As the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S. heads into August, senior living communities have begun to get a clearer picture of how Covid-19 has affected communities. Most importantly, we’re finding out more about how it has affected each level of living. If you are considering a move into a community, the data in the chart on the next page of this article is important.

What Types of Assisted Living Care Are There?

Senior living generally has four levels of care available: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing (nursing home), and Memory Care. Some communities offer all levels, many only one.

How Has COVID-19 Impacted Assisted Living Communities?

As I think most are aware, the coronavirus has hit nursing homes especially hard. A recent article in the New York Times stated that 40% of all U.S. deaths have been linked to nursing home or ‘other long term care facilities.’ That’s a big number and one that should concern anyone considering a move, especially into a nursing home. However, if you or a loved one is considering a move into a retirement community and in a level other than a nursing home, a strong argument can be made as to why this move may be better (or no worse) than staying home.

A survey performed by the senior living industry association the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), has shed some valuable light about infection rates and testing at specific care levels in senior living. The report from NIC has the results of a survey of 105 senior housing and skilled nursing operators from across the nation between May 9 and June 21.

The survey inquired about both testing rates and infections rates at communities. The results of the survey showed that testing for Covid-19 varied by care segment. The data show 9.8% test-rate among independent living communities compared to 34.2% for skilled nursing facilities. Confirmed and suspected positive cases also vary by segment, from 0.3% for independent living to 6.7% for skilled nursing.

What Does the COVID-19 Testing Data Reveal about Assisted Living Communities?

This data is important, as it helps illustrate the risk of contracting Covid-19 for residents and potential residents depending on the care level. The media has lumped all retirement communities into one entity being affected, when in fact, the data clearly shows Covid-19 has affected each level of care differently.

What stood out in the survey is that if you compare infection rates in retirement communities with the population as a whole, infection rates are actually lower in senior living through two levels of care and only slightly higher in a nursing or memory care setting. For the purposes of comparison, we used data from the state of Maryland. Officials in Maryland tested 12% of its population at the time of this article. Despite its small population, Maryland is a good barometer for COVID-19 cases as they’ve been at the forefront of testing.

COVID-19 Testing Results:

Care Level Percent Tested Percent Tested Positive
Independent Living 9.80% 0.20%
Assisted Living 21.90% 1.20%
Memory Care 17.60% 3.70%
Nursing Care 34.20% 4.30%
State of Maryland Total Population

(2019 data)

12%

(July 2020)

3.48% (age 35+)

(July 2020)

The percentages may be slightly higher or lower once more data is collected from more communities and more states, but for now, this data is a positive statement to how senior living providers have handled this crisis to date.

What Do These COVID-19 Results Mean for Independent Living?

This data shows that if you are considering a move to either independent living or assisted living, your risk of moving to a community does not appear to be increased compared to living at home. Why is this? Mostly due to the protocols put into place by many senior living providers. These communities have been enforcing the wearing of masks, social distancing, and hand washing. Due to the nature of the industry, many other preventative measures have been in place for a long time.

A drawback to moving perceived by many is the inability to see visitors at the community center. Although communities have also been restricting guests, which on the surface appears overly restrictive, it is a policy every older adult should be following regardless of where they call home.

Where Do I go for More Information?

If you or your loved one required either memory care or nursing care, it is probably best to stay put. Unfortunately, if you or a loved one requires this type of high-level care, staying home may not be an option.

For additional information on a variety of subjects for those 60 and older, check out the National Association of Senior Advocates, www.naosa.org. There you will find valuable resources and vetted professionals who are available to help in a variety of areas. These experts can help with senior living, real estate, financial planning, home improvement, and more.

© 2020 National Association of Senior Advocates www.naosa.org