March 26, 2021 · 0 Comments
The COVID-19 pandemic has not only put a strain on long-term care facilities, it has forced them to reinvent how they can have residents connect with families.
The County of Simcoe Long-term Care and Seniors Services homes are seeking donations from the community to support virtual programming and engagement for residents.
Prior to the current pandemic, community groups and volunteers would go to the homes to provide various services such as entertainment, spiritual programming, and social interaction.
When the pandemic limited entry to the homes, the staff embraced technology, including Smart TVs and tablets as a way to connect with residents, both one-on-one and in small groups.
This also allowed residents to connect the world.
Many volunteers have continued to engage with residents in a virtual format by taking them along for virtual dog walks, doing cooking classes, or hosting sing-alongs.
“With the enhancements in technology, Smart TVs and tablets allow residents to engage with the world beyond our doors,” said Jane Sinclair, General Manager, Health and Emergency Services. “By using video chat applications like Skype and FaceTime, residents can see and speak with a family member across the world or a friend in the next room. They can also read the news, watch movies, or enjoy games, or take part in spiritual services and volunteer programs from the comfort and safety of their own rooms, helping to keep them connect eve when we can’t all be together.”
The County’s homes are seeking donations of Smart TVs, preferably 40-inches or greater, to assist with visual challenges, as well as tablets.
The homes will also accept radios with AM/FM, or old iPods or MP3 players that can be used as part of their “Mind and Melody” program.
For more information or to make a donation please contact the home directly.
You can contact the following people:
Christina Thorpe, Georgian Manor, Penetanguishene, at 705-549-3166.
Rosa Athanassoulis, Simcoe Manor, Beeton, at 905-729-2267.
Jenn Baulke, Sunset Manor, Collingwood, at 705-445-4499.
Crystal Rosewell, Trillium Manor, Orillia, at 705-325-1504.
By Brian Lockhart
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter