COVID-19 has affected all of our lives in many ways. In Assisted Living communities, where many at-risk people call home, there are additional challenges as we work diligently to keep our residents safe and healthy. But in addition to the physical health challenges we face, we also must recognize the effects that COVID-19 has on the mental health of the elderly.
It’s good for our residents’ mental health!
Friends & Family Outdoor Patio Visits
Families and friends can reunite with an outdoor patio visit with their loved one! This is a wonderful way to connect with your loved one and enjoy some beautiful weather. Twin Town Villa’s outdoor 45-minute patio visits must be scheduled in advance online here. When you arrive, please come to the SW outdoor patio (by the pond) where you will be greeted by a staff member and given your instructions for your visit. Please note that all parties must wear face masks (if able to tolerate). Please bring your own face masks with you to the visit.
Facetime Calls with Family & Friends
Face-to-face video chat helps offer reassurance since they can see family and friends “in person”. Video calls can be done through TwinTown Villa’s computer center via Facetime, Skype, Zoom, Facebook or others. If residents or families need help facilitating the video chat, the staff at Twin Town Villa can help.
Activities and Hobbies
Planned activities help the residents to keep their minds busy and cope with stress. Even simple activities like reading, playing cards, or doing an art project can help residents focus on the activity rather than things that may be bothering them.
Outdoor Concerts & Parades
The beautiful weather that we have been having in Breckenridge, MN has given us the perfect opportunity to hold outdoor concerts for our residents to safely enjoy from a distance. Our concerts have included Tim Mosser as well as “On the Mend” with musicians, Ed Moore, Rick Miller and Rick Hendrickson. Our residents also recently got to enjoy an old-fashioned tractor parade, with many local people in our farming community volunteering to bring their tractors in for our residents to enjoy!
Snail Mail & Special Packages
Remember the lost art of the handwritten letter that was so prominent when our residents were younger? Many of our residents love sending and receiving mail from their loved ones and this is the perfect time to bring that back. Care packages also bring smiles to residents’ faces.
Talking to Our Staff and Professionals
The staff at Twin Town Villa does a wonderful job of getting to know our residents through conversation and finding out what activities help to make residents feel content and cope with stress. Our staff is also trained to recognize signs of anxiety and depression and when to adjust the resident’s care plan or reach out to a social worker or mental health professional.
Questions? Reach out to us!
Despite the current COVID-19 stress put on families, staff, and residents, Twin Town Villa is working hard to provide a safe and healthy environment that also provides support and activities for our residents’ mental health as well. If you have questions about Twin Town Villa or would like to schedule a tour, please contact us online or call 218.643.9542.