Independent Living & Aging in Place

As we age, we continue to have new hobbies, meet new people and try new things. However, right now, it is harder to maintain a normal lifestyle without the worries of illness. You and your loved ones may be unsure if moving your aging relative to an independent living community is the right decision right now, or if in-home assistance is a better option. With SmithLife Homecare taking precautions in both their independent living communities and with the caregivers assisting those aging in place, both are safe and beneficial options. Independent Living in a senior community right now can offer access to friends and activities both virtually and socially distanced, while having a secure place to live with quick and easy access to health services, meal plans and amenities. Caregiver assistance at home also offers that social component, with a visit to look forward to everyday in the comfort of home. Health services come right to you, with the option of having a caregiver also help with grocery or pharmacy runs. Living independently in either circumstance offers greater peace of mind for both family members and the individuals themselves, even during a global pandemic, because stricter measures are put in place to ensure compliance with CDC guidelines and safety for everyone.

New Clients

For those new to having a SmithLife Homecare caregiver visit at home, SmithLife Homecare is taking every precaution to ensure both the aging adult and the caregivers are safe. No-touch temperatures are provided at no cost for new clients. Additionally, staff will care for these residents in full PPE as they keep residents company or help out with grocery runs, medicine reminders, bathing, or household tasks. Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC) are following the same procedures and also requiring negative COVID-19 tests and a 14-day quarantine upon move-in.

Safely Connecting from Afar 

In CESLC, onsite staff ensure that every high-touch surface in common spaces are sanitized often and chairs, tables and the gym are cleaned after each use. As a result, residents can still see their friends and neighbors in passing or with social distancing and masks. Many older adults are afraid that by giving up their homes, they will lose touch with their friends and loved ones. By choosing an independent living community, they will have even more opportunity to maintain these important relationships.

Sarah Herrmann, Marketing Coordinator at Ring House Senior Living, says that the community has found ways to engage residents during quarantine with the use of closed circuit television. The community’s staff has done a lot of live streams that play in each resident’s apartment. Topics range anywhere from cooking demos and happy hours to movie nights. With each livestream activity, a corresponding treat is delivered to residents. Exercise classes and live music have also been popular ways to engage those in the community.

Aging In Place

While Independent Living communities are beneficial for those looking for that experience, right now, many adults aging in place are choosing to continue to do so given the spreading pandemic and the comforts of being at home. SmithLife Homecare provides assisted living services for those aging in place in Montgomery County and surrounding areas. If

your aging relative is looking for help around the house, companionship, grocery assistance, or any additional needs, they can rely on SmithLife Homecare to provide quality, friendly service. With connections to resources in the community, such as SAGE or RenewMe Fitness, SmithLife Homecare has the expertise and the safety protocols in place to aid those aging in place in need of extra assistance to feel taken care of and safe during this uncertain time.

In-home care is a widely chosen solution amongst aging adults, providing the ability to maintain a home of their own with reassurance of safety and security. If you or your loved one is looking for at-home care services, you can learn more about SmithLife Homecare here.

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