As each month passes, senior living communities are finding ways to live with, fight COVID-19 and carry on. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says many who live in senior living communities are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. As home to some of the hardest hit in this pandemic, senior living is taking a hard look at every detail of their communities to find a way to cope with COVID at a high level. That includes the furniture and the cleaning practices they use.
Following the rules to keep the positivity numbers down
Communities are accepting new residents again and some are allowing in-person family visits under certain restrictions, including at least a month of no reports of new cases. Communities are taking steps to minimize the chance of further transmission of the virus. Increased testing is in place for resident and visitors are required to wear masks. Visits are by appointment only and social distancing guidelines are being followed. Following the recommended guidelines will help keep COVID positivity numbers in check.
The right kind of furniture supports a safer community
Senior living communities are designing and creating environments featuring smaller, flexible seating groups. In essence, finding ways to support social distance while maintaining socialization. The best furniture in senior living common areas should be flexible in design, be easily and frequently cleaned and serve several purposes. Consider benches and easily moved chairs and tables to create small groups. Wingbacks have high backs and offer some insulation for the user in a common area setting. Practicing a high level of cleaning and disinfecting the high touch areas will aid in safeguarding against new outbreaks and help senior living find the way back to fully opened doors.