Pi Cares: Helping Senior Living Communities and Residents Successfully Navigate the Pandemic
Senior living communities have worked valiantly to ensure that their properties are safe and comfortable for residents and staff alike during the COVID pandemic.
This presents both challenges and opportunities.
COVID-19 has changed everything, and it has affected how people view their homes, particularly if they live in a senior living community. According to a new report, a majority of seniors and their families see senior living communities as safe havens where residents have access to food, supplies, care, and companionship when they need it most. Among the report’s findings:
June inquiries for senior living on average were 15% higher than in May.
June move-outs were an average of 20% lower than they were this time last year.
Move-in averages increased just over 32% from May of this year to June of this year.
Not surprisingly, digital inquiries were strong for June 2020 in comparison to a year ago.
Assisted living and memory care inquiries went down when then pandemic hit, but they are starting to rebound. For instance, inquiries in the central U.S. are back to where they were a years ago.
This isn’t to say that the industry doesn’t face significant challenges. According to a study in the Journal of Aging & Social Policy, a few key issues that may impact the senior living industry:
Retirement savings accounts have taken a hit in recent months, though what impact this will have is still uncertain. Older adults may decide to put off retirement, and some of those who have retired may consider re-entering the workforce. As a result, they may ponder putting off a move to a senior living community or making any new investments.
The pandemic and subsequent quarantines/lockdowns have prevented many people from getting medical attention for preexisting physical, emotional, and social problems/issues. At the same time, access to food, groceries, and supplies such as soap and sanitizer has been challenging for people without the means to access these necessities safely or have them delivered. As a result, physical and mental health has suffered for many of these individuals.
Social isolation and loneliness are linked to negative physical and mental health outcomes (such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder).
Of course, with challenges come opportunities – including increased use of technology, stronger family and intergenerational connections, innovative ways to combat social isolation, increased awareness of the importance of advance directives, and a growing interest in wellness and holistic care. For instance, senior living communities can promote dining, food delivery, and other services such as onsite telemedicine. They also can highlight ways that they keep residents engaged, connected, and involved even during a quarantine.
In recent months, we have been addressing some of the opportunities for senior care communities to maximize safety, comfort, and engagement for both residents and staff during the pandemic and moving forward. Among our COVID-related blogs:
Has COVID Changed Consumer Sentiment about Senior Living? In a new survey, 61% of consumers said that the pandemic hasn’t changed their opinion about independent or assisted living. However, 35% of those who have changed their views said they see these settings less favorably. More than ever, design and amenities make a difference as pandemic fears creep into decisions about senior housing.
Senior Living’s Post-COVID Comeback: How Great Design Attracts New Residents. What will seniors really want in a community moving forward? Consider some key design features to attracts prospects and boost move-ins post-pandemic.
Senior Living Can Shine Post-COVID with Safety-Focused Designs. The pandemic has changed everything; but it also has given senior living communities an opportunity to shine and show themselves as innovators.
Designing for Activities: The New Normal for Senior Living Post-Pandemic. In the design or renovation of a senior living community, it is essential to understand how these spaces will be used for popular innovations related to telemedicine, dining and shopping, yoga and meditation, outdoor exercise, and other activities.
The New Normal: Retrofitting for More Isolation Rooms. Agility and adaptability have taken on new meaning as senior living communities seek to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes finding ways to safely isolate and cohort COVID-positive residents to contain the spread of the virus while minimizing disruption to their comfort and wellbeing.
Designing to Keep Staff Safe: The New Normal of the Workplace. Several workspace adjustments, some small and others more complex, can help protect your staff and enable them work safely and productively as the pandemic drags on.
We can help you create and maintain buildings and communities that maximize safety, comfort, and engagement and attract move-ins in the months and years ahead. Call us at (512)231-1910 or contact us here.
