Indoor parades, high-tech social connectedness and hallway happy hours aren’t typically associated with senior living communities. But, times like these require creative adjustments.
In recent weeks, Cadence Living communities have made changes in response to COVID-19 that exemplify the benefits of being part of one of our communities. We’ve heeded the warnings, established new protocols and introduced new ways to socialize, all while keeping the care of our residents and staff as the ever-present priority.
We’ve taken measures to screen residents, staff and any essential visitors and we’ve minimized contact between residents while being mindful about the importance and healthy benefits of socializing, which is one of the reasons seniors choose to live in a community in the first place.
At Inspira, our residents are using personal white boards to share messages on social media and through email with family and friends. At Mt. Zion and Mooresville, residents are using video chats to see and connect with their family members, and Greeley Village residents visited with family members through windows while talking on cell phones.
Residents at Kirkwood Orange are setting up an email pen pal program with a local elementary school, serving as a boredom buster for everyone involved, and staff at Marietta threw a St. Patty’s Day parade, complete with shamrocks and glittered hats, that rolled through the community’s hallways.
All of it represents the upside of becoming part of a Cadence community.
Activities and precautionary measures aside, none of our residents have to worry about cooking healthy meals, battling crowds and empty shelves at grocery stores in search of sanitizer and toilet paper, or getting to a doctor. Cadence Living communities manage all of that, by delivering chef-prepared meals to resident rooms three times a day, keeping an abundant stock of supplies and groceries on hand, and having access to a physician who practices house calls.
Life looks different at Cadence Living communities, every day, and – right now – more so than ever. But our priorities never change.
Activities and outings that are part of the social fabric of our communities are suspended, but only temporarily. Staff members are still providing supportive, personal care to our residents, but only after being screened for symptoms before their shifts. And, staff members are checking on all of our residents every day, checking temperatures and emotional well being.
Life will eventually return to normal. But not much will change for those living in Cadence communities. They’ll still feel the support of our staff, they’ll enjoy socializing with friends and family, and they’ll never have to worry when things outside their communities change.
Because, we’ve proudly shown we can adjust, even in the most challenging times.
