June 23, 2020
At CNRC, social distancing has become our new normal. To keep our residents safe and protected, their families have had to cease visiting inside the facility temporarily, and have been learning new and creative ways to check in on their loved ones. We encourage all forms of communication between our residents and their loved ones. Window visits, telephone calls, cards and letters, as well as video chatting, are just a few ways we are working to keep our residents connected to the outside world.
One of the most rewarding and sometimes challenging parts of my day begins with a tablet. Teaching a family member who is not versed in technology how to download apps, accept video chat invitations, and check emails, has been a test of trial and error for all of us. When everything is set up and the work to connect is all done, the miracles begin to happen. To be able to see the look of amazement on our seniors’ faces and the interactions and expressions of love from the families, makes me, as an activity professional, feel pretty essential. One question often asked by our residents is “Where can I get one of these?”, and “How does this work?”. To be able to see your loved one’s smile, hear their laughs, and to see our families giving virtual bear hugs and air kisses, brings me such joy. One of our senior’s weekly video chats usually involves her pet and her granddaughter. She loves to pet her puppy, Lucky, through the screen, and always tells the story of how she came to find him on the railroad tracks on the way home from the beach. Another special resident enjoys reminiscing about days long past. She tells her family stories of what it was like being raised on the farm. She remembers picking fresh strawberries as a child and how much better they tasted right from the vine, and then topping it off with a drink of warm milk straight from one of their cows. We have a grandmother who, for many years, hasn’t been able to see her only granddaughter who lives out of state. We were able to get them setup and were video chatting one afternoon. I feel fortunate to be an observer in the lives of our amazing resident’s. I get to experience their wonder, beautiful grins, and even sometimes, tears of joy and relief. I feel blessed to be included in these conversations, and to be let in on the delight which is family.
Amber Case
Activity Director