Safety In Senior Living During Covid

As COVID-19 continues to dominate the news media, many families may be concerned about the health and welfare of loved ones residing in senior living communities. You may rest assured no other industry is better prepared to keep older adults safe during a pandemic.

While much of the world is scrambling to stock up on hand sanitizer and Lysol, our storage closets are already full.

Even before phrases like “social distancing” became the new norm, infection mitigation and management has been a vital part of each Sonata Senior Living community’s day-to-day operations. We are constantly on alert to prevent, contain and manage the spread of contagious conditions ranging from athlete’s foot to influenza.

A Safety Net For Older Adults During Coronavirus Outbreak

Even under normal conditions, seniors with chronic diseases or memory challenges are best served in a safe, controlled environment with the protocols in place to meet their health, nutrition and social needs.

During a pandemic, these protocols are even more important. They offer a safety net for older adults, who have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Our residents don’t have to worry about buying food or medical supplies. They don’t have to worry about risking their health by entering high-traffic spots like grocery stores, banks and pharmacies. If they don’t feel well, we can provide care on site that helps keep them out of the emergency room,” said Sonata Senior Living’s COO Shelley Esden.

Beyond their physical well-being, senior living communities are also better equipped to address older adults’ emotional and social needs.

While so many seniors are staying at home — alone — to protect themselves from COVID-19, our residents are able to enjoy small-group activities and quality interactions with neighbors, caregivers and staff who have been screened and tested for COVID-19, said Esden.

Keeping older adults engaged and active in their community has been linked with a variety of health benefits. Our lifestyle programs also help provide encouragement and reassurance at a time when they’re more important than ever.

In addition to all of the preventative methods already in place, many senior living communities, including Sonata Senior Living, are drawing from their emergency management plans to ensure they provide the highest quality of care during a crisis.

Keeping Seniors Sonata Safe During Coronavirus

At Sonata Senior Living, our staff is supplementing their ongoing disease-prevention training with new frameworks designed specifically to prevent coronaviruses.

We’ve also supplemented our already robust safety protocol with even stricter policies regarding handwashing, sanitizing and cleaning. Residents and staff are taught how to properly manage coughs and sneezes to prevent spreading germs. Any employees who aren’t feeling well are ordered to stay home.

Furthermore, all residents and team members at Sonata Senior Living have been tested for COVID-19 to ensure their health and safety. As a result, we can offer a safer alternative to older adults receiving care from adult children who may or may not have been tested.

The enhanced infectious disease prevention and control protocols at Sonata Senior Living will continue to evolve based on the recommendations and requirements of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other federal, state and local public health authorities.

Beyond “Business as Usual”

While it’s too early to estimate the impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have, we believe our independent living, assisted living and memory care communities remains a safer alternative to the health risks posed by staying home alone or moving freely in public spaces.

To learn more about the steps we’re taking to ensure the health and wellness of our residents, call a Sonata community near you and ask about our new signature program, Sonata Safe.