The COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing have completely flipped around our day-to-day routines. In senior living communities, everyone’s primary concern has been the safety of the residents.
While the struggle of safety left many of us feeling unsure about what the future holds, it’s important to find creative ways to maintain resident satisfaction. While the priority is to protect residents and team members, many communities have been finding creative ways to keep residents engaged.
Every senior living community already escalated infection control protocols, and reinforced social distancing. So how can your community keep residents active?
Baskets and Carts
Staff at Jackson Creek Senior Living have been circulating dining carts with a variety of sterilized items like magazines, craft kits, art supplies, games and puzzles, which are brought directly to the resident’s door. In addition, staff members have been loading up a beverage cart with non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. They even have an ice cream cart available to residents in replacement of their ice cream socials. A large portion of the items became available due to the center’s volunteer staff collecting items outside.
Sunrise Senior Living communities have been doing something similar, by creating personalized baskets with materials for activities focused on things the residents enjoy.
Creative Cooking
In other communities, culinary staffs are working hard to engage residents in creative ways to boost spirits.
At Windsor, CA-based Oakmont Senior Living, community chefs are sharing recipes and doing Facebook Live demonstrations. They’ve received overflowing support, with many residents sharing their creations and taking pictures for social media.
At Edgewater at Boca Pointe, their chef developed a Gourmet Dinner Raffle. Residents dropped off their menus and the buildings that were able to submit all their meal tickets were declared winners. A drawing was done for the winning building, with winners being served a four-course meal.
Home Entertainment
New Town senior apartments in Baltimore, Maryland, decided to keep their Wednesday night movie tradition going by distributing popcorn and having residents watch the same film on Netflix.
Other facilities have had stay-at-home concerts by playing music for seniors through their open windows.
Hallway Events
Since creativity is a great asset during times like these, staff members from facilities have found ways to host activities through the safety of their doorway. Enlivant, a Chicago-based senior living company, is among many communities that have been hosting Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud and traditional Bingo games. Other facilities have been hosting exercise time in the hall, allowing people to actively socialize while maintaining a safe-distance.
As the programs and activities continue evolving, resident’s quality of life will increase. What are some ways you’ve helped your community stay active and engaged during social distancing?
Stories referenced from:
- Monument Senior Living Communities Keep Things Social For Residents
- Dining During a Pandemic
- Social Distancing Activities
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