I recently read and shared a post on Facebook that said, “the staff in the nursing homes and assisted living/memory care facilities aren’t fighting the same battle that the other nurses and doctors are fighting against COVID-19. Our battle looks a lot different. We’re fighting to protect our elders from the outside world. We’re fighting against depression and loneliness. We are fighting boredom and confusion caused by dementia and Alzheimer’s. We are fighting frustration of family members not being able to visit and families who feel disconnected and fear for their loved one. So, until this crisis is over, we will give comforting words and do our best to create fun activities that can be done safely. We will hold the iPads and phone so loved ones can see their elder who is unable to communicate and reassure them everything is okay. Staff will visit daily and provide reassurance, pray, sing or just be there to comfort them. We will put on smiles even when our heads are pounding, we are overwhelmed by all the new regulations and added documentation and we are fighting worry ourselves. We will do what we can to make sure the outside world stays “outside” and our elders stay safe.”
While we know how frustrating this time has been, we have simply been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of our residents, their families, our staff, our local businesses, community members and complete strangers, as well.
We have been the recipients of face masks (both surgical and homemade with love) by numerous donors for both our residents and staff, personal protective equipment for our staff, an outdoor music performance that uplifted everyone’s spirits, flowers, plants, vegetables, numerous treats and goodies, pampering products, messages of support, words of encouragement and the list goes on and on!
Please know that we are so incredibly grateful and appreciative for all of these wonderful blessings and gifts which you’ve given to us. Each one has been appreciated so very much and as the saying goes, “no good deed goes unnoticed.” So, from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!
In closing, although we know how terribly hard this time of uncertainty has been on our residents, their families and all involved, please know that we are doing all that we can to keep everyone inside our walls safe, happy and healthy. Please reach out to us if there is something we can do to make this time any easier for you or your loved one. And again, thank you for your support – it is appreciated more than you could possibly know!
We know that not only is the physical health of our residents important, but also their mental health. When loved ones visit our residents, it is often the highlight of their week. We are sad to have to enforce social distancing for our residents but know that it is crucial to their health. Other changes we have implemented include serving meals in their room instead of communal dining. However, rest assured, our residents are not isolated in their apartments during COVID-19.
Window Visits
Independent Living Communities are also commonly referred to as a retirement community. Seniors can rent or buy their retirement homes. Usually, senior residents in these communities don’t need help with daily living tasks, as most can take care of themselves. But, conveniences such as meals, house cleaning, laundry service or transportation may be available. Seniors who are independent, but don’t want to live alone would be a good fit for an Independent Living Community.