During the month of April, we continued to observe strict health and safety guidelines, which our residents have handled with good-natured acceptance.
When in-house visits were declared off-limits, we made a fun video featuring residents and staff holding hopeful messages and found creative ways for residents to continue meeting with their friends and family, including window visits, with visitors positioned outside a slightly opened window, 6’ away.
Video visits conducted via Zoom and FaceTime programs allow residents to interact with family members, even those living far away. A prime example is Virginia, whose daughter, Kathy, periodically “drops in” – via Zoom – all the way from Colorado!
Ruth K. enjoys FaceTime visits with her family, especially the spirited sing-alongs with her grandchildren.
Dorothy has already become an old hand at virtual visits, and on Easter Sunday set a Decatur House record for its biggest-ever virtual holiday celebration. The “get-together” included 31 of Dorothy’s family members – plus two pet dogs – who “Zoomed-in” from throughout New England.
Of course, residents continue to participate in daily activities, including exercise, bingo, word games, trivia and armchair travel. Our movie matinees have become increasingly popular, offering residents entertainment, plus an opportunity to socialize – from a safe distance – over popcorn or a glass of wine.
