The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped countless industries, but perhaps none so significantly as the senior care sector. Faced with unprecedented challenges, providers had to adapt rapidly to ensure the safety, health, and emotional wellbeing of one of the most vulnerable populations—seniors. Below, we explore how the pandemic spurred transformational changes across the senior care landscape.
Enhanced Health & Safety Protocols
One of the most immediate and visible impacts of the pandemic was the implementation of rigorous health and safety protocols. Senior care facilities introduced new cleaning regimens, frequent health screenings, and widespread use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize the risk of viral transmission.
Facilities also had to adapt isolation procedures for residents who tested positive, creating quarantine areas while ensuring continued care. The pandemic made infection control a priority and caused many facilities to reevaluate their preparedness for future health crises.
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Growth in Telehealth Adoption
The pandemic accelerated the use of telehealth in the senior care industry, allowing residents to receive medical consultations without leaving the safety of their homes or facilities. Virtual doctor visits became an essential part of ensuring seniors received regular checkups and treatment while minimizing their exposure to the virus.
Telehealth also extended beyond medical care, enabling mental health counseling and therapy sessions to reduce the feelings of isolation many seniors experienced during lockdowns.
Staffing Challenges & Workforce Innovations
The senior care industry faced significant staffing shortages during the pandemic, as many caregivers fell ill or left their roles due to burnout. Facilities worked to address these challenges by:
- Increasing wages and offering bonuses to retain existing staff
- Relying on technology, such as automated scheduling software, to optimize the use of available workforce
- Implementing training programs to upskill staff in areas like infection control and virtual caregiving
The crisis highlighted the importance of investing in caregivers, both financially and professionally, to sustain the industry in the long term.
Focus on Emotional & Social Support
Lockdowns and visitation restrictions brought the issue of senior isolation to the forefront. The industry responded by finding creative ways to keep residents socially connected, including:
- Virtual family visits via video calls, facilitated by staff
- Outdoor, socially distanced visitation pods
- Activity kits delivered to residents to keep them engaged in arts, crafts, and games
Caregivers also increased their focus on emotional support, recognizing mental health is just as important as physical health for overall wellbeing.
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Shift toward Home-Based Care
With concerns about safety in congregate living environments, demand rose for home-based care services. Families sought alternatives to traditional residential care, favoring options that allowed seniors to age in place. This shift led to:
- Rapid expansion of home care agencies
- Use of technology like wearable health monitors to support remote caregiving
- Innovations in meal delivery and personal care services geared toward seniors
This growing trend toward home-based care reflects a broader desire for personalized, flexible options.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional at-home care Roseville seniors can trust and rely on. BeyondWell Home Care will work with you to tailor a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today to learn more about our customized care plans.