Assisted living communities are safely serving meals to residents by bringing meals directly to residents’ rooms. This eliminates the need for residents to congregate in a communal dining area, and makes it easier for residents to follow social distancing guidelines.

The safest way for communities to serve meals during this time is through no-contact meal delivery. This means that staff simply leave a tray with the meal at residents’ doors rather than entering the apartment. They will still knock on the door or otherwise alert the resident that their meal is ready so that it does not sit out for a long period of time. Though there is no contact involved, people should still wash their hands before and after eating and touching the tray and silverware as an extra precaution.

If a resident is immobile, a staff member wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) can bring the meal directly to their bedside. All staff members who deliver meals to residents, whether or not they enter the resident’s apartment, should wear appropriate PPE including masks and gloves. 

COVID-19 Update: With social distancing and stay-at-home orders, many seniors are struggling with loneliness and isolation. We’ve developed a list of products that caregivers or seniors can purchase to help older adults stay happy, healthy and connected, whether they are aging in place at home or in an assisted living community.

Additional Coronavirus FAQs