Choosing an Assisted Living Residence Virtually

How do you find the right assisted living for a family member when in-person tours are not an option? At Cohen Florence Levine Estates in Chelsea and Harriett and Ralph Kaplan Estates in Peabody, the assisted living residences operated by Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, virtual tours, live chats and Zoom meetings help facilitate the process.

“Virtual tours are an excellent way to assess the ambience, activities, amenities, staff and culture in an assisted living,” said Andrea Hillel, Executive Director of Harriett and Ralph Kaplan Estates. “You truly come to understand how the residence operates on a day-to-day basis.”

Admittedly, making the transition to assisted living is an important decision, but with today’s updated technology, families can effectively explore assisted living options in the privacy of their own home. Interactive tours are also a key advantage for families that live in other states or other parts of the country.

Let’s Chat!

Live chats for all the assisted living residences are now available on the Chelsea Jewish Lifecare website. This is a terrific way to get personalized and specific information –immediately. Simply go to the Chelsea Jewish Lifecare website, click on an assisted living and the chat box will pop-up during normal business hours. A member of the assisted living staff will discuss such features as the amenities, dining options and activities; provide an overview of the residences and properties; as well as answer any questions.

Also on the website are videos and virtual tours. These options offer a realistic overview of resident life, including daily schedules, menus, and support services. In effect, seniors and their families are able to get an accurate sense of what it is like to live at Cohen Florence Levine Estates and Harriett and Ralph Kaplan Estates.

Up Close and Personal

Zoom meetings with Executive Directors and Admission Directors are a wonderful way to meet virtually. “We are interfacing with many families and new residents over Zoom,” said Yari Velez, Executive Director of Cohen Florence Levine Estates. “They can connect with us, ask us questions and conduct a live conversation while touring the residence via video conferencing.” In this age of social distancing, video conferencing enables the staff, family, and residents to really get to know one another. Added Valez, “By the time a resident moves in, we feel like we’re old friends with the entire family!”