Sunnyside Manor answers your questions about move-in, quarantine, and safety in senior living.

The information in this post is current as of its publication. However, the authoritative requirements and guidance regarding the pandemic change often, as conditions warrant. Please contact us directly for the most up-to-date information about the senior living admissions processes.

When it’s time to choose a senior living community for a loved one, families have a lot of questions, especially now. Even families who have experience in senior living have more to think about as the times have changed. How do communities stay safe with new residents moving in? Will their loved one have to quarantine? How will they visit?

That’s why we’re answering some frequently asked questions about the move-in process. Each community handles it a bit differently, so we’re sharing our unique approach to welcoming new residents and continuing to keep our community outbreak-free.

Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Living and Quarantine

Do residents in senior living have to quarantine when they move in?

Yes, it is a New Jersey state regulation that seniors quarantine for the first fourteen days in a senior living community.

While quarantine may sound concerning, here is what quarantine actually means: when a senior moves into our community, there is a 14 day wait to interact with the rest of the resident population, and the staff who interact with the resident wear additional protective equipment.

Do residents in senior living have to be tested for coronavirus?

For the safety of our resident community, Sunnyside Manor requires two negative tests prior to move in. We can provide assistance securing a test.

Will my loved one still receive care during quarantine?

Yes! From the moment your loved one arrives at Sunnyside Manor, they receive all of the care and support services outlined in their personalized plan. Our friendly staff provide assistance with tasks of daily living, like getting dressed and ready for the day, with a focus on helping new residents feel welcome, secure, and included in our family.

In order to make this transition as easy as possible, we have secured clear face coverings for our staff, so that new residents can more easily recognize and understand them.

Do new residents still get meals? What about snacks?

Yes! That includes the great meals we’re known for here, as well as snacks for happy hour and more.

As of August 2020, New Jersey senior care providers are in phase one of opening, which means that dining for all residents is by room service.

How can I talk to my loved one during quarantine?

Each apartment has a phone line, and each new resident is provided with a tablet so that they can communicate with family and friends by Facetime or Zoom. Our friendly staff are available to help with tablet set up and use. We’ll provide any assistance your loved one requires with using the phone or tablet.

Families and friends can also drop off cards and non-perishable gifts. (We secure gifts for 24 hours before delivering to residents as a caution against contamination.)

Can my loved one bring their belongings with them? Do we have to clean everything?

We ask that a resident’s belongings arrive a few days before the resident arrives. The items will be stored securely for long enough to neutralize any possible contamination from outside. Sunnyside Manor staff will move all items into the resident’s apartment, and set up the apartment to the new resident’s liking.

What if my loved one has memory loss and forgets that they have to stay in their apartment?

Memory care residents may quarantine with a caregiver for extra assurance that they are staying safe.

What happens after quarantine?

After the first fourteen days, new residents have access to our full calendar of socially distanced activities throughout the community. We have programs to suit every preference safely, with markings throughout the common areas to designate safe social distancing.

Not only do we have a calendar of “official” activities, but residents have created their own activities, like social groups and book clubs. As one of our residents said recently, “It’s good to have neighbors!”

Families are welcome for window visits and outdoor visits using good social distancing practices, as well as a health screening and temperature check at the time of the visit. Residents can visit their families, too! “Van visits” bring residents to their families’ homes for a visit from the safety of our accessible van.

Have you ever had an outbreak of Covid-19?

Sunnyside Manor has not had an outbreak of Covid-19. Our careful move-in process is just one of many important steps we have taken to protect our community. As a family owned, independent senior living community, we can respond quickly, creatively, and prudently in the moment to keep residents and staff safe. That allows us to stay true to our mission to look after our community’s seniors like our own family, with their safety and happiness taking priority.

Learn More About Why Families Rely On Sunnyside Manor

Sunnyside Manor offers assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Learn more about Sunnyside Manor’s resources for caregivers. Whether you’re looking for short-term support or a longer-term plan, we are here to help. Begin with our “Getting Started” guide. Times have changed, and so have our admissions protocols. Please call us at 888-696-2052 to speak with a senior living expert.

Sunnyside Manor, located in Wall NJ, is the area’s premier senior living community. It features three distinctive neighborhoods: Independence ‘Plus’ Assisted Living, Recollections Memory Care and Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation.