3 years ago · Darla · Comments Off on Coping with COVID: How Tribute is Helping Residents Stay Positive During the Pandemic

Coping with COVID: How Tribute is Helping Residents Stay Positive During the Pandemic

This year has challenged us all in many ways. We went from unlimited amounts of time and visits with friends and family to recommended self-isolation. These sudden and rapid changes in the way we live and interact with one another coupled with feelings of uncertainty can be overwhelming, especially for residents in assisted living communities and their families. Research has shown that the longer social distancing and self-isolation are required to slow the spread of COVID-19 in assisted living facilities, the increased probability of mood and behavior disturbances. However, Tribute Senior Living has made it our mission to continue keeping our residents positive, healthy, and safe with engaging activities and events during these unprecedented times.

In-House Massages

Massage therapy provides numerous benefits for the entire body as we age. It can help ease joint and muscle pain, reduce stress, and improve the overall quality of life. During the pandemic, feelings of anxiety have been heightened among our residents and massage therapy has been a great stress reliever for everyone. We don’t send our residents to the spa (though, we would love that)—the spa comes to us! Once a week, one of our amazing caregivers, who is also a licensed massage therapist, treats our residents to some much-deserved pampering.

Socially Distanced Hugging Booth

Social distancing has been tough on our residents and their families. Since March, residents’ loved ones have only been able to participate in window visits—allowing residents and families to see each other through the facility’s windows—but that wasn’t enough. We knew maintaining distance between residents and their families was important for the health and well-being of everyone. However, we also knew we had to find a way to restore the ability to physically interact. This is how the Hugging Booth was created. Outside on our front porch, residents can safely hug and touch their loved ones behind the protection of a wall and plexiglass. Visitors can also leave messages for the residents to read later. The Hugging Booth has brought back that physical connection we’ve all been missing during the pandemic.

Scenic Trips

Jumping in the car and hitting the open road without a destination in mind is sometimes the best way to combat boredom. We’ve made it our priority to maintain a sense of fun and normalcy for our residents by taking scenic drives to a local lake, a horse farm, and downtown McKinney. Residents have appreciated the fresh air and collaborating on where to go next. Not only that, but we also make impromptu stops to Sonic and let each resident choose a refreshing drink to enjoy. While these trips may be limited, our residents have been able to break away from self-isolation and safely have fun together.

Fight Club

With so much uncertainty, it’s vital that we continue to provide the best care to all our residents—in house and virtually. Tribute is more than a senior living center; we’re a part of the community and we consider everyone family. That’s why we’ve launched Fight Club, a virtual series to help our older loved ones stay mentally, physically, and emotionally strong from anywhere during these difficult times. Fight Club’s video series will feature experts in aging, wellness, and memory care.

While COVID-19 has seemingly disrupted opportunities for our residents to connect with their usual support systems, they have remained resilient amid so many changes. Here at Tribute Senior Living, we’re utilizing that resiliency to help create a new normal for them. Contact us today to find out how we can support your loved ones in living well.