What We’re Up to This Winter

With safety of residents our highest priority, Activities staff are currently focused on in-room pursuits. For example, we’re establishing a virtual book club, starting with “Cape Cod” by William Martin, a New York Times bestseller available in both print and audio formats. Discussion of the book can happen over Zoom or Facetime as well as through written answers to questions. Family members are encouraged to join us in reading about “Two families, both carried by the Mayflower across stormy seas… both destined to generations of proud leadership, shameful intrigue, and passion for the sandy crest of land that became their heritage.” (from an Amazon.com review).

We’re providing daily recommendations for TV viewing, such as “armchair travel” opportunities. Occasional craft kits will be delivered with everything the resident needs to complete a simple project that will eventually be displayed in the dining room as usual. Our Sit & Be Fit exercise class can be replicated in rooms by following the simple instructions we’re handing out; encouragement is offered in person and over the phone.

My favorite activities currently are “The Things…Game” and “The World’s Longest Bingo Game.” Those playing Bingo have their own card and chips in their room, and each day they receive a couple random Bingo numbers on their meal tray. Eventually, someone will get Bingo and get their prize and we’ll start again! “The Things…Game” invites both residents and staff to guess the identity of our community members by their anonymous answers to questions like “Things I wish I knew when I was younger…”

Keeping Connected is Important Right Now
We are in the midst of another long winter and this year has brought some added challenges for our residents. We encourage family members to check in with and stay connected to their Decatur House loved ones.
One way to do that is to sign up for scheduled Zoom visits right HERE.

In short, we’re committed to keeping our residents safe and as engaged as possible during this challenging period.