Getting Through, Together
SENIORS
FOR MANY YEARS, Thompson Health has prided itself on offering a senior living continuum designed to accommodate seniors as their needs change, providing specialized services for “every age and every stage.”
That mantra took on an entirely new meaning in March as the health system’s nursing home, enriched living community and independent living community all entered the age of COVID-19. With visitor restrictions, social distancing and strict safety protocols, all three had to be vigilant about keeping residents safe while finding innovative ways to ensure they could maintain connections and stay engaged.
Restrictions are most stringent within the M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center. It has 162 long-term residents and 16 rehabilitation patients, all requiring 24-hour medical care and supervision.
Vice President of Long-Term Care Amy Daly said not being able to see family and friends in person has been challenging for M.M. Ewing residents but she has been impressed with their strength, patience and determination to remain hopeful.
“We are extremely fortunate in that our staff members have close connections with our residents. I think that has helped them get through this difficult time – knowing they are with people who truly care about them and their well-being,” she said.
The facility has made every effort to keep loved ones informed, Daly said, and families have been supportive.
This sentiment is echoed by Aimee Ward, executive director of the enriched and independent living communities of Clark Meadows and Ferris Hills at West Lake. They have 48 and 84 apartments, respectively. “I have just been so impressed by everyone’s willingness to do what was needed to keep residents and themselves safe,” she said.
Throughout the continuum, staff members frequently assist seniors who need a little help with online video chats.
Instead of bringing in entertainers or hosting parties, recreation therapists at M.M. Ewing do one-on-one visits that may involve a craft, a manicure or simply chatting. Small group activities – with residents 6 feet apart – include bingo, word games, and virtual tours of everything from the Grand Canyon to the Titanic.Bulletin boards feature “armchair tours” of various locales, while themed, traveling carts offer fresh fruit, ice cream sundaes, adult beverages and more.
At Clark Meadows, for seniors who need a little assistance with the activities of daily living, the staff are similarly helping residents maintain online communication with family while also facilitating small group activities that allow for social distancing.
Ferris Hills, meanwhile, has used its in-house TV channel for exercise classes, talks, music and meditation for its independent seniors. According to Resident Services Manager Claire Watson, Ferris Hills residents have been hiking the trails on campus, birdwatching and gardening as they take the disruption to normal life in stride.
“We always say how lucky we are to have such wonderful residents and these trying times have made us realize just how great they are. ‘This too shall pass’ has been said to me by several people,” Watson said. "They have experienced enough in their lifetimes to know that there is always hope, and there are always brighter days ahead.”
For more information about Thompson Health’s senior living continuum of care, visit www.ThompsonSeniorLiving.com