Studies have shown that people residing in senior living communities run a higher risk of developing severe symptoms of COVID-19. As residents are more advanced in age, and may have pre-existing health issues like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension, getting infected by the virus can be deadly.
Furthermore, the frequency of group activities and community bonding in such communities can increase the probability of getting infected. Therefore, it is all the more important for senior living communities to take extra precautions and make changes within the community to ensure residents’ safety during the pandemic.
Encourage Behaviors that Slow the Spread
In order to prevent the spread of the virus, it is important for all residents, caregivers, staff and visitors in the community to adhere to safety precautions that have been put in place. Besides measures like wearing masks and social distancing, everyone should also be encouraged to use hand sanitizer when on the go, or wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or more. Whenever anyone displays flu-like symptoms or are feeling unwell, they should self-isolate immediately. Staff and volunteers should also be proactive and make it know if they have been to any locations where people have been infected.
Ensuring Hygienic and Safe Living Environments
There are also essential steps to take in maintaining the hygiene of common areas. Increase ventilation by keeping more windows and doors open, unless it poses a risk to the senior dwellers. Also, disinfect water systems regularly to reduce the risk of water-borne illnesses and the spread of any viruses.
Restructure the schedule for communal activities such as dining and social events, so that there is less congregation of residents. In fact, all social gatherings should be put on hold. Furniture should also be re-arranged to adhere to social distancing rules. In spaces where social distancing is difficult, barriers like partitions and sneeze guards can be erected for extra safety.
Pandemic Preparedness in the Community
In the event that a resident exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, he or she should immediately alert the healthcare personnel to determine if medical intervention is required. Those who live with the resident, as well as any close contacts, should also be asked to practice self-quarantine.
If the individual who contracted COVID-19 is a staff or volunteer, he or she should go into isolation and not return to the senior living community until the official US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) requirements have been met.
Put Your Trust in TerraBella Windsor Lake
At TerraBella Windsor Lake, we take COVID-19 seriously and have taken all possible steps to keep our community safe. Our staff has stepped up in their housekeeping and maintenance services and are dedicated to keeping the environment hygienic and safe for our residents and staff at all times. In every resident’s home, we also have an emergency call response system in place so that we can deliver a prompt response to emergencies at any time of the day.
Our team is committed to the health and safety of all our residents and staff. We will be following the latest guidelines from CDC and other public health authorities to make informed decisions for everyone involved. To learn more about our COVID-19 safety measure, feel free to contact us today.
