MYTHS VS. FACTS: Covid-19 Edition

MYTH:

Residents are locked in their homes and unable to leave or socialize.

FACT:

While residents were initially asked to remain in their homes as much as possible, we have moved into a phased reopening of our services and amenities, which includes encouraging residents to once again use our common areas and socialize in small groups. Residents are wearing masks to protect one another, and we have rearranged our furniture to allow for proper physical distancing. Residents can also enjoy flexible dining options and a variety of wellness activities, including exercising in our Health & Fitness areas and signing up for personal training.

MYTH:

I will not be able to see my family members.

FACT:

Visitor access inside our buildings is currently limited, but face-to-face visits between residents and their family members are allowed in designated outdoor areas via appointment in most communities. Our professional team on-site has also been diligently assisting residents in connecting with their loved ones via phone, Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, and other digital methods. We understand how important family is and are actively working to provide opportunities for as much meaningful contact as possible.

MYTH:

I am more likely to contract COVID-19 in a retirement community than I am staying at home.

FACT:

Touchmark has been proactive in taking steps to minimize the risk of exposure to residents from the beginning. When living on your own, you have the potential to expose yourself to the virus anytime you leave your home; for example, when grocery shopping, picking up medications, going to the doctor, getting your hair done, exercising, and accessing the kinds of leisure activities that most people enjoy (libraries, restaurants, etc.). At Touchmark, these options are available or can be accessed by delivery within the community.

Furthermore, all residents and team members receive daily health screenings in our communities. Everyone entering the community fills out a health questionnaire, has their temperature taken, sanitizes their hands, and wears a mask. Team members even disinfect packages coming into the community before they are delivered to residents. The caring team members providing resident screenings also ask about their mental well-being and can provide additional support on the spot or refer a resident in need to the appropriate staff member who can help. In the event a resident shows symptoms of COVID-19, our team can immediately provide the health support they need. Although there are no guarantees, Touchmark is taking this pandemic seriously, and we believe our collective safety measures make our communities safer for residents.

MYTH:

My house won’t sell during a pandemic.

FACT:

While each market varies, the trend we have observed shows home values and prices remaining relatively stable. It has been our experience that the length of time it takes to sell a house has more to do with unrelated issues, such as the price and condition of the home, than those related to the current pandemic. In fact, several new residents have told us that their homes sold much more quickly than they had anticipated.

MYTH:

I’m better off waiting until the pandemic is over before moving to a retirement community.

FACT:

Living at home can be isolating under typical circumstances, but even more so now as access to public spaces and outside social events are restricted. Many experts say life may never fully return to normal as these global illnesses become more common and widespread.

At Touchmark, even with careful reopening procedures, residents are once again reaping the many benefits of living in a full-service retirement community. They can access more flexible dining options, participate in Life Enrichment/Wellness activities with guest vendors and entertainers, and enjoy our beautiful campus grounds. More of these fulfilling options will be incorporated over time once they can be added safely. Most importantly, residents have meaningful face-to-face interactions with their peers and caring professional staff every day.