It can be difficult to focus on the positive and keep spirits up in the face of the COVID-19 health crisis, but the residents and staff at Eddy Senior Living have risen to the challenge. While all of our independent senior living, assisted living and memory care facilities are still following a strict “no visitor” policy, and normal activities have been suspended in an effort to keep seniors safe, our communities have all found creative and curious ways to keep residents happy and connected to loved ones and each other.
Isolation Survival Bags, Window Visits & iPads
To keep seniors busy throughout the health crisis, Glen Eddy senior living in Niskayuna NY provided residents with “Isolation Survival Bags”, containing games, books and things to do. As an added touch, staff has also been including handwritten notes in the residents’ lunch and dinner packages.
Residents at Eddy Hawthorne Ridge senior living community in East Greenbush NY also received survival kits. Included, were a brain teaser 3D puzzle, a pencil & word puzzle book, a stress ball, a deck of cards, green tea, and a notecard so residents could send a loving note to their families and let them know they’re well.
Speaking of families, many of the Eddy Senior Living residents are enjoying “window visits” from loved ones. And to help seniors connect digitally with family and friends, Beechwood senior living community in Troy NY even purchased iPads.
“I am very content here at Beechwood during this time,” says Rena W. “It feels sheltered from the storm.”
Birthday Celebrations, Craft Projects & Spa Days
Not unlike the surrounding community, Glen Eddy senior living is celebrating birthdays with parades and balloons, as well as cake and flowers. The community is also hosting outdoor exercise classes, when the weather permits.
“I’m glad to not be in my house alone at this time,” says Louise P, a resident at Glen Eddy. “I’m glad to be here at Glen Eddy where all of my needs are taken care of, and so is my family!”
In addition to birthday parades and exercise classes, several Eddy Senior Living communities are also providing residents with DIY craft projects. For instance, seniors at Eddy Hawthorne Ridge recently got creative with springtime floral wreaths. In fact, creative talents run deep at Eddy Hawthorne Ridge, where some residents have taken to playing mini piano concerts for all to hear.
Not to be outdone, Beverwyck senior living community in Slingerlands NY hosted a spa day for residents. Like so many of us these days, our staff is wearing many different hats, and for Denise Demick Case, Jen Allegra and Christine Cousins that meant becoming beauticians. The ladies coiffed and styled hair for a day at their very own “Fabulicious Hair Salon”.
Ballpark Franks, Ice Cream Deliveries & Happy Hours
Many of our communities’ “feel good” offerings center around food and drink. For example, The Glen at Hiland Meadows senior living community in Queensbury NY celebrated MLB opening day with a ballpark menu, including hot dogs, French fries, nachos and popcorn. Meanwhile, residents at The Glen’s assisted living community were treated to a special ice cream delivery by a staff member dressed in retro 1940’s attire.
Happy hours have become popular with the residents, too. Eddy Hawthorne Ridge served margaritas on Cinco de Mayo, the Beverwyck hosted a Kentucky Derby-themed happy hour, and residents at the Glen Eddy are treated to a door-to-door Happy Hour Drink Cart.
Keeping Residents Happy & Healthy
From encouraging residents to contribute to the #518rainbowhunt to providing homemade masks and grab ‘n go dining options, Eddy Senior Living is dedicated to keeping all of our residents and staff happy and healthy throughout the COVID-19 health crisis.
As Dave L., the son of one our memory care residents offers, “The way the place has risen to the challenge of the pandemic is no surprise to me, having been around for a year now. It’s just a demonstration of competence and professionalism as it should be done. Nothing is perfect, tomorrow is not guaranteed, but our mother is operating in the best environment we could have found for her.”
If you have any questions about our independent senior living, assisted living or memory care communities, please contact us or call (877) 748-3339 to speak directly with a senior living specialist.