This month, we’re rounding up the latest news from senior living and the impact Covid-19 is continuing to have on the industry.
1. Opening Senior Living in 2020 Presents New Challenges
It’s safe to say senior living developers that planned for 2020 openings likely didn’t consider the effects that a global pandemic might have on their preparations. New senior living communities have had to adapt to ensure the health and safety of residents and prospects. This includes implementing virtual tours, social distancing, pre-move-in Covid-19 testing and investing in touchless appliances.
Learn more about the challenges of opening senior living in 2020 in this McKnight’s Senior Living article.
2. Could the NBA Influence Senior Living in 2020?
Basketball fans will be familiar with “the bubble” NBA players are currently housed in at Orlando’s Walt Disney World Complex. The sealed environment has eradicated Covid-19 among team players and staff making it safe for the league to finish out its season.
The bubble approach involves frequent testing, wearable technology to monitor symptoms and the minimization of comings and goings in and out of the environment. It’s an approach that more senior living communities may soon look to adopt.
This Senior Housing News article offers insights on the NBA bubble and how it might be adapted for senior living in 2020.
3. Technology Is Widening the Divide Between the ‘Haves’ and ‘Have-Nots’
Smartphones, tablets and other technology have been crucial for all age groups during the Covid-19 pandemic. But there are subsets of the older demographics being left out when it comes to ordering Uber Eats or reuniting with the grandkids over Zoom.
This Daily Breeze article details how technology has left older adults with disabilities and less financial resources at a disadvantage during the pandemic.
4. What to Consider Before Visiting a Senior Loved One
As communities expand their visitor policies, family members of residents may still be unsure of how they should approach their visit with their loved ones.
This Q&A from The Philadelphia Enquirer gives insights you can share with families on how they can prepare to visit their loved ones at your community.
5. Covid-19 Death Toll Over 7,000 for Senior Living in 2020
Senior living communities were one of the first hotspots for Covid-19. Now, the numbers show that 31% of seniors that contracted the virus at assisted living communities died from it — a total of over 7,000 people.
Get the numbers by Covid-19 and its impact on senior living in 2020 in this ABC News article.