As communities emerge and reopen their dining venues, we all have a fantastic opportunity to give the residents an exciting and safe return. They are so excited to get back to some socialization around the dining experience, let’s give it our best shot!! A guide from Strategic Dining Services.

ADvancing States took action during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis to assist state aging and disability agencies in responding to, and meeting the needs of, facility residents and an older adult population sheltering at home. This resource was created through one-on-one conversations with states and a call for ideas in the Friday Update, a weekly email reaching over 15,000 aging and disability professionals. This resource is intended to assist states and others with creative and thoughtful approaches to social isolation and loneliness in older adults, and to also facilitate sharing and learning across states. It is our hope this collection of ideas and actions across states and organizations will reduce social isolation for some of the country’s most vulnerable older adults during the COVID-19 crisis.

Here are some helpful suggestions to implement at your facility to assist in pampering your residents during this challenging time

Here are some helpful suggestions to implement at your facility to assist in pampering your residents during this challenging time (Spanish version)

The CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from March 5, 2021 regarding state-issued mask mandates and allowing on-premises restaurant dining.

If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing many things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. When choosing safer activities, consider how COVID-19 is spreading in your community, the number of people participating in the activity, and the location of the activity. Outdoor visits and activities are safer than indoor activities, and fully vaccinated people can participate in some indoor events safely, without much risk. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, find a vaccine.

Just like those of us without dementia, residents living with dementia have different personality types. We've put together a toolkit of activities based on personality type. You can try these to keep your residents active and engaged.

Just like those of us without dementia, residents living with dementia have different personality types. We've put together a toolkit of activities based on personality type. You can try these to keep your residents active and engaged. (Spanish version)

When it is determined by state and local health departments that beautician and barber services may resume, this center will provide these services following the guidelines from the CDC and state and local health departments.

We've reached out to our members and collected the best ideas for the engagement of our residents during isolation. We've put them all together in a "recipe" book that you can follow!