What is Social Distancing?

COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus, is currently considered a pandemic and serious threat to the populations of the world. It is especially dangerous for seniors, which means that it is especially important to follow the expert’s guidelines in order to minimize risk for the safety of residents in senior living and at home.

One of the most important factors in reducing risk is called Social distancing. Social distancing is the practice of maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other persons around you. This limits the ability to spread the virus person-to-person, thereby helping to halt or slow the spread of COVID-19.

Many senior living communities are finding ways to practice social distancing, as it can be a challenge when you are in a communal living situation. Not only that, but it’s in our nature to seek connection through physical contact or close proximity – handshakes, hugs, or even sitting next to one another.

In order to minimize the potential for slip-ups, many communities are practicing constant education for residents and employees, driving home how important it is to practice social distancing.

They have also introduced protocols such as:

• Reducing seating capacity in the dining rooms.
• Introducing a reservation policy in the dining rooms so that one table will be reserved for one apartment.
• Food pick-up or room service at no extra charge for residents who choose not to visit the dining room.
• Modifying community events by utilizing video apps to host events that residents can participate in from their apartment.
• Any and all functions that must utilize common spaces for interaction keep participants seated at a minimum of six feet from their neighbor. 

Now, if you have a loved inside one of these communities, you may be wondering what you and others can do to help. The best way to help is to follow guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in your community. We also encourage you to connect with your loved one!

• You can chat with your loved one via video apps such as FaceTime, Zoom, and Skype! Hearing words of love and encouragement from friends and family will do so much to lift resident spirits and provide peace of mind.
• Mail letters through the US postal service.
• You may also be able to make deliveries to the community your loved one lives in and they will clean it and give it to the resident.

Reach out to the community your loved one lives in for more details on how to communicate best and whether you are able to make deliveries.

Many communities are continuing to communicate with letters and through other means. Make sure that you are following their social media so that you receive ongoing updates!

To see what measures Arrow Senior Living is enacting at their communities, click here.