Retirement Living in the Age of COVID-19: 4 Things to Consider

If you are planning to move into a retirement home, you will no doubt want to do everything you can to ensure that you are not at risk of contracting COVID-19 or other illnesses. This article will explore some of the infection control measures you should look out for when choosing a retirement home. Read on to find out everything you need to know.

Cleaning rota

When viewing the retirement community, you should ask the member of staff about how often the building is cleaned. Ideally, the staff member should be able to show you a rota which details both the frequency of cleaning and the areas which are cleaned.

Personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used by nurses and carers who work within a retirement community. As you are shown around the community, it is worthwhile paying attention to if PPE is being used by staff when they interact with residents. PPE includes surgical masks, gloves and visors. If PPE isn't being used, you may wish to think twice about signing up for a place within that particular community.

Isolation policy

You should also ask about the plans which have been put in place to manage resident's who report symptoms. Ideally, the plan should be to isolate the resident from other residents and staff for a period of days until symptoms subside. It is also worth checking how the staff plan to keep in contact with the sick resident, how they will monitor their condition and supply medication and food and drink.

The level of medical support

Different retirement homes have different levels of medical support. While some retirement communities are staffed by support workers who are there to check on residents and monitor their wellbeing, others have a full complement of trained nurses and doctors. While you can expect to pay more for this level of medical support, in the current climate this could be money well spent if you begin to feel unwell. Retirement communities which have doctors and nurses on-site may be able to care for you without the need for a trip to the local hospital where you run the risk of contracting a secondary infection.

If you're interested in finding out more about this subject, you should get in touch with a company which specialises in providing retirement care. A member of the team will be happy to offer you further assistance. Look for centres that offer retirement living near you. 

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