April 29, 2020 —Group activities, programs, and all-around community life changed for the residents at Borden Center and Webster living communities when “social distancing” mandates went into effect on March 20.
The frequent visitors, volunteers, and other drop in guests came to an abrupt halt, and a new normal began for residents and staff alike.
New Opportunities
“Everyone is taking things day by day,” said Shannon Khalifa, Resident Life Coordinator. Despite the curb in group activities Shannon and the resident life staff provide, new opportunities have popped up to keep everyone engaged and connected.
One event she says helped lighten the blow when the community was first closed to visitors was the opening of the new additions within the Borden Center. “It was really exciting for people to explore the new area. We have this brand-new spacious addition to spread out and make social distancing easier.”
Virtual Visits
Kalifa says one new opportunity in this time of distancing is virtual visits. Many residents now have more ‘visitors’ thanks to video chats with friends and family members who were too far away for regular in-person visits. It’s something she predicts will continue even after restrictions are lifted.
“Another opportunity is some residents have been able to enjoy the live stream from a church they used to attend. We can set them up to watch that and participate in a way that they haven’t in a long time,” she added.
Some residents already had a tablet or computer, but new tablets were purchased to ensure there were enough devices for residents.
While residents now take their meals in their rooms instead of the dining room, entertainment and interaction hasn’t been neglected. With some creativity from the staff, the hallways are now the stage for exercise leaders, strolling musicians, and even a wine cart for those wanting to enjoy a glass of wine in the evening. Residents can stand in their doorways and participate while keeping an appropriate distance from each other.
The activities staff has increased their in-room activities to replace some of the paused group programming. Whether it’s helping a resident download an audio book or playing a hand of cards, there’s someone available every day of the week. That means the staff of four full-time and one part-time in the activities department has been very active, but all staff have been involved in engaging residents.
Access to Outdoors
Residents are still able and encouraged to get outside and take walks and enjoy the spring weather. But there’s also more entertainment for them right outside their window. One was the arrival of “Spring” – which was Health Center Administrator, Charlotte Sibold, dressed in a white flowing gown decorated with flowers. That inspired residents of the Kendal independent living community to plan and provide an Easter Bonnet parade the Saturday before Easter. They decorated wacky hats and bonnets and with proper distancing, paraded past the windows of the resident’s rooms.
This type of “outdoor” entertainment is something the activities staff hopes to do more of with various themed activities.
With over 65 residents in both the Borden Center and Webster community, the activities staff has certainly been busy. Khalifa says the most heartwarming aspect of this social distancing order is how other staff have pitched in, visiting residents, playing a round of cards, or accompanying them on a walk when they have a spare moment.
With all the continued activities and the creative initiatives from the staff, residents