Even though there is a desire and potential need to explore senior living, many older adults and families are delaying a move during the pandemic, which may or may not be the best choice.
Understandably, people have concerns about moving to assisted living or memory support in these challenging times, however, Pathway to Living communities are taking thoughtful and thorough measures to create healthy and joyful living environments while continuing to safely welcome new residents.
There are benefits and challenges associated with the multiple lifestyle and care options for older adults:
- Supporting an aging loved one in his or her own home, which may require coordinating food and medicine delivery, cooking, bill paying and home upkeep—all with little or no peace of mind.
- Care in your home, where family members may come and go for work, school or socialization, which may lead to COVID-19 exposure or caregiver burnout.
- Moving to assisted living or memory support for care, which has its own unique set of concerns that are addressed below.
How do you know which is the best and safest option for you and your family? Pathway to Living Lifestyle Specialists are always available to answer your questions and walk you through this process. As COVID-19 realities change every day, so do concerns. We are committed to providing you with genuine support throughout your journey.
The following content addresses the concerns that older adults and their families express when considering a move to senior living during COVID-19.
Concern:
"I won't be able to visit loved one in person"
Reassurance:
Every day, team members evaluate the current situation in order to host family visits in safe and meaningful ways. While this is an evolving situation, currently, outdoor visits can be scheduled in good weather and team members facilitate virtual visits between residents and families with tablets, phones and laptops.
Concern:
"My loved one will be exposed to COVID-19"
Reassurance:
Pathway has several measures in place to prevent infection from entering or spreading in our communities.
- Team members undergo health checks at the start of each shift and change from street clothes into clean scrubs
- Team members and residents undergo regular COVID-19 testing
- Handwashing, face masks, social distancing and frequent sanitation and cleaning are part of each community’s routine
Visitors are limited to essential workers and caregivers, and they undergo rigorous screening and abide by all protocols during their visit.
Concern:
"My loved one will get the flu or another sickness"
Reassurance:
While every effort is made to prevent illness, if a resident does get sick, Pathway caregivers deliver personal, hands-on care, coordinate medical services and keep family members updated on their loved one’s condition.
Concern:
"The team members will be infected with COVID-19 and my loved one will ne neglected"
Reassurance:
Caring for your loved one is Pathway’s priority, and as such, staffing levels are assessed daily to ensure there is always a caregiver to care for your loved one.
Concern:
"My loved one will contract COVID-19"
Reassurance:
Pathway takes every precaution to keep infection out of the community. However, if a resident does contract COVID-19, our caregivers will follow safety precautions while providing care, delivering food and hydration and providing social, personal interaction—all the while keeping family members informed and up to date.
Concern:
"My loved one may die alone"
Reassurance:
Family members and Hospice caregivers in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are welcome to spend quality in-person time with their loved ones.
Concern:
"I can't handle the fourteen-day quarantine requirement upon move-in"
Reassurance:
The quarantine period is advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and in place for residents’ and team members’ safety. During this time, team members provide regular social interaction by delivering meals, hydration, in-home programming and assisting with virtual visits with family and friends. Residents can also see and interact with neighbors during hallway exercise programs, happy hours and games.
Concern:
"How will I or my loved one feel at home?"
Reassurance:
Pathway to Living communities offer the award-winning VIVA! lifestyle that, even in these trying times, inspires residents to live with joy, meaning and purpose. There are opportunities to be social, follow your passion, lead a program or simply relax, all while following safety protocols.
Concern:
The time to move is not right because I am not working and have time to care for my loved one at home.
Reassurance:
Pathway’s caregivers are trained and dedicated to addressing your loved one’s care needs, so you can enjoy quality time nurturing your role as daughter, son, niece, nephew or grandchild. You will have time to pursue your goals and passions with the peace of mind that your loved one’s care and social needs are being met by a caring team of professionals. Your relationship with a loved one can grow even stronger once you step back into the caregiving role.
To find a Pathway to Living community near you, visit https://www.pathwaysl.com/our-communities. And to learn more about how Pathway to Living is committed to providing clean, safe and joyful communities, visit https://www.pathwaysl.com/clean-safe-and-joyful-living.