No, you should not postpone your move to an assisted living facility unless you are currently ill. Assisted living facilities are still accepting residents while minimizing potential health risks for all involved in the move.

Coronavirus does not negate the fact that you have needs for help with your activities of daily living (ADLs). If you were already planning to move into an assisted living facility, it’s probably because your needs can no longer be met at home. Continuing to live in an inadequate care environment comes with its own risks to your health.

If the risk of person-to-person spread of coronavirus in assisted living is making you nervous about your move, consider that communities are mitigating this risk in many ways. Facilities have increased their standards of cleanliness and adopted other precautions that the CDC has recommended. Currently, residents of assisted living communities have minimal contact with other residents and staff, have all of their nutritional and care needs met in very safe, clean ways. Communities also routinely and thoroughly monitor for symptoms to help keep all residents and staff safe. 

COVID-19 Update: With social distancing and stay-at-home orders, many seniors are struggling with loneliness and isolation. We’ve developed a list of products that caregivers or seniors can purchase to help older adults stay happy, healthy and connected, whether they are aging in place at home or in an assisted living community.

Additional Coronavirus FAQs