The safety and care of your loved ones, especially elder members of your family, has been paramount during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
At The Hamlets at Red Deer, leadership and team members have taken many steps to ensure the risk to your loved ones and friends living here are minimized. Community Relations Co-ordinator Melissa Flinn shares how this senior living community has adjusted day-to-day operations to keep pace with Alberta and federal health recommendations:
- What kinds of extra cleaning/disinfecting strategies are in place to keep residents safe? – The Hamlets at Red Deer is following a two-step disinfecting process and is taking extra measures by sanitizing all handrails, elevator buttons, water taps, remotes, doors and any other surfaces regularly touched by individuals. “We have hired extra people to ensure that all areas of our building are being cleaned 24 hours a day,” Melissa says.
- Can people still visit their loved ones? – The Hamlets at Red Deer made the decision on March 16 to lock our doors in order to protect residents and team members until further notice. “Our residents are very important to us and we understand that this was a difficult decision to make as all of our residents are missing their family members, but we must keep our doors locked to keep this virus out,” Melissa notes. “Family members are thankful we are being proactive at keeping everyone safe. We receive daily emails on how thankful our family members are that we are being so proactive in protecting their loved ones.”
- Can family members bring items to residents? – You’re welcome to drop off items at The Hamlets’ temporary office, which is not accessed by residents. Team members wipe items down before delivering them to your loved ones.
- How are residents keeping busy and active, without gathering in groups? – “Our recreation team has been amazing, helping our residents engage in more one-on-one activities,small group activities and live-streaming church services and viewing concerts from around the world!” Melissa says. “We’re grateful for every one of our team members at The Hamlets for working so hard at keeping everyone healthy.” For many elderly residents who already struggle with loneliness, the complete ban on visitors is a massive blow – and front-line team members are trying to maintain daily routines to keep seniors active. “The programs are still happening in the home. We’ve had to re-vamp them slightly, but we’re trying to make life as normal as possible for them.”
- How is The Hamlets helping keep residents’ spirits up? – All team members are encouraged to visit with residents when they can and answer any questions they may have, Melissa adds. “It’s important for us to not instill fear and be as encouraging as possible. Remaining calm and lifting people up are keeping the smiles on peoples’ faces. We have created a huge buzz on our social media pages with family members sending in cute videos to say hello from afar! We had gotten videos from ‘grand dogs’ saying hello to their Opas, and hundreds of pictures sent in of families. We deliver each message to residents and the smiles that we see are from ear to ear! It really helps to make the time go by a little easier.”
- Is The Hamlets teaming with other seniors communities on strategies to avoid contamination? – “We have seven sister sites across Alberta and B.C. and we’re in constant contact every day regarding procedures and protocols with COVID -19. We are all working together in this!”
For more information, visit thehamletsatredeer.com or email melissa.flinn@thehamlets.ca. You can also follow the latest on their Facebook or Instagram pages.
