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Nothing can replace a daughter’s hug or a mother’s touch but families and caregivers are finding new ways to be together as COVID-19 locks down care homes across B.C.
Telephone calls, video chats via FaceTime — even standing outside and waving — are ways families are keeping in touch with their loved ones.
And for one daughter, whose 93-year-old mom is living at Hawthorne Seniors Care Community in Port Coquitlam, the telephone has become a lifeline because the care home where her mom has lived for the last two years can’t allow in volunteers or family members.
“I’m so appreciative that we are able to talk to her on the phone, that might not be possible for everyone,” Elizabeth Charyna told The Tri-City News.
Although recreation leaders are still finding ways to keep residents engaged at Hawthorne — while sticking to social distancing rules — life under the COVID-19 lockdown has definitely changed.
The cafeteria is closed and residents are served meals in their rooms; all entertainers, trips and programs are cancelled; socializing together is largely over for the 200 residents in one of Tri-Cities’ larger care homes.
But there are creative ways people can connect and recreation workers are doing their best to keep things lively and interesting.
Bingo was organized for a few residents — but only one person could sit at each table. Music therapists can still bring life through music to residents, people can still go out on a walk with a recreation worker, one at a time, for some exercise.
“I haven’t heard very many residents and tenants complaining. Everyone understands this is very important to make sure they say healthy,” said Lenore Pickering, Hawthorne’s executive director.
Charyna, who has organized a telephone tree so family members can check in three times a day, said the outbreak of COVID-19 is a concern but said she thinks Hawthorne is doing a good job keeping people safe.
With COVID-19 outbreaks in five long-term care facilities in B.C., and staff at two care homes in Fraser Health reporting a positive coronavirus test — including Dufferin Care Centre in Coquitlam — staff have to be extra scrupulous.
Care aids, licensed practical nurses, housekeepers and others who sometimes work at more than one facility were told Saturday they can only work at one, and to pick the one they prefer. As well, procedures used during influenza season are in place, such as limited access between buildings for staff, and other measures have been imposed to prevent the spread of disease.
What used to be a bustling place with programs, a community store and other amenities is much quieter, now.
It’s what needs to be done for now.
“We’re finding the biggest thing for us is to be out there and communicating all the time, communicating and reassuring. You have to calm yourself and be patient,” Pickering said.
Read more of our COVID-19 coverage here.
