“The days go quickly with all the activities, even during a pandemic. We’re safe here! Everyone is so careful and mindful of our well-being. They take our safety seriously”.
From milestones to setbacks, the events of the last 24 months have prompted many – young and old – to re-evaluate major aspects of their lives.
More than ever, people crave engaging and dynamic places where they feel supported. Afterall, what better antidote to pandemic fatigue than a community humming with friends and adventure?
While it may seem counter-intuitive, for seniors who dream of travelling or living on a cruise ship in their 70s, 80s, and beyond, a luxury retirement community might just be an attractive, safe alternative.
Reasons Why Now is a Good Time to Move into a Senior Living Community
Retirement Living Means Extra Support When You Need It
Whether it’s attending medical appointments, picking up prescriptions or simply getting one’s hair done, everyday errands during a pandemic can be daunting for older adults who live alone. Long wait times, social distancing protocols and crowded stores are hard to navigate.
At retirement residences like All Seniors Care, independence and freedom are always priorities – the extra support simply makes life easier. You choose from a range of services including personal care, clinical care, and domestic support, all tailored to your needs.
Healthy Meals Mean A Healthy Body
Groceries and supplies can also be harder for older adults living alone to access, meaning they might be hard-pressed to maintain a healthy diet. Yet as we age, our dietary needs change, making nutrient dense meals important, especially during a time when we want to shore up our immune systems.
At All Seniors Care, we take pride in creating flavourful menus designed with senior nutrition in mind. We serve up Red Seal Chef-prepared dishes in dining spaces modified to follow COVID-19 physical distancing protocols, meaning residents can still enjoy each others company.
Social Connection Is Encouraged
Along with missed family celebrations and holidays, the social isolation measures meant to keep us safe during this time, while necessary, have also been challenging.
Being part of a vibrant community reduces feelings of isolation. Residents have the option to join in on an array of regular social events including happy hours, card tournaments, Funny Money auctions, bus day trips (following provincial guidelines), Tai Chi, yoga classes and more.
With so many programs and activities to enjoy, it’s easy to see why some people say it’s like living at a resort! Some seniors even flourish when they move to a retirement community.
For others, it’s simply a supportive environment to maintain their independence, and avoid a decline in health. They can choose to spend their time doing what they like – walking in nearby parks or spending time with four-legged friends in their own apartments.
Family Caregiving Support
Retirement homes provide a range of benefits, but it’s not just for the seniors who live there. Family members and caregivers benefit as well.
The pandemic has taken a toll on caregivers. Whether their loved ones are living with dementia or in need of physical care, when community support systems like respite and adult day programs closed, caregivers were left to fend for themselves.
Living at a retirement residence, means having trained staff on hand to offer help and advice, something that provides peace of mind for the whole family.
Assistance is Always Available
At All Seniors Care, staff are always alert to how public health restrictions might affect residents. Therefore, they are available to assist seniors should they require isolation in their suite during an outbreak, including:
- Ensuring that three meals a day and snacks are delivered to suites
- continuing to provide care services
- laundry and cleaning of suites
- activity booklets delivered weekly
- hallway activities to prevent boredom and encourage exercise
- and, most importantly, reassurance that everything will be alright.
Staff regularly monitor residents for signs of illness. Unlike an older adult living alone, who may face barriers to seeking immediate medical attention, residence staff are trained to identify and act on concerns quickly, 24/7.
Government-regulated for seniors’ wellbeing
Retirement residences are regulated by provincial government authorities. This means that all homes have robust policies and protocols in place to protect the health and wellbeing of residents. It’s important to note that these regulations are always in place, not just during outbreaks— we all want to feel safe and secure.
An ASC Senior Residence Means Peace of Mind
During uncertain times, it can be reassuring to know that you’re living in a community where an entire team is looking out for your best interests.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our residents expressed gratitude and relief to be living in one of our communities. They had easy access to COVID-19 testing, were among the first people vaccinated in Canada, and found comfort in knowing that hospital-level infection control policies were in place. More recently, residents were able to take advantage of on-site booster clinics.
Today, residents feel good knowing that the management team is closely monitoring the newest developments related to Delta, Omicron, or any other variant. With all these details taken care of, our residents can focus their energy on the things that matter most to them.
With well-thought-out safety protocols, many residents feel safer living in an All Seniors Care retirement community. Read what a resident at our senior apartments in Regina has to say here.
Questions about how All Seniors Care is responding to COVID-19 ? Visit www.allseniorscare.com.
Whether you are interested in Assisted Living in Saskatoon or luxury retirement homes in Hamilton, book a covid safe appointment with our friendly Lifestyle Directors. You can also click here to see all our locations or call 1-866-797-7169.
Writer – Julianna McLeod
Julianna is a health and wellness expert at All Seniors Care. Her mission is to create content that empowers older adults to form sustainable solutions for lasting health and happiness. She is an experienced writer, editor, and Recreational Therapist living in Toronto.