COVID-19 Protocols for Senior Living (Jan 2023 Update)

Jan 2023 Update: Please note that many communities are now following state regulatory guidelines. Seniorly can provide the most up-to-date move-in and visiting information for the senior living properties that interest you nationwide. Call us at (855) 606-1009.

As we prepare to enter our fourth year of managing the COVID epidemic, state and federal agencies have become much more consistent in guidelines for prevention and containment strategies.  The Center for Disease Control (CDC) continues to update guidelines and policies to support prevention and containment strategies, and is the preferred tool for senior living protocol in most states.

And while complications from COVID-19 tend to be more prevalent in senior living communities, so too are the underlying and pre-existing conditions which tend to exacerbate the impact of the COVID-19 virus. It is, after all, an older population more prone to health risks and conditions. 

In general, senior living providers have adapted well to managing this epidemic despite changing protocol, staffing shortages, and other complicating factors.  When touring any independent living, assisted living or memory care community, learning to spot strong preventative programs will be critical to assessing the quality of the community.  While each senior living community will have their own checklist of protocols which vary by state, there are a few things you can ask about when touring:

• What is your regular cleaning schedule for common areas? For private spaces? 
• What kind of air filtration system do you use? How often are filters changed?
• What is your sick policy for staff? 
• What is your policy if a staff member has been diagnosed with COVID-19?
• What is your containment strategy when an individual has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or another viral illness?

And once you've narrowed in on a single community, make sure to review their corporate stance on COVID-19 and other viral illnesses.  Here is a sample of several of the top national providers:

• Atria Senior Living
• Brookdale Senior Living
• FiveStar Senior Living
• Holiday 
• Sonida Senior Living 
• Sunrise Senior Living 

Whether you’re searching for an assisted living community, memory care, or even independent living, we can inform you which communities are available for touring and move-ins, as well as what their COVID-19 policies are. In addition, we will connect you with your Seniorly Partner Agent; these local senior living experts will serve as your personal support through your entire search process.

How can I tour a community right now?

Most communities will offer both virtual tours (for those who are immunocompromised or far away) and in-person tours.  While virtual tours are a great way to survey a larger list of communities, Seniorly still recommends an in-person tour for final candidates,  as the “feel” of any given community is likely going to help make the ultimate decision about your move.  To help you manage the discovery and decision process, Seniorly has prepared an assisted living touring checklist .

It's also helpful to consider engaging outside help for evaluating strength of protocol - and this is where the expertise of a professional Senior Living Advisor can help. “These are folks who are in and out of assisted living and memory care communities every day", says Arthur Bretschneider, CEO of Seniorly.  “They have learned to spot consistent quality behaviors over time. And perhaps even more important, they know which communities do not have strong systems in place to protect the health of community residents. That's pretty invaluable in this day and age”. Most Senior Living Advisors will accompany you on tours and help highlight areas of interest and areas of concern, working with you and your family from evaluation to decision. If you'd like to work with a Senior Living Advisor, Seniorly has a national network of free local advisors in your area.  Simply click here to find an advisor near you.

Additional Information

One positive development is that the smaller senior living communities, known as Board and Care Homes or Residential Care Homes, have an easier time managing the health situation in their properties.  This is because there are only a handful of senior residents.

It is important you make the most informed decision for yourself or your loved one. Because regulations vary from state to state and each senior living community is handling things differently, we recommend connecting with a local senior living expert who can guide you to learn about what is happening in your area. 

If you’re ready to start or continue your search, tour your favorite property, or even move-in to a senior living community, we are here to help you learn what are the most current COVID-19 policies and procedures. Call us at (855) 606-1009 to get connected to your local senior living expert.