Tips To Handle Community Residents At Risk

Last week CAI-NJ hosted its annual Senior Summit, one of CAI-NJ’s most popular educational events.

The educational sessions addressed issues faced by boards, committees and homeowners in active adult communities.

I presented a session on this growing trend in the industry as age restricted communities are becoming more and more popular. As managers and association leaders it’s important to understand these trends and take a proactive approach to managing association risks that come with these communities.

Here Are Some Highlights From That Session:

Managing the Risks that Affect Aging Residents

• Start by educating yourself and the Board about what an aging community requires.
• Familiarize yourself with the elderly population, do you have emergency contacts for your residents?

Managing the Common Areas

• Removal of trip hazards: Wet leaves picked up from stairwells and sidewalks, bushes trimmed back away from walking areas, and sidewalks kept clear of snow and salted for re-freeze, lifting sidewalks remediated.
• Installation of Accessories: Extra railing, safety grip handles and additional lighting.
• Will additional handicap parking be required?
• Is there a lift installed in your pool?
• Are automatic doors required in your building?

Educate the Residents

• How to reduce the number of slip and falls, no loose rugs or wet floor tiles.
• Mitigating financial risk: Providing tips to seniors on how to protect themselves from scams.
• Home Security: educating elders on how to protect themselves while in their home.

Pay Attention!

Check on your senior residents:  Interact with them, offer assistance, take out their trash or carry groceries.  “A good deed goes a long way!”

As managers we get to know our residents, their habits and their patterns. It’s imperative to pay attention to any changes we might notice.

• Frequent calls showcasing forgetfulness
• Personality changes
• Changes in physical appearance
• Get to know the caretaker or family members.
• Make sure contact information is updated on their profile.
• Keep a list of local resources available to your senior residents: Emergency services, adult day cares, transportation options, meals on wheels and local churches.

With the growing trend and popularity of age restrictive communities, as well as more and older residents electing to stay in their current homes as they age, it’s important that managers and association leaders take a proactive approach to keep their residents safe, happy and secure.

Tony Nardone MBA, PCAM®
CEO – Corner Property Management
973-376-3925
www.cp-management.com