During these challenging times, families will still need assisted living during the Coronavirus for their loved ones. Here are some reminders and simple steps on what to do if your loved one needs assisted living.
We’ve heard it so many times that the senior population is most susceptible to the coronavirus, right? During this difficult time, families have been worried and very cautious about caring for their elderly loved ones at home or at an assisted living facility.
All of the assisted living, nursing homes and board and care homes in the country have now implemented a “No Visitor” Policy in order to protect their residents and employees from the coronavirus. But what should you do if you need to move your elderly loved one to an assisted living facility during the coronavirus pandemic?
Assisted Living Move-In Policies during the COVID-19 Outbreak
Move in policies vary from community to community. Some of the assisted living and board and care homes have a “No move-in” policy until further notice. While some assisted living facilities during the Coronavirus are allowing move-ins but only for those with valid reasons.
If you have to move your senior loved one to an Assisted Living, what steps can you take to ensure that you are moving him/her to the right community? What is the procedure for assisted living admissions?
Here are important details you should know if you are planning to move your elderly loved one into assisted living during the coronavirus outbreak.
Scheduling Tours for Assisted Living During the Coronavirus Crisis
In an effort to avoid the spread of the coronavirus and to protect the seniors and staff members, most of the assisted living communities are now offering virtual tours or video tours. Most assisted living communities have set up a page for virtual tours, while some are able to send a link with videos and photos of the community.
For a more personalized experience, most assisted living communities offer video tours through FaceTime, Skype, Zoom or other video platforms. Doing video tours is more interactive since families can interact directly with the community directors by asking questions and bringing up any concerns they may have.
Quick Tip:
Ensure your iPhone or Android device is ready for a video tour so you can see everything that goes on in the assisted living facility. Some popular methods for video tours are Facetime (iPhone), Duo (Android), Zoom, Facebook Video Chat or Skype. You can download these apps to your smart phone device.
Many computers also have the capability to do assisted living video tours, so you can use your computer even if you don’t have a video camera. If you download the Facebook or Skype app to your computer, you can also watch the video tour as well.
If you are unsure how to do this, feel free to contact us here and we can send you some instructions.
Admission Process for Assisted Living During the Coronavirus Crisis:
- Schedule an Assessment
Once the family decides that they like the assisted living community, they can request an Assessment. Assessments are very important as it will determine if the seniors will be a good fit for the community. This will also help in establishing whether or not the assisted living community is able to provide all the care needs the senior requires.
- Pre-Assessment Day
The initial step would be asking for a Physician’s Report that will include the senior’s medical diagnosis, TB testing results, comprehensive details on the patient’s medical condition(s), including list of medications. This report will then be given to the assisted living community admissions department.
- Assessment Day
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, taking extra precautions is key to avoid getting exposed to the coronavirus. Assessment Policies will vary per assisted living community. It is important that you call the assisted living facility or your Senior Care Advisor for details.
Some of the assisted living facilities prefer to do a phone and/or video assessment. An in-person assessment is also another option wherein the nurse will go to the patient’s location. In-person assessments at the assisted living facility will certainly include proper hand washing or hand-sanitizing and of course social distancing.
It is also important to note that for in-person assessments the nurse or the assisted living staff member will have to be healthy and may be required to wear a mask throughout their visit for safety purposes.
- Pre-move in Day
The senior is only allowed to move into the assisted living community if he/she meets all the following requirements:
- Senior has not been diagnosed or exposed to anyone diagnosed with coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
- No one from the current facility or household has been in close contact with someone who has been exposed to the coronavirus.
- No coronavirus symptoms such as: Fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose and/or shortness of breath.
- Physician’s report with an updated TB testing results has been submitted to the assisted living facility.
If all the said safety requirements are met, the assisted living director or administrator will determine if the potential senior resident is ready for an immediate move-in or if move-in date will need to be delayed.
- Move-in Day
The assisted living community is ready and prepared to welcome their new resident. Keep in mind that due to the coronavirus crisis, the “No Visitor” policy will still be enforced.
The assisted living community may allow a limited number of immediate family members to accompany the senior following proper safety guidelines. Please contact the assisted living facility or consult with your senior care advisor regarding “Move-in day” policy for family members.
If certain immediate family members are permitted to enter the assisted living facility, the following will be required:
- Proper handwashing or hand-sanitizing before entering the community
- Temperature will be taken to ensure that no one is sick
- Family member(s) will be required to answer basic health and travel-related questions to ensure that the visitor/guest is not showing any coronavirus symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19.
Aside from the safety guidelines mentioned above, additional policies and requirements may be imposed by the assisted living facility during the coronavirus.
During this difficult time, the health and well-being of the elderly residents and employees will be the top priority. Please be very patient as all the assisted living staff members are trying their best to help and protect everyone.
For specific, move-in guidelines for a particular community or any questions for assisted living during the coronavirus, you can contact one of our senior care advisors at 877-523-6523 or send us a message here.
How to Assisted Living Facilities Respond to the Coronavirus Pandemic?
What if You are Infected with Coronavirus?
7 Tips on How Seniors Can Protect Themselves
5 Tips on How to Stay Connected to Seniors in Senior Facilities
10 Ways to Help Seniors Cope with Isolation During the Coronavirus
Copyright © 2022 SeniorCareHomes.com. All Rights Reserved.
Catharine “Kate” is a Certified Administrator for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) and an Expert Senior Care Advisor. Kate’s grandmother battled Alzheimer’s Disease and Kate personally understands what millions of families are going through. Kate and her team are very passionate in empowering Seniors and their families by providing them with the Best Available Senior Care Options based on Senior’s care needs, preferred location and family’s budget.
Featured & Seen In:
