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"Generally speaking, people living in assisted living have fewer care needs than those living in nursing homes, so there are usually fewer staff available,” says Lori Smetanka,
executive director of the Consumer Voice, which represents consumers on long-term care issues. “Staff education levels are often less than that of nursing home staff,” she says. And without
federal standards, assisted living facilities may not be required to have a registered nurse on site, unlike nursing homes. So it's important to gauge what medical care is available,
COVID-related and otherwise, while facilities are in lockdown, Smetanka says. And if medical staff members are on site, ask how much extra services will cost. “Be aware of the terms of your
contact,” Smetanka says. If more specialized care may be needed away from the facility, learn about the protocols around reentry. “Getting back into a facility is much more fraught than
leaving one,” Carlson says. “You would absolutely want to have a conversation about that so you don't have a surprise situation where the facility says that they're not taking back
your mom or dad.” Also ask about the staff, says Chris Corrigall, vice president of life enrichment at Aegis Living, which owns and operates 32 assisted living and memory care communities.
Make sure there are adequate staffing levels and a plan to retain staff. “They are working on the front lines of this pandemic with the most vulnerable population in the United States,” he
says. “How a company cares for its team is a good representation of how it's going to care for its residents.” 5. HOW ARE HEALTHY-LIVING PROGRAMS BEING MAINTAINED? Ask how traditionally
communal activities like eating, exercising, socializing and entertainment are being adapted for social distancing, advises Amy Goyer, AARP's caregiving expert. “Also work out if
services have been cut, be it physical, occupational or speech therapy, or visits from social workers or activity staff,” she says, as this can affect the residents’ health and well-being.
Ask what the facility is doing to facilitate social connections both internally and externally. “The social aspect is really difficult because of social distancing,” says Corrigall. “But
socialization is really, really important.” Ask how you can regularly contact your loved one via phone or video call and whether window visits can be arranged. Also ask about receiving
regular updates on this “experience side” of the facility, Corrigall says. A coronavirus communication plan should, of course, focus on COVID-19 infection updates, but it should include
information on other key areas, too.