KEPHART recently hosted a webinar alongside a few industry experts – Susie Finley of Ascent Living Communities, Angela Green Urbaczewski of Cappella Living Solutions, and Tom Grannas of G2 Strategies – to talk about how senior living has adapted amidst COVID-19 and why it continues to be a great solution for aging adults.
Read a few highlights and watch the full video below:
How have you seen senior living adapt as a result of COVID-19?
- Communities have become even more creative and innovative, utilizing more frequent communication tactics including video, video calls, and eblasts. Communities recognize the value of transparent and consistent messaging to residents and families.
- There has been a more poignant focus on the spiritual and mental wellbeing of residents and staff.
- The additional cost of having to procure PPE has shifted business models for some.
What longer-term changes do you expect will remain beyond COVID-19?
- As infection control will remain a top priority for the foreseeable future, visitors will be limited and monitored more closely.
- Overall health and wellness of the staff will continue to be a priority.
- For the safety of both the resident and the staff, staff members will work exclusively in one area or with a more limited number of residents.
- From a financial standpoint, funds will be continue to be redirected toward infection control improvements – the procurement of PPE, increased sanitization, etc.
- Contractors and vendors are operating with extra care to ensure sites are clean and safe for workers.
In what ways is senior living an even better option now than it was before?
- Senior living communities continue to provide socialization and care that home cannot provide.
- Real estate is becoming more available for development of senior living communities as we see the shrinking of the office, hospitality and retail markets.
- Until recently, there was a shortage of employees at a time when the senior living world is expanding to serve the incoming Baby Boomers. That problem has diminished.
- Staff members are taking extra precautions and are going above and beyond to provide for residents while also keeping them safe. Examples include sanitizing the exterior of packages that arrive in the mail before delivering them to a resident, or visiting residents through their windows.
- Residents are less lonely in a community full of individuals who are helping care for them and their health.
- Communities are continuing to keep lines of communication open so residents are well-informed.
If you’re interested in learning more about KEPHART’s senior living initiatives, call us at 303-832-4474.
