The Sunrise Blog

Where you live matters as you grow older. While the majority of older adults say they’d like to remain in their own homes, few houses were designed with senior safety in mind. A 2017 Harvard University study found that only 1 percent of American homes were equipped with basic universal design features that make a home accessible and senior-friendly.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, senior living communities like Sunrise have learned how to adapt. That includes being among the first to hold vaccine clinics for residents and staff. It’s another step forward in our commitment to resident health and safety.

Being responsible for a senior’s care and well-being can be daunting even in the best of times. Providing support with personal care and household tasks can feel overwhelming. Combine this with trying to keep a loved one safe from the coronavirus, and there is an added layer of stress. Many caregivers say their biggest challenge is time—there never seems to be enough of it.

Once you’ve decided to look for a senior living community, the next step is to begin your research. You’ll want to make sure you learn everything you can in order to make an informed decision. Finding a community that will meet your needs now and in the future is vital. It is also important to find a place that feels comfortable to you and your lifestyle.

Often times the search for a senior living community can leave older adults and their families confused about what they really want and need. An independent living community, where the focus is on social activities and a hassle-free lifestyle, may be the ideal choice for an active senior. But a senior who needs a helping hand with daily activities, such as bathing or medication management, might find an assisted living community best meets their needs.

As the COVID-19 pandemic keeps most older adults sheltering in place to stay safe, video chat platforms have become a popular way of communicating. Grandparents are reading bedtime stories to grandchildren even though they live across town. Schools and universities are utilizing programs like Zoom to teach. Insurance companies and health professionals are promoting virtual visits as a safe way to monitor a patient’s well-being.

If you’re the caregiver for a senior family member, you know every detail of their health, needs, and preferences. From when they take their medications to how they like their eggs to their allergies and health conditions, you’ve got it all down to a science.