In light of the pandemic, it’s only natural for seniors and their loved ones to have questions about the safety of moving to a senior living community. In fact, many myths about senior living during COVID-19 have surfaced and continue to create confusion and concern. Considering that we’ll likely be dealing with the novel coronavirus for months to come, it’s more important than ever to separate fact from fiction.
You’ve got a lot of livin’ to do, and today’s senior living communities offer everything you want and need to make that happen. Don’t let misinformation about the pandemic keep you from the great life you deserve. Below, we’ve debunked four common senior living myths about COVID-19 that families are most concerned about:
How safe can it be to live around a lot of people?
A senior living community can be a great place to live in times like these. Senior living communities are bound by strict state and local guidelines, and during the pandemic, even more stringent guidelines and recommendations from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), local and state health agencies are in place. The safety and welfare of residents and team members is the highest priority at senior living communities, and they are committed to maintaining a healthy environment on your behalf. As you explore your options and talk to representatives, don’t hesitate to ask about their COVID-19 policies and protocols to answer any concerns you might have.
What will I do with my time if I can’t go anywhere?
Everyone is finding creative ways to interact, feel a sense of normalcy and enjoy quality of life every day, and seniors and team members at senior living communities are no different. We’re using technology to keep residents connected to family and friends. Many communities have initiated fun events like virtual coffee hours and other celebrations. At Friendship Village of Bloomington, residents followed social distancing guidelines while enjoying a baseball party complete with Cracker Jacks. In many instances, amenities like pools and fitness centers are beginning to reopen with new sanitation measures in place. In fact, we’re employing a state-of-the-art electric fogger to ensure that fitness equipment can be properly sanitized between uses.
Wouldn’t I be safer living with my adult children for now?
While it might seem like a good idea to be surrounded by loved ones in a crowded home environment, it can sometimes be more dangerous. Family members who are out and about might unknowingly come in contact with someone infected with COVID-19 and inadvertently subject older adults living in the home to the virus. Without regular testing, sanitation, and hygiene practices in place, you simply don’t know what you might be exposed to. Some of the benefits of senior living that just can’t be duplicated at home include access to the various levels of care or assistance you may need with daily activities. You’ll also miss out on all the wonderful opportunities for a robust social life “ there’s plenty of it, even in a time of social distancing!
Isn’t it best to put off any plans to move until the danger passes?
The experts generally agree that even when a vaccine becomes widely available, COVID-19 will impact our lives for a long time to come. Time is precious though, so consider what it will mean to delay your chance to enjoy a carefree lifestyle. If you knew of a place where you could live your best life, wouldn’t it be worth exploring now?
The myths about senior living during COVID-19 will linger. That said, if you or a loved one is considering a move to a senior living community, take time to learn about your options and the safety precautions in place “ but be sure what you’re reading or hearing from friends is accurate.
Talking directly to a representative at a senior living community is a good way to get all the facts. If you’d like to contact Friendship Village of Bloomington to learn more about how we’re keeping our residents safe and engaged, simply complete the form at the bottom of this page and someone will give you a call. We can even arrange a virtual tour. Just ask!
