Rethinking Emergency Preparedness in Assisted Living

Research findings underscore importance of understanding ‘unique challenges’ communities face

By Dan Hounsell


Facilities managers involved in emergency preparedness for their organizations understand that while some strategies and tactics can apply to many facilities, the most successful plans are tailored to the specific needs of their type of facilities. In the case of assisted living communities, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the need for new thinking on the unique needs of these facilities and their operations and occupants.

The first national study of COVID-19-related mortality in U.S. assisted living communities shows a “crucial need” for specific attention to such residences in pandemic and other emergency responses, according to McKnight’s Senior Living.

New research showed that deaths in assisted living communities were significantly higher in 2020 than in 2019. The study shows that assisted living residents experienced increased mortality during the pandemic consistent with deaths among nursing home residents, according to the authors. This finding underscores the importance of understanding the “unique challenges” assisted living communities face. 

The fact that assisted living is built on a social model of care rather than a medical model, and the fact that residents are more independent than nursing home residents, can increase the risk of viral transmission as residents welcome visitors, as well as schedule and access medical care on their own, the authors said.



June 18, 2021


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Seeking Standards for Microbial Loads in Healthcare Facilities

Why is there no binding standard for the acceptable microbial load on surfaces or in the air in hospitals?


UCR Health Unveils Plans for Major Expansion

The vision for the site will include an outpatient diagnostic center and possible future expansion.


High-Performance Windows Support Safety at UW Medicine's New Behavioral Health Center

Case study: Engineered for strength, quiet and daylight, the chosen windows help create a safe, calming and energy-efficient environment for patients and providers.


Central Maine Healthcare Dealing with IT System Outage

The organization identified unusual activity within their computer software, prompting them to secure and shut off all IT systems.


Kaiser Permanente Opens Newly Expanded Everett Medical Center

The facility offers primary care and pediatric care and has specialty care departments.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.