In the wake of COVID-19, senior living communities across the country are restricting visitors in an effort to keep residents and their loved ones safe. But that’s not stopping CarDon staff members, residents and families from finding creative ways to connect.
One memorable morning, while quarantined, Cumberland Trace residents Don and Joy Burkhardt looked out the window to find their great-grandchildren waving to them and standing next to a huge sign that read, “See you soon, Gigi and Pacaw — we love you!”
Residents at Arbor Trace and Greenwood Health & Living have been making their own signs as well, writing messages on whiteboards that CarDon is sharing with families via social media. Aspen Trace is also providing laptops to help residents connect with loved ones through Skype and other virtual means.
“CarDon & Associates prides itself upon being a family-centered organization,” said Chief Operating Officer Gregg Gormal. “That’s why we’re trying our best to keep residents connected to their loved ones as well as the outside world in general during this time.”
To give residents a taste of spring while they’re cooped up indoors, the activity staff at Carmel Health & Living picked lovely daffodils and delivered them to residents’ rooms.
At Greenwood Health & Living, certified nursing assistants Andi and Maliyah purchased items from their own pockets to make residents care packages, which included snacks, soap, paper towels, etc.
Citizens of surrounding communities are also reaching out. Members of the Noblesville arts and crafts store, Always in Stitches, are helping sew protective masks for all CarDon communities.
CarDon is working hard to keep all its staff members in good spirits during this time as well. Gormal ordered signs to be posted at all of the communities that say “Heroes Work Here.”
“Times like these are when we need our staff members the most,” said Gormal. “So, amid building closures and social distancing initiatives, we wanted to recognize the outstanding men and women who show up every day to take care of our residents. And we want to thank all of our families for their support of CarDon during these unprecedented times. We assure you that the safety of our associates and your loved ones is at the core of all our decisions.”
