If a person in an assisted living home gets COVID-19, they will need to immediately isolate. If the case is mild, they may remain isolated in a private area of the community such as their private apartment. All residents of an assisted living home should be tested for COVID-19 if any resident or staff member contracts the virus.

Assisted living homes are not intended for those who need regular medical or skilled nursing care, so if the infected person’s symptoms worsen, they will need to be moved to a hospital or nursing facility equipped to treat coronavirus patients.

The CDC also recommends that all residents self-isolate if anyone in an assisted living community contracts COVID-19. Thus, some communities may require all people to remain in their private rooms for 14 days if anyone in the community contracts coronavirus. This can be frustrating for residents who are healthy and have not contracted coronavirus, but the 14-day isolation period is intended to prevent anyone else in the community from becoming sick. 

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