Those caring for the elderly have their work cut out for them as the number of Covid-19 cases continues to rise.
Senior citizens need to be protected now more than ever, which often means that several operational measures need to be put in place. According to Barry Kaganson, CEO of Auria Senior Living, “Most of these measures are expensive or potentially financially burdensome. They are also largely unbudgeted expenses. Covid-19 was upon us quickly, and measures need to be implemented with haste.”
Kaganson explained that retirement villages need to be in a strong financial position in order to be able to implement these measures, or else they need to have the finances readily available. “Immediate costs include hand sanitiser, masks, overtime pay for staff, the accommodation of staff on-site or nearby to minimise commuting, furniture, linen, toiletries and other items for staff being accommodated.”
He also explained that, in addition, operators must be able to reassure residents regarding the situation and continue to provide them with opportunities for exercise, socialisation, intellectual stimulation and other activities whilst they are isolated within their homes or within their retirement community.
“All of these emergency measures need to be put in place in a matter of days, if not hours. Decisions need to be made quickly and funds need to be readily available because when supplies run short, suppliers require cash-on-delivery payments.”
Kaganson emphasised that this points to the importance of having a good management structure in place, together with a ‘war chest’ of funds for times such as this. It isn’t business as usual, and the ability to act quickly and be flexible could save lives. Management resources need to be made available to support staff to carry out their duties – which can be difficult in cases where certain services are outsourced.
“Where the finances come from to fund these additional measures is another question. Non-profit organisations generally do not have readily available cash in the short term. Even sectional title complexes do not always have large reserves, and a situation like the outbreak of Covid-19 leaves no time to raise special levies. The best available option is to keep a [specific] fund for such emergencies.”
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