In the September 20 AARP Bulletin, one member wrote in and said that her parents have become less mobile and more forgetful since isolation began and said, “I know nursing homes are scary places right now. What about assisted living?” You may not have that option, AARP responds. About a third of senior living communities are not taking new residents due to the coronavirus. And even if you could find one, AARP writes that they would hesitate. Many have no trained medical staff, and are regulated loosely. And the very activities that once made them attractive—social activities, communal dining, and field trips—have been suspended. AARP Bulletin recommends in-home help, including guided exercise and physical therapy. They also said to consider ramping up online video visits to keep them interactive with the family.
