Adaptability has been a keyword of the COVID-19 pandemic; that is as true of senior living facilities as it is of every household, workplace, school or church around the globe. When the novel coronavirus abruptly curtailed most in-person family and community interaction last March, staff at such places as Garden Hill Assisted Living in Lowndes County were challenged to help provide reassurance, guard health and enrich daily life during an unprecedented period of isolation. No one could foresee then the isolation would still be prevalent almost a year later.
In a time when family members aren’t able to visit face-to-face and recreational excursions are on hold, staffs regularly brainstorm ways to help residents stay occupied and connected. “It’s easy to get a little down in the dumps just being in your room so much. We just want to get the residents engaged and out of their rooms. We want them out and moving,” said Garden Hill Administrator Brandee Delaney.
“We really work hard and keep a record of making sure all residents are getting out and walking, even if it’s in the hallway,” said Delaney. “We can stagger the times. Or they can sit outside and get fresh air and sunshine. We’re having activities outside when weather permits, playing games.”
Everyone wears a mask, of course. The facility closely follows CDC and Mississippi Department of Health guidelines. Delaney, in fact, began following the COVID-19 story in January 2020 and had already begun limiting exposure even before the official “lockdown” began last March.
Staying connected
Winter months limit time outside, of course, so indoor activity is in overdrive.
Family connections are integral, and seniors everywhere have gotten acquainted with FaceTime and similar apps to stand in for those in-person visits they can’t have right now. At Garden Hill, the Golden Triangle Planning and Development District has donated two laptops for residents to better stay in touch with their families. “Window visits” — with residents and family members on opposite sides of a window — are also encouraged, said Delaney.
Thursday afternoon found Garden Hill residents gathered at tables mixing their own sugar scrubs, using coconut oil, sugar and essential oils.
“We’re introducing body care activities, for taking care of themselves while they are away from family,” said Enrichment Director Stacy McGraw. “We’re doing body sugar scrubs for hands and feet, which is really (enjoyable) for them because they can take it back to their rooms.”
One resident, Margaret J., said, “It was so fun. I hope it helps my arthritis.”
Soon, the group will tackle making soaps.
During the pandemic, some living at Garden Hill have become pen pals with others at senior facilities in Oregon and Arizona. They have also sent out letter to celebrities.
“It’s really fun to see who writes back,” said McGraw.
Two activities residents enjoyed before the pandemic hit have been able to continue virtually — music theory and chair yoga.
“I’m so grateful we had partnered with The W to do music theory,” said Delaney. “Since no one could come in (after March), the students were able to hook up a laptop and plug it into our big TV, so we’re able to Zoom music theory now.”
Chair yoga, led by the daughter of a resident, can also continue weekly via the same format.
McGraw is especially excited about a “consignment store” in February. It will give residents who have been unable to get out and shop for months a browse-and-buy experience.
“People are donating clothing, toiletries, everything. It’s going to be big,” said the activity director. “Everything is going to be a penny, and everyone will be given a dollar in pennies to shop with.”
Community counts
Visitors from outside aren’t allowed for now, but donations of treats ranging from toiletries to crafts are still delivered by groups including one at Fairview Baptist Church.
“They have just become a part of the Garden Hill family,” said McGraw. Others, including from Columbus Air Force Base, also donate items.
“People have been so generous to still find ways to be connected,” Delaney said of such volunteer efforts. “Residents know they’re thought about.”
McGraw added, “They get to see who else is concerned for them, which is pretty awesome.”
Continued vigilance
Even with a vaccine program underway, virus variants present a great unknown; it will be months before life returns to “normal.” So, brainstorming for activities continues. One planned at Garden Hill is to introduce science-based projects, such as observing caterpillar-to-butterfly transformations.
“It would be something residents could be engaged with over a period of time,” Delaney said.
Sometimes, it’s the simple things that are so important — especially in such a stressful year.
“For our residents who have dealt with isolation, they have really flourished,” said McGraw. “It just kind of brought us all together. These are some of the most amazing people. I’m so proud to even know every single one of them. They have rocked it.”
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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