On a typical day, a team of long-term care recreation experts, supported by dozens of volunteers, are organizing and implementing socialization activities, craft project, games, educational presentations, gardening projects, live music events, one-on-one interactions and more – all designed to bring joy and meaning to the lives of people who live here.
There was always something happening in t-rec!
Then came the coronavirus pandemic of 2020. In a very short period, local, state and federal agencies required all skilled nursing centers to stop communal activities as part of their plan to protect the vulnerable population we serve.
Visitors, including the volunteers who gave their time and talents, were no longer allowed to enter the care center.
As a result, the t-rec hub became strangely quiet for a moment in time. Then, something amazing happened. Our team adapted! CHCC’s therapeutic recreation team and other staff rallied in support of the overall wellness of those we serve.
We found that there are many ways to bring joy and meaning to daily living – even while social distancing, and even without the physical space of the activity room hub.
Below is a list of activities that have been available to CHCC’s long-term care residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Technology use has increased; video chats with family members and other loved ones have become very popular!
- A printed activity packet – which includes puzzles, jokes, a hymn, a daily devotional and “Today in History” information – is distributed each weekday and once on the weekend. This is a new offering that, based on popularity, will most likely continue long after COVID-19 is gone.
- CHCC’s courtyard garden is open so staff can take residents out for a bit of fresh air and sunshine. Thank you to the generous people who donated extra flowers for the garden this year!
- There are daily opportunities for one-on-one interactions with CHCC staff, which often include board games, manicures, writing cards and letters, reading aloud, and sharing books and magazines.
- Hallway church services and hymn singing, led by our pastoral care team, take place on Sundays.
- A member of the t-rec team plays a violin in the halls on Tuesday and Saturday evenings.
- Portable DVD players are available for those who would like to watch a movie in their rooms. Again, thank you to the community members who donated fresh movies for our residents!
- Audio books, headphones and CD players are available on demand.
- iPads are available for those who would like to watch YouTube videos featuring animals, nature, travel and more.
“We are also providing people with the supplies they need to do leisure activities while they are in their room and helping them stay in contact with family members through video calls,” said Kaitlin Gobeille, CHCC’s therapeutic recreation director.
CHCC’s top priority before, during, and after COVID-19 is the overall health and wellness of the people who live here.
“We are unified in that goal and are making sure that each person knows that they are not alone during this time,” Gobeille said.
While managing therapeutic recreation activities during a global pandemic doesn’t feel like the typical days we’re used to, a lot of living still has taken place at CHCC. Birthdays have been celebrated, and people have been entertained and have learned new things. There is joy and meaning in each day. For that, and for our wonderful staff, we are grateful.