Everything You Need to Know About Moving to a Senior Living Community During COVID-19
Life during a global pandemic isn’t easy. Many of the things we used to do have been canceled or modified. We’re learning, adapting, and growing as we carry on in the safest, healthiest ways we can.
In the best cases, ideally we’re also becoming stronger as individuals, communities, and businesses because of what we’re going through.
Despite the pandemic, life still goes on. We all age, and our wants and needs change as we do.
Coronavirus doesn’t change the fact that about 10,000 individuals are turning 65 every day, and by 2030, all baby boomers will be 65 or older.
It also doesn’t change the fact that Three Pillars Senior Living Communities continues to thrive. Our community remains a fantastic option for older adults looking to live a carefree life or receive the bit of additional care they may need.
For over a century, we’ve remained grounded in our mission of caring for older adults and providing an unmatched senior living experience to meet their physical, social, and spiritual needs through high-quality housing and services.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed procedures and daily activities, and we are as prepared as ever to implement and carry out safe practices to keep our residents safe, while still offering the highest quality senior living experience.
If you or a loved one have considered moving to a senior community in the near future, the COVID-19 pandemic does not mean you need to change or delay those plans. While things may look a bit different, we’re still here for you.
Regardless of where you are in your journey, from touring all the way to making a move, we’re ready to help during each step to make sure you’re comfortable in your new life.
Here are a few examples of what this looks like at Three Pillars Senior Living Communities today.
- YES, you may still connect with us and come for a “parking lot” tour.
This is the best way to get all your questions answered! Whether you prefer a phone call, email, video call, or an in-person visit to speak with us, we are happy to get you the introductory information you need and arrange for a tour.
Contact our Senior Living Consultants or Admission Coordinator online or by phone (800.848.5306) to get started. Depending on where we are in the pandemic, we may or may not be able to invite you indoors to have a tour of the buildings, but depending on weather, we can certainly arrange for a “parking lot tour” where you may receive information, ask questions, and even peek in the windows of open apartments. Before or after your initial conversation, browse our website for photo galleries and even a virtual tour to walk through our communities without leaving the comfort of your sofa.
What’s different?
If you arrange for an onsite tour, as with all interactions on our campus during this time, anyone on site is required to wear a face mask, maintain social distancing of at least six feet, and practice regular, vigilant hand hygiene by washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer. We ask that no more than one additional person come with you for the tour to keep group sizes small.
- YES, you may still join our waiting list.
Perhaps now more than ever, joining our waiting list or expressing your interest in an available unit is a wise decision for your future. Our practices in this regard remain the same as always – when a desired unit becomes available, we contact interested applicants based on the order in which they joined our waiting list. You may say, “I’m not ready yet” as often as you need, and we’ll be sure to call you in the same order the next time.
Whenever possible, we encourage working with our Senior Living Consultants or Admissions Coordinator well in advance of being ready to move or needing the care, so the control is in your hands. It’s never ideal to find yourself in a pinch, needing to move quickly without having made prior arrangements. So do your homework ahead of time. Perhaps you even have some extra time on your hands as you stay home during the pandemic; get a head start by perusing the information on our website and contact us to get started!
What’s different?
Not a thing. Our waiting list process remains the same as always.
- YES, you may still move in.
That’s right – older adults still want and need senior communities, and we’re still ready to provide that, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. After you’ve gotten your questions answered, decided on the level of care and unit that’s right for you, joined our waiting list, and selected your new home, we’ll work together on a move-in plan that’s right for you while adhering to all guidelines to keep you healthy.
What’s different?
As part of the preadmission process, depending on the level of care you’re selecting, you may need to have a negative coronavirus test. Prior to entering the building during the move-in process, you will be screened by our team to ensure you have no symptoms.
During the move, use of a professional moving company is recommended. Our team will ensure that the movers understand our policies and agree to comply with our procedures for health and infection prevention. Additionally, you may designate one or two trusted loved ones to come onsite to help with your move and unpacking for a couple of days. Just like any other visitors and all our staff members, those helping you with your move will need to check in at our screening trailer each time they come to campus to have their temperature taken and attest that they have no coronavirus symptoms.
Upon moving in, you’ll be asked to self-quarantine by staying in your room or apartment for 14 days before mixing and mingling with your new peers. Don’t worry – any services included with your new home will still come right to your doorstep, like meals, activities, pastoral care, social services support, and more.
- YES, you may still enjoy leisurely senior living with the care you need.
Our community is stronger than ever, taking seriously our responsibility to keep ourselves and our peers (whether fellow residents or staff members) healthy.
Since the onset of the pandemic, residents at all levels of care continue to enjoy daily recreational programming, social services, pastoral support, personalized nursing care, nourishing meals, and comfortable living spaces and common areas.
What’s different?
While we are not gathering in large groups to engage in special events, activities, meals, or outings, we’ve carefully implemented well-planned, socially distanced programs like live outdoor entertainment, scavenger hunt challenges, and specially delivered treats or puzzles. Visit our Facebook page for an up-to-date feed of all our current happenings that are still going on safely during COVID-19. As we carefully plan for the gradual reintroduction of limited events, updates will be shared on our website, so feel free to check often. Residents and staff continue to maintain social distancing and wear masks when outside their apartment. In addition, we’ve implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitizing procedures to maintain the utmost cleanliness and health for all.
- YES, you may still engage socially in a safe way.
Social interaction is an important part of holistic wellness, and we fully support regular engagement with loved ones and peers.
What’s different?
All residents and staff on our campus wear a mask when in common areas, and we continue daily conversations and check-ins to help keep connections strong. In certain situations, group gatherings are permitted but limited to no more than 10 individuals at a time, and only take place in locations that may accommodate proper distancing of six feet or more.
Visitors to campus may drop something off for a resident in a vestibule and have a smile and “air hug” through the closed glass door. Virtual video calls or window visits with the window remaining tightly closed while talking on the phone may be scheduled through our Recreation Therapy or Lifestyles departments. At this time, in-person visits are limited to circumstances relating to end of life or required for the resident’s wellbeing.
We know times are hard and there’s a lot of uncertainty. At Three Pillars, we strive to make the most out of every day, while maintaining our commitment to the safety of our residents and staff.
Contact us today for our most up-to-date policies related to visits, activities, dining, and more, as things can change rapidly during a pandemic.
It’s still possible to live a healthy, safe, and magnificent lifestyle at a senior living community during this COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to helping you do just that as you begin your next adventure.
Have something to add or a question to ask? Contact us or leave a comment below!
