COVID-19 Recovery: Resident Life

^{Brookdale residents were among the first group to receive COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration, and as of March 13, 2021, 90 percent of our residents have participated in on-site community vaccination clinics. While helping protect our residents and associates from Coronavirus (COVID-19) remains a priority, Brookdale’s vaccination rate, enhanced cleaning protocols and infection-control measures mean that we’re looking forward to a recovery phase. We’re also working closely with state and local public health officials to advocate on behalf of our residents and provide education about their mental health needs and the benefits of engagement and connection in our communities. In this blog series, we’ll look at different aspects of life in Brookdale communities during the COVID-19 recovery. Visits may be subject to health screening, face coverings, social distancing, proof of COVID-19 vaccination and/or proof of negative COVID-19 test. Requirements vary by community in accordance with state or local directives or recommendations by the CDC. Please contact us for details.}

Comings and Goings

When state and local restrictions allow, our communities are open to visits from friends and family. Residents can also come and go, with COVID-19 screening taking place when they return to the community to support well-being for all.

Friends and family visits can take place in residents’ apartments or in community common areas, with certain safety protocols in place. Visitors must make an appointment, and then be screened when they arrive. While they socialize, friends, family and residents should follow CDC guidelines, observing social distancing and wearing masks when possible. No more than four people should visit at once.  

Group Activities

Activities are a popular aspect of senior living, whether you’re gathering to learn a new skill, watch a performance, play a game or get some exercise. With that in mind, we have begun to resume communal activities in most communities. In some communities, larger social gatherings and activities are permitted with social distancing. Social outings that take residents outside the community are also resuming in some cases where social distancing can be maintained. Safety precautions such as wearing masks, distancing and screenings continue per CDC, local and state guidance. Our residents continue to live their lives and engage in purposeful programming—with stronger friendships than ever.

Dining

It’s often the social crux of a community, so our dining rooms are one of the first places where we’re eager to welcome as many residents as possible and return to normal. Where state and local guidelines allow, we’ll continue to offer restaurant-style or communal dining, with a few safety-minded adjustments such as staggered tables, reduced capacity and a reservation system.

Amenities

Relaxed restrictions, where allowed by state and local guidelines, means we can also re-open community amenities such as the swimming pool, fitness center or hair salon, allowing for more social interaction in these areas. To work up a sweat in the fitness center or take a dip in the swimming pool, residents need to make an appointment and then limit their time to 45 minutes. 

Don’t forget: The best way to find out exactly what resident life is like in any particular community is to contact them directly.