Families have always wanted to prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of their loved ones when considering senior living options. Safety, featured in this article, is Reason #1 of our Five Reasons to Join Senior Living Blog Series.
What makes senior living communities safe?
Swift Action
At the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, our national leadership took swift action by initiating special steps including new policies and procedures to ensure residents, staff members, and resident families were safe. Committed to providing a safe environment for residents and staff as a top priority, Meridian Senior Living partnered with a laboratory to attain COVID-19 tests and procure the proper personal protective equipment, PPE, such as N95 masks, gowns, gloves, sanitizing wipes, and hand sanitizers.
Safety Best Practices
Safety best practices include industriously enforcing stringent infection control measures, increasing staff training and education, and implementing screening and testing. The entire Meridian family of communities adheres to all relevant guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as well as local and state health guidelines. Our staff members go above and beyond to provide exceptional care and customer service to residents and resident families—that’s what makes us stand apart.
Vaccine Access
Now, with vaccine clinics underway across the country, senior living communities have priority access to the vaccine. The great news is that all Meridian communities have successfully completed their first COVID-19 vaccine clinic, and many have already completed their second clinic. According to The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, COVID-19 cases declined by 48% within vaccinated senior living communities and continue on a downward trend. The administering of the vaccine demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing a safe environment for residents and staff members.
Access to Care
Residents benefit from having the convenience of access to care nearby when, and if, they need it with compassionate, dedicated staff on duty around the clock. Staff members support residents’ medical, physical, nutritional, and psychosocial needs with daily care and engagement. Additionally, our staff members are trained to assist in daily support functions, such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and especially the ability to immediately respond to emergency situations. Within the restrictions required by the current pandemic, our staff members work meticulously and creatively to ensure residents are engaged every day by providing activities such as outdoor activities, hallway exercises, gardening, crafts, and creating music. We also offer fresh meals and snacks planned to address the specific nutritive needs of residents while maintaining a fun and engaging environment.
