ICAA task force to lead senior living transformation after COVID-19

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 19, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A coalition of prominent industry associations representing all segments of senior living have joined more than 160 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 housing -- organizations providing active-adult and independent living, continuing care retirement communities/life plan, assisted living, long-term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation

Participating industry associations include, among others, LeadingAge, American Senior Housing Association (ASHA), Argentum, American Medical Directors Association (AMDA), Pioneer Network, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (N4A), National Council on Aging (NCOA), The National Association Directors of Nursing Administration in Long-Term Care (NADONA), 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 Richard H. Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS, 17th US Surgeon General, Chief of Health Innovations, Canyon Ranch, and 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 sessions will address fundamental issues such as social distancing and its impact on the built environment, infrastructure needs and engagement.

Industry partners supporting the Task Forces efforts include: Humana, Matrix Fitness, CDW, NuStep, Keiser, Domtar, Merrithew, Delos, and iN2L.

About the ICAA COVID-19 Senior Living Industry Task Force
The ICAA COVID-19 Senior Living Task Force will, in conjunction with CDC recommendations, generate and provide ideas, tactics, strategies and messaging suggestions that organizations can consider, now and in the future, when planning to reopen their internal services (wellness, therapy, spas, cafes) and their communities to the outside population (family members, volunteers). This includes, but is not limited to, the impact of the built and virtual environments, social activities and food/beverage services, technology, education and security that impacts the health and well-being of staff and residents; challenges to current and future business models; and approaches to build confidence in living in and visiting senior living properties.

About the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)
http://www.icaa.cc

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.

SOURCE International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)