The coronavirus pandemic has forced everyone to make changes in their day-to-day lives for their health and safety. This is especially true for older adults who are at a higher risk for COVID-19. Because of this, a lot of people are concerned that seniors who live in retirement communities are unsafe and have to live their lives on permanent lockdown, with no ability to socialize and stay active.
But the truth is that Beacon Hill is a great place to be. Not because everyone is isolated in their homes, but because the caring staff is dedicated to residents’ health and safety, and their whole-life wellness. This includes making sure residents get their share of enjoyment out of each and every day. That’s what life at Beacon Hill is all about.
If you’re concerned that senior living communities have become isolated and shut down, then we’re here to reassure you that this could not be further from the truth. The fact is that Beacon Hill has made adjustments to protect its residents and staff so that life here can remain vibrant and active. Because of these adjustments, even during a pandemic, a retirement community is actually a pretty safe place to live. You may have heard some of these myths, and that may cause concern, and so here are the facts about senior living at Beacon Hill.
Myth #1: Senior Living Communities Are Unsafe
Fact About Senior Living: At Beacon Hill, the health and safety of our residents and staff is our absolute highest priority, and we implemented preventative measures from the onset of the pandemic. Enhanced disinfecting of surfaces, mask wearing and social distancing are all carefully followed based on the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and city and state public health departments. And we use CDC-approved cleaning products and personal protective equipment.
The services we offer, like cleaning and laundry, meal preparation and service, and health care and medication management, are all carried out by dedicated professionals who have been specially trained in infection control and prevention. Also, essential visitors must pass a thorough screening questionnaire, including a temperature check.
Myth #2: Senior Living Residents Are Not Physically Active
Fact About Senior Living: Beacon Hill team members understand that physical activity is an important part of the health and wellness of our all residents. This is especially true during stressful times, like these days. So we’ve modified exercise activities, not eliminated them, to allow our residents to keep moving. Walking outside in the fresh air is one of the best ways to get some exercise, and this can still be done in groups when people wear masks and practice social distancing.
Common areas have been reconfigured to allow for social distancing so that exercise classes can continue. And exercise videos are available for residents to use while they’re staying home. Team members are totally committed to the well-being of our residents. We know that physical activity is important, and we’ve continued to make it possible even under these circumstances with our expert guidance.
Myth #3: Senior Living Residents Are Socially Isolated
Fact About Senior Living: Along with all the other precautions in place, social distancing is necessary to ensure your health and safety. But social distancing does not mean social isolation. Enjoying the meaningful connections shared with people you care about is absolutely essential for mental and emotional wellbeing. Therefore, we follow disease control and prevention guidelines to stay physically apart, while making sure residents stay socially connected.
Living at Beacon Hill means you’re never alone. There’s always someone there for you. You’ll always have your choice of safe social activities in carefully reconfigured common areas and outdoors when the weather is nice. And even though visits from loved ones may be restricted for a time, team members are always happy to help you use technology to stay in close contact using email and video chatting.
Myth #4: Senior Living Residents Have Nothing to Do
Fact About Senior Living: Older adults move to Beacon Hill because it allows them to live their best life. The fact is that you can choose from any number of activities when proper safety protocols have been put in place to protect you. Schedules to avoid crowding, seating arrangements to allow for social distancing, and constant access to masks and hand sanitizer keep you safe while you get to keep doing the things you love to do. Many of these activities could only be available in a retirement community, where team members work tirelessly to keep you safe and help you thrive.
Senior living during COVID-19 has been a challenge like no other, but the caring professionals at Beacon Hill are dedicated to your whole-life wellness. If you’re still wondering if this is the best time to move to a retirement community, don’t hesitate to contact us, or fill out the form at the bottom of this page, so we can show you just how committed we are to providing you with all that life has to offer, this year and every year, and at every level of care.
