How Do You Handle Restoration of a Flooded Senior Living Facility?

Your first priority is the safety of residents. Turn off the water supply if you can do so safely, and shut off electricity in flooded areas to prevent shocks. Move residents to a dry, accessible part of the building or to another location, and call for medical help if anyone feels unwell.

Document the damage with photos and notes for your insurance claim. Do not throw away damaged items until you have a record. Your insurance company will decide what is covered, and you need clear evidence to support your case. Keep a list of what was damaged and where.

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

• Turn off the water main and electricity
• Move residents to a safe, dry area
• Call a doctor if anyone feels unwell
• Take photos of all damaged areas
• Keep a written list of damaged items
• Do not enter standing water if it is deep

Floodwater can carry bacteria, sewage, and chemicals, so thorough cleaning is essential. The pros use hospital-grade disinfectants on hard surfaces and may use antimicrobial treatments on walls and floors. In a senior living facility, you also need to consider the health of older adults, who are more vulnerable to infections.

All surfaces that residents touch, such as handrails, doorknobs, and bathroom fixtures, need special attention. Soft furnishings that cannot be cleaned may need to be thrown away. The pros will follow health and safety guidelines to reduce the risk of illness.

The work usually involves removing contaminated materials and disposing of them properly, so the area is safe for residents to return.

• Disinfect all hard surfaces
• Remove and replace wet drywall and insulation
• Clean and sanitize handrails and doorknobs
• Discard soft items that cannot be cleaned
• Use air scrubbers to filter the air
• Wear protective gear during cleanup

The final step is repairing and rebuilding the facility. This includes replacing drywall, flooring, and electrical systems that were damaged. The pros work with electricians and other trades to bring the building back to a safe, functional state.

Restoration also involves replacing furniture, medical equipment, and personal belongings of residents. You may need to coordinate with your insurance company and the facility's management to prioritize what gets done first. The goal is to make the space livable and safe for seniors to return.

The cost of restoration depends on the extent of the damage, the size of the facility, and the materials involved. It typically ranges from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, but each situation is different.

• Replace damaged electrical wiring
• Install new drywall and flooring
• Repair plumbing and HVAC systems
• Replace furniture and medical equipment
• Coordinate with electricians and plumbers
• Plan for temporary housing if needed