much safer environments due to strict protocols.
Learn how senior living communities keep residents safe, healthy, and happy, plus questions to ask when seeking senior living for a loved one.
How Senior Living Communities Keep Residents Safe
Finding a senior living community that will keep your loved one safe during a pandemic may seem a daunting task. How can you ensure the staff will treat your loved one as carefully and thoughtfully as you do?
The Kensington Falls Church is an assisted living and memory care community with a powerful Promise — to love and care for your family as we do our own.
We created safety protocols for our staff and residents that are continually updated based on the latest recommendations and requirements from the CDC.
These protocols include:
- Residents, team members, and visitors are monitored for fever and symptoms of illness
- Team members with symptoms must immediately return home
- Team members are equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) and practice social distancing
- Residents practice social distancing and wear masks when appropriate
- Frequent hand washing and sanitizing assistance provided
- Visitors encouraged to connect by appointment
- Visitors allowed in scheduled visiting space such as outdoors, in-room visits, and private dining
Our team uses CDC-approved disinfectants throughout our community, and all deliveries are sanitized before distribution.
Our residents and staff have received COVID-19 vaccinations, and all new residents are required to receive a COVID-19 test and quarantine for 14 days if they are not vaccinated.
We also partner with a fully vaccinated moving management company with equal safety protocols.
Keeping Seniors Filled with Joy and Purpose
At The Kensington, we know that keeping residents healthy involves more than safety measures. Senior loneliness from social distancing is a real issue affecting our loved ones that can impact their health.
This may be a contributing factor when finding senior living for your loved one. In terms of socialization, it’s safer for your loved one’s mental well-being if they’re in a community.
Our full-time life enrichment coordinators maintain an active calendar of activities that has been adjusted to fit the safety protocols.
We also encourage activities and comforts based on individual preferences, including self-care, wellness, video call and chat technology, arts and crafts, and comforting foods.
Questions to Ask When Searching for Senior Living
Finding a senior living or memory care community is a difficult decision. But as we approach the winter months and the holiday season it’s the perfect time to make the move.
If you are a caregiver to a loved one experiencing memory loss or another illness, the risk of falling on ice or unintentionally bringing home an illness is very real.
Moving to a safe, secure community with all necessary protocols in place can provide peace of mind, and allow you more time to simply enjoy your loved one rather than constantly worry about their safety.
If you’re looking for senior living and unsure where to begin, consider these questions as you research:
- What COVID-19 safety protocols do you follow?
- Are residents and team members consistently monitored for illness?
- Do you require vaccinations?
- Are visitors allowed?
- What protocols are in place for visitors?
- Do you provide life enrichment activities for seniors that follow safety protocols?
- What happens if my loved one gets sick?
- Do you allow pets?
- Do you allow couples to room together?
- What safety measures are provided for those requiring memory care?
If you are unable to visit the community in person due to COVID-19 protocols, ask if they can provide photos or a virtual tour.
The Kensington Falls Church welcomes couples to our community, as well as beloved family pets. We are dedicated to being a true home for your loved ones. A place where they can comfortably “age in place” no matter how their needs advance over time.
We offer onsite rehabilitation services and two memory care neighborhoods tailored to match your loved one’s needs.
Finding Safe Senior Living for Your Loved One
As a caregiver, it’s important to understand that despite your best efforts, caring for a loved one with a progressive illness can be too much physically, emotionally, or even financially.
The Kensington understands the unique challenges caregivers face, which is why we provide a hub just for you. Kensington Konnect is filled with informative and entertaining resources to support caregivers, loved ones, and families.
Reach out to The Kensington today with any questions or concerns you have about your loved one’s needs and how we can fit those needs. We are here to support you through these challenging life transitions.