CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The residents at Ahava Healthcare and Brookdale Senior Living have not been able to have visitors due to the COVID-19 coronavirus since mid-March, but the facilities have implemented a creative way for the residents to communicate with their families.
At Ahava, families have been able to send e-mail messages to residents through the “Email a Resident” program, a simple way for families to get messages to their loved one and residents.
The activities director prints the e-mails and takes them to the residents.
“We have even had some people that do not know any residents write encouraging emails and address it to “resident” instead of a name,” Malone said. “Then we are giving those to residents who haven’t received any emails yet.”
In turn, residents write messages back to their families, a photo is taken and posted on Facebook for them to see.
Brookdale Senior Living CEO Cindy Baier said while their top priority is the health of their residents, they have come up with unique ways to combat isolation and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We know the importance of social connection engagement and having a sense purpose,” Baeir said. “..We know the restrictions can be tough on our residents, their families and our associates so we want to brighten up their days even as we protect our people.”
Brookdale is encouraging virtual visits between residents and families, using iPads, cell phone and computers to help everyone stay in contact. The devices are sanitized between each use.
Brookdale is also arranging visits through glass doors, using social media to keep families informed and inviting bands to perform in the parking lot.
To keep residents safe, Ahava is pre and post screening all staff as they come to work and leave.
Temperatures are being taken in the screening and staff are only allowed to bring in their essential items such as keys and lunch.
“We currently have no COVID-19 cases in the building. We have taken precautionary actions to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure from the community, and we appreciate your patience and understanding when our normal processes change,” Ahava released to their residents.