In this extraordinary environment of COVID-19, we are taking even more precautions than ever before to guard the safety of our precious senior community. Recognizing that seniors are in the high-risk group for the virus, stringent measures have been placed in terms of social distancing and limiting their interactions with the community. These factors make it more difficult when evaluating how to provide for a loved one’s care if it becoming too difficult to do this at home, or if they are living alone.
Reading the news may make you feel like an assistant living community is not safe since the virus easily spreads, but if the need for daily professional care is there, it may still be the best choice. Especially when you consider the fact that home care can also pose a risk if a senior is living alone with outside help, or if they are living with your family who could contract the virus while out in the community.
Residential care facilities have put into place very strict safety measures for their residents and staff. Being in a community also ensures they will have everything they need, and not have to go out to pick up food and other supplies needed for daily living.
What to Consider
When is it time for Assisted Living?
Look at different factors to help guide your decision if now is the time to move them or if you should wait until after the pandemic. Those who may need assistance sooner include:
- Seniors who have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, and caregiving at home is no longer an option
- Those who need help with activities of daily living as taking medicines, bathing, dressing, meal and housekeeping, or if safety is a concern
- Those who are medically compromised and who are living with family members who cannot stay at home and there is not a private bedroom or bathroom to provide social distancing
- Those who are living alone and are having emotional issues as the time span for social distancing increases
How to find assisted living for seniors
Assisted Living communities across the country have mandated protocols to follow, as outlined by the CDC and their State Health Department. This will include restriction of visitors, closely monitoring and conducting health screenings of all residents and staff, as well as strict housekeeping/cleaning procedures. Many, like McLean, are serving meals to residents in their homes and facilitating virtual family visits through skype and face time.
So even in these extraordinary times, and things seem to be constantly changing, Assisted Living can offer the perfect amount of support that is just right for your loved one. Whether it’s having help with things like dressing, personal care, medication management or housekeeping, or extra support with transfer and mobility assistance, Assisted Lving can help your loved one continue to live their most independent lifestyle.
To research which one is best for your loved one, use these questions below as a reference in reviewing and evaluating websites, virtual tours and making calls.
- What’s the difference between Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing?
To qualify for AL level of care, per CT regulations, a resident to be “chronic and stable”, care needs can be managed on a schedule, and a RN is available during the day. Skilled Nursing level offers care “on-demand” from a nurse 24 hours a day.
- What happens when someone needs Skilled Nursing, do they have to move out?
At a Life Plan Community like McLean, a continuum of care including skilled nursing is available for residents if and when they need it.
- How is your Assisted Living staffed?
At McLean, Assisted Living Care Partners are available 24/7 and Registered Nurses are on each neighborhood between 8 am – 8 pm. Nurses are in the building for emergencies at all times. Staffing will depend upon the patient’s individual the level of care.
- Are there other medical services available on site?
For example, McLean provides Podiatry, Audiology, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry, Dental, Primary Care, Home Care and Hospice.
- What is the meal plan?
At McLean, there is restaurant-style, cooked to order dining, serving 3 nutritious meals a day, plus drinks and snacks.
- What activities do you offer?
Our Life Enrichment team plans a robust calendar of daily activities, including exercise, art and ceramics, music, live performances and trips out into the community.
- Is transportation available?
McLean provides transportation to doctors appointments in the Farmington Valley and on Cottage Grove Road, Bloomfield, plus transportation to planned activities.
- What are the costs? Is it all inclusive or will there be additional fees?
Please call 860-658-3786 for more information on McLean’s all- inclusive monthly fees.
- Do you have a waiting list?
Like McLean, this may vary depending upon when you inquire and what type of room you are looking for.
10. What is the application process like?
Please call 860-658-3786 to learn how to apply for McLean’s Assisted Living and Memory Care residential programs.