3 Tips for Caring for Loved Ones in Assisted Living Facilities During the Coronavirus Pandemic
This pandemic is requiring all of us to find a “new normal” way to do everything. Your loved one living in an Assisted Living Facility is facing that reality in a dramatic way. Mealtime is different, the activities are limited, and visitors are not allowed. It is vital to their well being and yours that you carefully adjust to this new reality to ensure your loved one still feels comfortable and cared for.
Here are 3 steps to help you on your way:
Stay Connected
Plan a regular time to connect with your loved one. Some facilities will have a device they can use. In other cases, you may want to leave a tablet with your loved one. The facility staff will usually help get a video chat started.
There are many options for being creative with the calls, but remember the simple connection of seeing each other and hearing the family news is probably all they require to feel loved and safe.
If you want to up your game, you can also:
Invite extended family
Assign younger family members to perform, plan a “game” adapted for video chat
Join a virtual tour together of a museum or zoo
No matter what you do, keep an eye out for these indicators of your loved one’s wellbeing:
Their overall mood and energy level
Whether they are well groomed and dressed appropriately
Whether they are more forgetful or confused than usual
Whether they seem to be having more trouble speaking or walking
If there is any significant change from before the coronavirus pandemic, bring it to the attention of the ALF staff.
Check in
Plan a regular check in time with the staff of the facility to get updates on your loved one. Some questions you could ask the staff about your loved one include:
Does their mood seem normal for them?
Do they seem to be having new physical symptoms?
Are they taking medications as usual?
Are they eating their meals?
Does it appear they have been sleeping more than usual?
You can add any questions that are specific to your loved one, for example, does her knee seem to hurt her more? Has she seemed more short of breath than usual?
You can also use this time to get updates about issues the facility is facing with staffing, meals, illness, etc.
Finally, you might also see if you can offer any support to the facility in the form of equipment, meals, cards for residents, etc. Likely the staff is working long hours to ensure everyone is well cared for and any additional help will be much appreciated.
Plan Ahead
Keep a Hospital To-Go File and packed bag ready in case your loved need to be hospitalized.
Hospital To-Go File
Use something like a manila envelope with clasp. Label the OUTSIDE of the file with your loved one’s name, date of birth and YOUR phone number.Inside the file, include the following:
An index card or sheet titled “What you should know about NAME” and add information that will be helpful for communicating with your loved one. Here’s an example:
What You Should Know About Michael D. Smith
He prefers to be called Drew.
He’s a retired middle school teacher.
Married 56 years to Anna and raised 3 sons – Dylan, Michael and Thomas.
He will appreciate: having his hand held, music, a joke.
Please try to avoid: Him getting cold.
His faith is important. He enjoys praying. Religion: Baptist
Continue on the index card or sheet with information that will be useful to health care providers:
Name of Health Care Surrogate or Power of Attorney and contact information
Name of BACKUP to that person and contact information
Copies of Living Will, Power of Attorney and Do Not Resuscitate Order, if appropriate
Name of Personal Physician(s)
List of current medications
List of current medical conditions
Hospital To-Go Bag
Pack a bag and leave it in your loved one’s room at the assisted living facility. All items, including the bag itself, must be labeled clearly with your loved one’s name, your name and YOUR contact phone number. Some items to include are:
1 complete outfit for returning home
Warm socks
Shawl or Cardigan sweater
Small afghan
Special pillows if necessary