Q&A

COVID-19, quarantine, social distancing and self-isolation are our reality for the time being. With so many sources of information out there regarding this pandemic, it can be overwhelming, so we just wanted to take a moment to highlight some more of the CDC recommendations for assisted living and senior care homes.

Our life experiences and memories make up a large part of who we are. Seniors in assisted living can benefit greatly from the positive feelings gained from sharing pleasant memories. There are plenty of ways to help seniors reminisce, which can lead to decreased stress, reduced agitation and boost mood.

Many discoveries are born out of incredibly difficult circumstances, and in these trying times people are looking everywhere for answers to protect against the novel coronavirus. Ultraviolet C (UVC) light has been proven effective in neutralizing viruses, but what about with COVID-19? Keeping your residents and communities safe is a priority, but could this technology help, and is it even safe?

With the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19, combined with a massive communications infrastructure involving social media, news outlets, and news-adjacent content, countless myths have surfaced regarding the coronavirus. The CDC has published advice for the public regarding false claims and answers the questions that many are asking.

Residential assisted living will get through this current pandemic as will the rest of our communities. The question is, what are we learning and how are we making the most of a difficult situation? Many are confident that RAL will come out of this more robust and resolute in the commitment to high quality care and protection of seniors, but how are we maintaining human connection?

Are you concerned about COVID-19 spreading to your residential assisted living home through family and friend visits? As we all try to do our part with social distancing and self-isolation, it might be the best time to make video and voice messaging more available to your residents and their families.

Trying times call for unique solutions. With social distancing and self-isolating as we deal with COVID-19, how can RAL owners still attract new residents? Virtual tours allow prospective residents and families to explore your facility prior to making the important decision about where to move their loved ones.

As owners and operators of RAL homes, you’re always looking to manage costs while continuing to keep quality high. One surefire way to keep costs down while showing your employees how much you care about them is by providing affordable healthcare. It’s all about taking care of your staff so that they can take care of your residents and your business.

It’s hard to imagine having anything positive to say about dementia. However, when a loved one or a resident in your care begins to display troubling, erratic or even dangerous behavior an accurate dementia diagnosis can mean the world to loved ones and care staff around them. Knowing the cause of certain behaviors allows staff and loved ones to respond in ways more beneficial to the seniors and their mental health.

The Eden Alternative and Pioneer Network have joined together to bring you 90-minute webinars with timely topics presented by thought leaders in the field of aging. Transforming the culture of care and support doesn’t stop with how we live – it’s also about how we die. As change agents, we have much to learn about the art of supporting a meaningful death experience from end-of-life doulas.