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The Resurgence of Assisted Living Communities and Board and Care Homes Post-COVID

As the world gradually emerges from the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s a strong sense of resilience in the air, particularly within assisted living communities and board and care homes. These vital pillars of eldercare, once battered by the pandemic, are now experiencing a renaissance—a resurgence marked by innovation, enhanced safety protocols, and a renewed commitment to providing compassionate care to our elderly population.
The pandemic cast a spotlight on the vulnerabilities within long-term care facilities, prompting a call to action to fortify these essential institutions. While the initial impact was severe, it spurred a wave of adaptation and evolution. Assisted living communities and board and care homes swiftly pivoted to implement rigorous infection control measures, leveraging technology, and reimagining communal spaces to minimize risk without compromising quality of life.
Focus on Resident Safety
Central to this resurgence is the focus on resident safety. In response to the lessons learned from the pandemic, facilities have implemented stringent protocols for infection prevention and control. From regular testing and screening procedures to robust sanitation practices, every measure is meticulously designed to safeguard the health and well-being of residents and staff alike. Furthermore, vaccination campaigns have been widely embraced, providing an additional layer of defense against future outbreaks.
However, the revitalization of assisted living communities and board and care homes extends beyond guarding against infectious threats. There’s a renewed emphasis on holistic care, encompassing not only physical health but also mental, emotional, and social well-being. Recognizing the toll of social isolation during lockdowns, facilities have redoubled efforts to foster a sense of community and connection among residents.
Innovative Programming
Innovative programming initiatives have emerged, tailored to meet the diverse needs and interests of residents. From virtual activities and fitness classes to outdoor excursions and cultural events, these offerings aim to enrich the lives of residents and combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Additionally, technology has played a vital role in bridging the gap, facilitating communication with loved ones and enabling remote access to healthcare services.
The resurgence of assisted living communities and board and care homes post-COVID represents a triumph of adaptation, innovation, and compassion. With a renewed focus on safety, holistic care, and community engagement, these essential institutions are poised to thrive.
About Senior Living Options of the Desert
Senior Living Options of the Desert is Southern California’s leader in senior living referral. We’ve been helping families find compassionate care for their loved ones since 2004.
Whether you’re looking for independent living, assisted living, memory care, or another form of senior care, our local family advisors will help you find the right option for you and your family. Our mission is to provide families with the best residential care options based on care needs and location, no matter what the budget. And, our services are always FREE.
You can get more information at www.seniorlivingoptionsofthedesert.com.

May 10, 2024
The Do’s & Don’ts of Finding LGBTQ Affirming Care

Leann Dale, President & CEO of Senior Living Options of the Desert will be speaking, along with Jamie Trachtenberg, LCSW, ACHP-SW, on how to find LGBTQ+ affirming care. Please join us for this special PALS presentation on this very important topic.

The Do’s & Don’ts of LGBTQ+ Affirming Care

Saturday, October 21, 2023

9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

The LGBT Community Center of the Desert

Planning for the difficulties befalling people late in life is challenging for just about everyone. No matter the financial, emotional and physical preparations made before retirement, everything can become quickly undone because of an unexpected health crisis or other age-related issue. This precariousness is even more pronounced among LGBTQ+ seniors, because so many of us fear mistreatment and abuse; or worse, having to crawl back into the closet when we need to find part and full-time care in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, independent living, assisted living, memory care or end of life/hospice care. Sure, we have statutes protecting LGBTQ+ elders in California, but that’s not the case in many other states, where non-discrimination protections are nonexistent and the level of compliance varies from one region and metropolitan area to another. As a result, we have to overcome many more obstacles in finding high-quality, safe, respectful and culturally-competent medical and long term care arrangements and care providers than our straight counterparts

So what do we need to do or look for when interviewing potential caregivers to ensure that they’re truly affirming, inclusive and respectful? What questions should we ask about their policies, procedures, staff training and overall community culture? How can we know if a long term care facility or healthcare provider is truly committed to addressing the needs of older LGBTQ+’s? How will we know if it’s a safe place to have direct and honest conversations about our needs, both individually and as a couple? What legal frameworks need to be in place to guarantee that our healthcare, legal and financial directives will be honored? What do you I/we need to put in place beforehand to make providing care easier for our caregivers?

These are just a few of the key questions our guest presenters, Jamie Trachtenberg and Leann Dale, will cover at the first in-person PALS’ 10th Year Anniversary Seminar on Sat., October 21, 2023 at The LGBTQ+ Center of the Desert -or- via ZOOM for anyone who prefers remote access.

Register / In-Person Attendance

Register to Receive Zoom Link

October 9, 2023
Leann Dale Joins the Cathedral City Senior Center Board of Directors

Introducing Leann Dale, CCSC Vice Chair
Leann Dale of Senior Living Options of the Desert has joined the Board of Directors of the Cathedral City Senior Center as Vice Chair. “We are thrilled that Leann has joined our Board at this pivotal time”, says Geoff Corbin, CEO of the Cathedral City Senior Center. “Her experience and leadership in senior housing and senior care will be instrumental in helping us achieve our vision of a 21st century senior center”.
Leann is President and Owner of Senior Living Options of the Desert which helps families in the Coachella Valley make the best residential care choice for their loved ones.
Leann has been instrumental in assisting seniors to find safe, viable living options based on physical, mental & financial needs. She works closely with families to help determine the best choice for each individual situation. She is a native Californian, born in Glendale, and grew up in the Los Angeles area. She moved to Palm Springs in 1993 where she currently lives with her husband, Ron, and a rescued dog and cat.
Leann has worked closely with the Alzheimer’s Association, The Alzheimer’s Walk Committee, the Parkinson’s Resource Organization, Desert Oasis Health Care, and many community-based groups that help seniors find solutions to their needs.

October 1, 2021
What is a Care Manager?
Are you caring for an elderly parent or loved one who lives in another city? Are you worried that they are not taking care of themselves or getting the appropriate care that they need? You may want to consider getting help from a Care Manager.
What is a Care Manager?
A Care Manager is a professional who works with seniors and their families to help them find options for elder care and other senior services in their area. Care Managers will provide you with options on care services as well as how much those options will typically cost.
Trying to navigate through the different care options and services available for seniors is daunting. A Care Manager can help you and your family understand and choose the best care options and services available that will meet the needs of your loved one.
How Can a Care Manager Help?
The first thing a Care Manager will do is conduct an assessment of your loved one to identify their needs, any problems they are experiencing, and their eligibility for assistance. They will then suggest a plan to address those needs. The plan may include services such as:
Education, advocacy and support for your loved one and your family
Arranging in-home care assistance or help with other household chores such as housekeeping, yard work, and transportation
Arranging for nutrition assistance such as Meals on Wheels
Assessing financial, medical and legal issues and offering referrals to specialists who can help address existing problems or prevent future issues
Acting as a liaison between you and your aging loved one, especially if you live in different geographical areas
Regular check-ins on your loved one and periodic reassessments
Alerting you or your family if there is a change in condition or if a situation needs to be addressed
Helping assess your loved one’s need for more daily care such as a move to an assisted living facility
Assisting with a move to an assisted living facility
Acting as your advocate and providing communication between your family and the care facility
What Type of Training do Care Managers Have?
Care Managers have a wide range of knowledge and experience with services available in their community for seniors, including housing options. They area also keenly aware of the differences in cost and quality of the various services and care options available. Many Care Managers have degrees in Nursing, Social Work or Genentology.
Their knowledge and experience gives them the ability to understand each person’s individual needs and advise families on the many options available to them.
What You Can Expect When You Contact a Care Manager
People who work as Care Managers understand that aging can be a difficult and challenging time for you and your loved one. We all want to be independent and take care of ourselves and letting other people help is oftentimes very difficult. Care Managers understand that building trust is key when working with seniors and their families.
They will take the time to get to know you and understand what your individual needs are. The Care Manager will share with you and your family how care management works and what you can expect before you contract with them. They will answer any questions you have and will schedule a time to do a formal assessment when you and your loved one are ready.
Care Managers Help Aging Adults Maintain Dignity and Respect
The challenges of aging can be overwhelming. While we all want to remain independent and healthy for as long as possible, chances are great that most of us will need some help at some point.
When older adults are not able to prepare meals, get to doctor appointments, or attend to basic activities of daily living, they can end up in poorer health and jeopardize their ability to remain independent.
Whether its subtle changes over time or an unexpected health emergency, chances are you’ll need some help navigating the many services and resources available. A Care Manager can help assess the unique and changing needs of your loved one and offer solutions that can prevent problems from happening in the future.
Giving Families Peace of Mind
The knowledge and experience that Care Managers have about the field of elder care will give you and your family peace of mind that you have an expert on your side.
If you are traveling or live out of state, a Care Manager can be a great addition to your care team, helping to ensure that you have a plan in place to keep your loved one safe.
For more information on Care Managers in the Coachella Valley, please give us a call at Senior Living O ptions of the Desert.

About Senior Living Options of the Desert
Senior Living Options of the Desert is Southern California’s leader in senior living referral. We’ve been helping families find compassionate care for their loved ones since 2004.
Whether you’re looking for independent living, assisted living, memory care, or another form of senior care, our local family advisors will help you find the right option for you and your family. Our mission is to provide families with the best residential care options based on care needs and location, no matter what the budget. And, our services are always FREE.
You can get more information at www.seniorlivingoptionsofthedesert.com.
July 16, 2021
10 Inspirational Quotes for Father’s Day

Some holidays get more special as the years go on and that is certainly true for Father’s Day. It’s a chance for children young and old to tell Dad just how special he is and how much they love him.
If you’re looking for a special way to celebrate Dad (or the person who occupies that father figure role in your life) skip the pre-made, store-bought cards and write a personal, sentimental note to him this year. Whether he lives far away or is in an assisted living facility close by, let him know what he means to you and how he’s inspired you over the years.
To get you started, here are 10 inspirational Father’s Day quotes that you can use as a starting point to craft the perfect message to the Dad in your life.
10 Inspirational Quotes
1. “What you teach your children, you also teach their children.”
The author of this quote is unknows but the message is clear. A father’s impact on his children can be felt for generations. Teach your children well.
2. “A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.”
Even if you grow up to be taller or stronger than your dad, you’ll always look up to his moral character and the love he had for you.
3. “I only hope when I have my own family that every day I see a little more of my father in me.”
This is a quote from country music star, Keith Urban. A message like this tells dad that you learned his lessons and aspire to treat your children the same way he treated you.
4. “When my father didn’t have my hand, he had my back.”
This quote from Linda Poindexter speaks to the important role a father has in a child’s life. In the beginning, dad stands next to you and guides you until he finally lets you go forward on your own two feet. But, dad is always there to support you.
5. “A father is the one friend upon whom we can always rely.”
This quote from Emile Gaboriau shows that fathers don’t quit their role when you leave home. Dad’s are there to hold your hand, have your back and share the good times with you.
6. “Lately, all my friends are worried they’re turning into their fathers. I’m worried I’m not.”
Children look to their fathers as a source of inspiration and someone they aspire to emulate. This quote from Dan Zevin captures that beautifully.
7. “Some people don’t believe in heroes, but they haven’t met my dad.”
This quote is also from an unknown author. It speaks to the high esteem in which many children hold their fathers. They are, to many children, superheroes who do it all!
8. “My father didn’t tell me how to live. He lived and let me watch him do it.”
This quote from Clarence Budington Kelland talks about his dad’s role in shaping his life and how leading by example made a huge impact.
9. “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: he believed in me.”
Former basketball coach Jim Valvano is credited with this quote. Father’s might get mad or disappointed but they never stop believing in their child’s abilities.
10. “To the world, you are a dad. To your family, you are the world.”
Finally, this. Father’s are indeed very important people!
Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
These Hallmark-worthy quotes are perfect for telling your dad how much he means to you. A hand-written note from you will mean so much more than a mug or a tie, which he probably doesn’t have room for anyway. I hope these quotes give you some inspiration for that special message.

June 13, 2021
Finding The Best Care Options

Finding the Best Care Options
With Leann Dale
Senior Living Options of the Desert
Friday, June 18, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
In-Person at Alzheimers Coachella
Valley’s office.
Join us when Leann Dale, owner and president of Senior Living Options of the Desert, shares what senior care consumers need to know when looking at their living options.
Leann Dale is a native Californian, born in Glendale, raised in the Los Angeles area and moved to Palm Springs in 1993. Leann has been very instrumental in assisting seniors to find safe, viable living options based on physical, mental & financial needs.
She works closely with families to help determine the best choice for each individual situation. Leann never hesitates to tell her clients that being a Family Advisor is the most fulfilling career she has ever had, and how much she loves what she does.
Her background consists of many years in customer service: She was a financial adviser and stockbroker at A.G. Edwards, Wachovia, and Wells Fargo Advisors.
As owner of Senior Living Options of the Desert, she has worked closely with the national Alzheimer’s Association, the Parkinson’s Resource Organization and many community-based groups that help seniors find solutions to their needs. Leann is also a member of Soroptimist International of Palm Springs whose main focus is to help women and girls both locally and throughout the world.
She lives in Palm Springs with her husband, Ron; a rescued dog and two cats. She enjoys entertaining, cooking for friends, music and loves
animals.
Our Traveling The Journey Together Speaker Series Now In Person The first and third Fridays at 10 a.m. Space is Limited.
Please Reserve your spot by call Priscilla at (760) 776-3100

June 8, 2021
5 Things You May Not Know About Assisted Living

When families start considering assisted living for a loved one, they do research to find the best option for them. While most are familiar with assisted living, many don’t understand what they have to offer or how they differ from other senior housing options.
Check out these 5 things you may not know about assisted living.

You are free to set your own schedules
There are some misconceptions around assisted living communities. Many of these misconceptions keep older adults from considering senior housing options because they fear that they will lose their independence. The reality is that residents are free to come and go as they please and can set their own schedules. There are no rigid schedules to follow.
They can also participate in as many -or as few- of the programs and activities that they want.

Private apartments or suites are standard
Another fear people have about assisted living communities is that they will lose their privacy. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the company of neighbors and other residents. However, private apartments and suites are standard at assisted living communities.

There are a lot of daily activities and wellness programs
Another myth about assisted living communities is that there is nothing to do…that everyone is sitting around playing cards and bingo. Now, I’m sure you can find a rowdy game of cards or a spirited bingo game going on if you look. But, the reality is assisted living communities offer a lot of wellness programs and activities.
Many host art classes, musical events, religious services, movie nights, exercise and wellness programs, and much more on a daily and weekly basis.

Monthly fees include utilities, meals and more!
Assisted living communities are a good value. The monthly fee typically covers a wide variety of services and amenities including utilities, meals, cable, laundry, housekeeping services, activities, wellness programs, and a private apartment.
For an additional fee you can sometimes get additional amenities such as a hair salon, offsite events and transportation.

Pets are sometimes welcome
Pets are family too and are great companions for older adults. More and more assisted living communities are realizing this and are allowing your furry, four-legged friends to join you. Talk with your senior living placement advisor or assisted living representative to see if there are size and weight restrictions.

Assisted Living in the Coachella Valley
The Coachella Valley offers a wide variety of senior living options that are sure to fit your needs. Please feel free to call me to discuss options.

About Senior Living Options of the Desert
Senior Living Options of the Desert is Southern California’s leader in senior living referral. We’ve been helping families find compassionate care for their loved ones since 2004.
Whether you’re looking for independent living, assisted living, memory care, or another form of senior care, our local family advisors will help you find the right option for you and your family. Our mission is to provide families with the best residential care options based on care needs and location, no matter what the budget. And, our services are always FREE.
You can get more information at www.seniorlivingoptionsofthedesert.com.

May 24, 2021
Residential Care Home: An Assisted Living Alternative
For older adults who need care, assisted living communities aren’t the only housing option. Another option is a residential care home.

I’ll explain the type of care you can expect to receive in a residential care home, how much they cost each month, and who might enjoy living in this type of housing option.

Personal care in a home-like setting

Residential care homes are also known as board and care homes or personal care homes. They provide care to small groups of older adults and the majority of them in California have 6 or fewer residents.

They are typically located in the middle of regular residential neighborhoods as they are typically private homes that were converted and are staffed for small group living.

What kind of care is provided in residential care homes?

You can expect the level of care here to be higher than assisted living, but lower than the level of care in a skilled nursing facility (nursing home).

The biggest difference is that there is more personalized care because the home has fewer residents and there is a lower resident to staff ratio. Each home may offer different services. Some will provide a high level of care while others will only focus on the basics.

Residential care homes typically offer:
- A single or double room (not an apartment)
- Shared bathroom
- Meals
- Housekeeping
- Personal care
Most will typically provide supervision and assistance with activities of daily living like:
- Bathing
- Dressing / grooming
- Moving around
- Storing and distributing medication (but not administering it)
- Toileting and incontinence care
Some may also provide some level of medical services like giving medication and transportation.

What’s typically not covered?

There are certain types of medical-level care that is not included such as:
- Tube feeding
- Treatment of open bedsores
- The level of amenities and recreational activities that you’d likely find in an assisted living community
How much does it cost?

In our area, the cost of a residential care home typically costs between $3,000 – $3,800 per month depending on if it’s a shared room or a private bedroom. Costs will also depend on the level of care needed as well as the location and quality of the home.

Residential care homes usually do not accept Medicare of Medicaid. However, they do accept private payment, VA Aid & Attendance and long-term care insurance.

Who would enjoy living in a residential care home?
1. Seniors who do not like the larger, institutional-like setting found in most assisted living communities. In a residential care home, older adults can live as normal a life as they’re able such as going shopping, having friends and family over, and going for walks.
2. Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. In many cases, living in a smaller setting with fewer people can reduce anxiety and stress.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any specific questions about residential care facilities or if you need help with living options for your loved one.
May 11, 2021
Celebrating Nurses Week 2021

Senior Living Options of the Desert would like to recognize all the amazing nurses (registered nurses, nurse practitioners, LPNs, and others) this year during Nurses Week. These incredible men and women across the Coachella Valley and around the country have devoted their lives to the betterment of the lives of others.

But what is Nurses Week, when is it, and how can you celebrate this year?

What is Nurse’s Week and When is it?

Nurses Week 2021 takes place between Thursday, May 6 – Wednesday, May 12, 2021 (Florence Nightingale’s birthday).

Nurses Week is an annual celebration of all that nurses around the world do for their communities. It’s our time to recognize, appreciate, and invest in the nurses we know or work with every day as well as the entire nursing industry as whole.

What’s different about Nurse’s Week in 2021?

During COVID-19, nurses have worked tirelessly on the front lines to ensure that people who need help are cared for. The pandemic has taken a toll on nurses’ morale and mental health.

We’re seeing nurses struggling with incredible challenges to their mental health and well being, and hospital systems being pushed to the brink. But, despite all of this, nurses and other healthcare practitioners are continuing to step forward in support; they’re not giving up, and they’re not backing down.

Plain and simple, nurses are doers, and they will keep on doing until everyone receives the care they need. It’s important, especially this year, that we celebrate these heroes.

Ideas for Supporting Nurses During Nurse’s Week

The pandemic has made celebrating nurses’ week a bit more complicated. However, there are ways that you can honor nurses still. Here are 5 simple ideas.

1. Send a relaxation or pamper kit

Create a relaxation or pamper kit to send to a nurse as a gift. This kit can include things like a candle, bath bomb, lip balm, or a bottle of wine. Be creative!

2. Send a handwritten thank you note

Handwritten notes are often a thing of the past, which makes them even more special. Receiving a physical note from someone is an excellent way to show them you care.

3. Send an eCard

Send customized eCards to a nurse expressing your gratitude. eCards can be given with (or without) a point value attached to redeem for rewards, so it makes it for an easy, and memorable gesture.

4. Buy a nurse a cup of coffee

Coffee is the perfect pick-me-up. And, a great way to show appreciation.

5. Say thanks

Sometimes we forget to just say ‘thank you’. It is one of the easiest ways to show appreciation during Nurses Week.

Thank you!

All of us at Senior Living Options of the Desert would like to say a special thank you to all the wonderful nurses here in the Coachella Valley and beyond. We need you and appreciate your selflessness and dedication.

April 29, 2021
Is There Life After COVID in Assisted Living Communities?

For over a year, assisted living communities here in the Valley have been mostly closed to visitors, resulting in crushing isolation for many of the residents.
Now, I am starting to feel positive that things are getting back to some sense of normalcy in our assisted living communities here in the Coachella Valley and around California. I am seeing signs that many of them are easing some of their restrictions and resuming certain activities after a long year of lock downs.
Can we really be moving past this?

Ending Isolation
There have been a lot of health care experts and senior advocates calling recently for reopening assisted living communities in order to end the isolation that many residents have experienced.
“At this point, residents are becoming more likely to die of isolation and neglect than covid,” said Jocelyn Bogdan, program and policy specialist at the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, citing new data linking covid-19 vaccination to sharp declines in covid-related deaths.
The restrictions appear to be easing and there is a sense of optimism among residents and their families.

The vaccine situation
All of the large and small communities have been vaccinated. While I don’t have exact numbers of how many residents in each community have received the vaccine, community leaders are expressing optimism that enough residents have received the vaccine and are starting to resume some normal activities.
Ruth Katz, senior vice president of public policy at LeadingAge, says that vaccines have changed everything. Long-term care and assisted living communities are now among the safest places you can be in your community in terms of COVID.

Community tours
The communities are opening up their building tours again. We are now able to see the entire community as opposed to just individual apartments or rooms. They are still offering virtual tours but being able to see the community in person allows prospective residents to get a much better idea of what it’s like to live there.
There are certain aspects of the community that are difficult to get a good feel for during a virtual tour.

Family visitors
Families are now able to visit loved ones with minor restrictions.
The communities seem to be reopening carefully, which is encouraging. They are doing things like scheduling visits, screening visitors for symptoms and limiting the number of visitors in a facility at any one time.
Some facilities are sending visitors to designated visitor sites, not residents’ rooms, and are requiring the use of masks and gloves, among other precautions.
Dr. Swati Gaur, chair of the infection advisory committee for AMDA, says that no one wants to see COVID outbreaks reappear in long-term care facilities. They have been the site of nearly 175,000 COVID-related deaths, about 35% of the nations total.

Moving Forward
The COVID-19 vaccines seem to be giving people a sense of hope. The number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and those dying from the virus are decreasing in Riverside County and throughout California. Our assisted living communities are beginning to resume some activities such as family visits and community tours.
Communities are reopening carefully and with certain restrictions but it feels like we are in a much different place than we were just a month ago. There is a sense of optimism for sure.
If you have any questions about the reopening of assisted living communities or would like to schedule a tour, please give me a call.
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About Senior Living Options of the Desert
Senior Living Options of the Desert is Southern California’s leader in senior living referral. We’ve been helping families find compassionate care for their loved ones since 2004.
Whether you’re looking for independent living, assisted living, memory care, or another form of senior care, our local family advisors will help you find the right option for you and your family. Our mission is to provide families with the best residential care options based on care needs and location, no matter what the budget. And, our services are always FREE.
You can get more information at www.seniorlivingoptionsofthedesert.com.

April 20, 2021