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Three Alternatives For Assisted Living Facilities And Your Residents When Sinkholes Strike

13 November 2015

James Butler

Sinkholes are incredibly dangerous and virtually unpredictable natural disasters that can open up anywhere. Just a short time ago, a sinkhole opened up in the parking lot of a popular pancake restaurant and swallowed at least twelve cars! If your assisted living facility were to be swallowed, in part or in whole, by a sinkhole, do you know what you would do next? Where would your residents go? How would you house them and provide care for them? Do you have an evacuation plan in the event of a bizarre natural disaster, such as a sinkhole? If not, consider the three following alternatives for temporarily relocating your residents until you can resolve the structural damages and safety issues with your facility.

Hospitals

The residents who were injured or traumatized by the sinkhole or barely escaped it will probably need some time in the hospital to have their injuries treated and/or recover from the shock. Residents who previously posed a wandering risk to themselves may need closer supervision in a dementia care unit in the hospital so that they do not try to wander back to the facility and accidentally tumble into the sinkhole. Some hospitals may be willing to keep your more cognizant residents for a day or two while you arrange other lodgings for them.

Hotels

Hotels are an excellent option for relocating many of your residents who receive assisted living care. The housekeeping services in a hotel maintain your residents' new and temporary rooms. Additional needs, such as bathing or bedding protectors and laundry for protecting the bedding at night can be provided by your facility and managed by your staff. Most hotels are also already wheelchair-accessible, so you do not have to worry about residents and their mobility. Many hotels have guardrails along the hallways and down flights of steps too, just like assisted living facilities.

Nursing Homes and Other Senior Living Facilities

Nursing homes and other senior living facilities may be able to help during this unusual and unfortunate event too. For your senior residents who only need a little help with personal cares or medication, you can enlist the help of other senior living facilities that may have apartments available and open to use. For residents that need more than just a helping hand, nursing homes may be a better temporary option since their staff can assist yours with care and nightly rounds. Just be sure to ask the nursing facilities if they have enough beds first and what kinds of roommate situations they currently have before moving your residents into the home.

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