Senior Living Communities: Move in During COVID-19 or Wait?

Over the last several months, many families have made the decision to keep their aging parents or loved ones at home, instead of moving into a senior living community, out of fear of exposure to COVID-19. Experienced community advisors have heard it time and time again—adult children are overwhelmed, tired and not focused on their own self-care, but they worry about mom or dad moving into a community setting. Let’s look at some of the reasons why moving into a senior living community sooner actually may be the right option:

1. Vaccination and Availability of Medical Resources:

Many senior communities in Texas are partnered with pharmacies and their residents and team members will be among the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. You’ll feel assured that your loved one is receiving the vaccine and ongoing boosters at no cost without having to be exposed to other individuals as they would at a clinic or health care center. Moving into one of these communities would prioritize the health and safety of your loved one.

2. Exercise and Physical Health:

Especially for those with memory loss, engagement and exercise are critical for overall health. Many senior communities offer a wealth of activities that are purposefully designed for the individual residents. With team members onsite daily to provide leadership for these activities, it prevents the need to bring in outside providers or trainers which increases risk of exposure. Having onsite activity leaders also allows a bond to be formed between staff and residents making them more likely to join in on the fun!

3. Safety and Security:

Homes may run out of resources like food, toiletries, medication or other necessities that senior communities have at their fingertips. Senior communities are often well-stocked with all necessary items—no toilet paper shortages here. In addition, adequate senior communities will monitor deliveries, use hand sanitizer, have amplification of cleaning procedures and ensure that the limited visitors to the community follow proper safety protocols.

4. Connection in a Time of Social Distancing:

Many seniors are currently isolated in their homes and have been for several months. This can make it difficult to keep connected with family. Senior communities will likely have access to technology making it capable to stay in touch with loved ones virtually and through outdoor visits. Team members are creative and always looking for new ways to provide activities that are safe and fun.

5. Less Strain and Stress, More Focus on Your Relationship With Your Loved One:

As you’re well aware, it can be straining to offer help and care to your elderly loved ones while also keeping yourself and your family safe and healthy during this unprecedented time. By helping mom or dad transition and move into a new home in a senior living community, younger family members are liberated from caregiving roles and instead can spend more meaningful, quality time with their loved ones. Families constantly express how appreciative they are of the individualized care and engagement provided for their loved one and how they wish they had decided to make the choice sooner!

Whether you’re searching for memory care or another type of senior living, these communities have made the purposeful choice to dedicate their lives to providing exemplary care. You can be assured that your loved ones are in good hands.

This article is brought to you by Villa at Riverstone.

Interested in learning more? Make sure to contact Jane Jonas, advisor at Villa at Riverstone, at 832.405.3013 as she will help provide resources and answer any questions. You can also visit willowriverseniorliving.com/villa-at-riverstone,  a dedicated memory care community, purposefully designed for those with memory loss. Their unique THRIVE program allows them to provide care and engagement with purpose, helping their residents feel valued and live with dignity. Willow River Senior Living also has communities in the San Antonio and Dallas areas.