The demand for senior living options is higher today than before the current pandemic began. Needs of older adults, especially those who may benefit from a higher level of care and support, have emerged after recent weeks of isolation.
Fortunately for older adults and their families, senior living communities like Capri Communities are open for business and welcoming new residents. They are well prepared for the challenges that the current pandemic brings and have an unparalleled process to ensure the health and safety of existing and prospective residents.
While COVID-19 has touched all aspects of our daily lives, six key factors make senior living a desirable option for older adults to consider:
- Senior living communities place resident safety No. 1
More than ever before, senior living communities are going to extreme measures to help keep residents healthy.
At Capri Communities, highly trained staff and caregivers provide health care support services, including telehealth services. This allows residents to remain in the safety of their own living quarters rather than travel to doctor’s appointments.
Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, personnel wear personal protective equipment – such as masks and gloves – at all times.
Regular briefings from government and health professionals keep the staff at Capri Communities informed with accurate, up-to-date health and safety information and protocols, so residents can rest assured knowing they are receiving the best care possible to help keep them safe and protected.
- Cleanliness is paramount
Senior living communities understand the necessity of maintaining a clean environment. At Capri Communities, staff members are continually updated on new CDC recommendations for sanitization. But even before the pandemic arrived, cleanliness was a top priority: Surfaces in Capri Communities are routinely wiped down, hand sanitizer is found at every corner, and hand-washing is an art form.
- Social opportunities while social distancing
While communities are working to keep its residents safe, they are also making sure the residents stay active and connected to their neighbors. At Wilson Commons in Milwaukee and Summit Woods in Waukesha, carts make the rounds for assisted living residents, offering sweet treats and happy hour libations. Hallway activities take place at scheduled times, engaging residents who participate safely from their doorways, and trivia contests and other educational offerings are circulated.
At Village Pointe Commons in Grafton, balcony choirs can be seen Thursday afternoon, with staff members leading residents in a selection of classic favorites. And at St. Catherine Commons in Kenosha, concerts are organized, featuring local performers who sing in an outdoor courtyard to entertain residents listening safely from their windows and balconies.
Bringing older adults together in these creative ways creates important interpersonal interactions that keep residents engaged and involved.
- Assistance with technology is available
At a time when technology is more important than ever to help people keep in touch with loved ones, tasks like simply connecting to the internet, accessing a Zoom call or getting on social media can be daunting for some seniors. At Capri Communities, there are dedicated staff members who not only provide basic technological help, but also offer classes and one-on-one assistance sessions to help seniors become comfortable with technology, so they can stay close to family and friends.
- Convenience is a huge perk
For older adults, retirement should be a time to enjoy life. Capri Communities strives to take the worries out of life so that seniors can spend their time on things that bring them happiness.
Many communities include cable, internet, Wi-Fi and utilities in the rent, so no more paying those monthly bills. Regular maintenance and landscape services are also provided, so you can get rid of that lawn mower, rake and snowblower.
At Capri Communities, the goal is to help residents with whatever their needs may be – including dining options, fitness facilities, and beauty salon and physical therapy services – so residents can safely fulfill basic needs right inside the building.
- There’s a continuum of care
Finally, many people ask, “When is the best time to move to senior living?” The best time to move to a senior living community may be before you need one. Independent seniors can enjoy a plethora of amenities and services designed to enhance their quality of life.
As soon as they settle in, seniors can relax, knowing that if the need arises, extra care options are available. At Capri Communities, these choices include assisted living and proprietary Blu Grotto memory care programming, which is specifically designed to enhance comfort and provide services for those suffering from dementia-related illnesses.
In today’s socially distanced world, senior living communities — including Capri Communities —offers older adults many advantages over seniors who are confined to their homes or live alone.
The full picture
If you’ve been contemplating whether now is the right time to consider a move to senior living, please look at the full picture. In addition to simplifying your life, senior housing is positioned to help keep seniors safe, healthy and engaged — so they can relax and enjoy life.
With a diverse portfolio of 18 campuses in Southeastern Wisconsin, Capri Communities fits a variety of lifestyle preferences and price points. Older adults can choose from luxury urban options like St. Rita Square in downtown Milwaukee, which opens its doors this summer, to suburban communities like Grace Commons, that opened in early May and is located on 32 picturesque acres of land in Menomonee Falls.
