Communities

Task Force to Lead Senior Living Transformation After COVID-19

May 11, 2020

Industry thought leaders and key stakeholders to convene on May 27, 2020, to chart a path forward for North America’s senior living industry

VANCOUVER, BC–A coalition of prominent industry associations representing all segments of senior living have joined more than 140 industry thought leaders and suppliers to provide guidance for communities throughout North America as they prepare to reopen safely after COVID-19.

Participants in the ICAA COVID-19 Senior Living Task Force include representatives of for-profit, not-for-profit, and affordable housingorganizations providing active-adult and independent living, continuing care retirement communities/life plan, assisted living, long-term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation

Participating organizations include, among others, the AMDA, Argentum, American Senior Housing Association, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (N4A), National Council on Aging (NCOA), and the American Society on Aging (ASA).

“The health, wellness and quality of life of our residents and staff are paramount as we chart a path forward in the midst of uncertainty,” said ICAA founder and CEO Colin Milner, who conceived the initiative. “The task force will develop, in conjunction with recommendations from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), guidance for all senior living organizations as they plan when and how they will reopen their internal services, including wellness, therapy, spas, and cafes, to current and potential residents, as well as family members, staff and volunteers.”

Milner will co-chair the task force with psychologist/gerontologist Ken Dychtwald, PhD, best-selling author, founder and CEO of Age Wave.

“Organizations need to make their way through the pandemic and have a game plan to come out of it,” Milner said. “Importantly, all key stakeholders are coming together as a group to address COVID-19’s impact on the industry, and help ensure that organizations will continue to be viable and meet residents’ expectations and desires while also ensuring their safety now and into the future.”

Task force members and panelists at the May 27 and May 28 launch session will address fundamental issues such as social distancing and its impact on the built environment, infrastructure needs and engagement.

ICAA is a professional association that leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry and supports professionals who aspire to develop wellness cultures for adults over 50. This support includes creating wellness environments, programs and services. The association is focused on active aging—an approach to aging that helps older adults live life as fully as possible within all dimensions of wellness—and provides its members with education, information, resources and tools. As an active-aging educator and advocate, ICAA has advised numerous organizations and governmental bodies.

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