Life enrichment programs are an essential part of assisted living. As social creatures, humans need connection and meaningful activities to add purpose to our lives. Life enrichment in assisted living can help improve cognitive function and maintain your loved one’s well-being.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, how are assisted living communities ensuring residents are still receiving the enrichment care they need, in a safe environment? Using careful consideration, technology, and creativity, communities are giving residents alternate methods to bring equal amounts of joy.
The Kensington Redondo Beach encourages frequent virtual visits from family, coordinates well-spaced group activities, and provides plenty of fresh air for residents. Read on to learn more about how we are ensuring your loved ones are happy, healthy, and safe during these difficult times.
How life enrichment has adapted
Life enrichment now must include a strong focus on infection control protocol and social distancing while maintaining as much normalcy as possible. The pandemic’s restrictions and guidelines have changed many things. They have also encouraged new ways to connect with residents to help them stay engaged and keep them social.
Virtual activities
Technology allows us to continue to keep residents active and entertained. It also brings opportunities to share things with them they may never have experienced, such as a virtual tour of the Louvre Museum in Paris and travel to Spain, Italy, or Glacier National Park.
Activities such as virtual exercise via the SilverSneakers program, musical trivia, and Facetime with Meredith the police dog have delighted residents at The Kensington Redondo Beach.
Taking and sharing photos of residents enjoying these new activities allows family members to get involved in the daily life of their loved ones and share in the joy they are experiencing.
Small group activities
While virtual activities have served residents well, when done safely, small group activities and one-on-one visits provide a cozy alternative to larger group settings. Activities enjoyed in a small-group setting include exercise classes, art classes, and aromatherapy.
In our Haven neighborhood — one of two memory care communities at The Kensington Redondo Beach — daily happy hour used to include visits from vendors. Now, residents delight in karaoke, music, and dancing led by our talented team members.
Music often has a powerful, deep connection with residents requiring memory care, so incorporating it into more activities has been beneficial.
Visits from loved ones
Outdoor, socially distanced courtyard visits, virtual calls through Slack, or video calls through Facetime, Zoom, or Skype have been the best ways to keep residents and their families connected.
Those essential frequent visits from loved ones can still be done in safe ways. Fortunately for The Kensington, Redondo Beach frequently provides warm, sunny weather, which makes visits safer and more pleasant for families.
As an extra comfort to those missing their families, we have requested pen pals for residents, where children will send us letters asking how we are and what kind of activities we are enjoying.
Making personal care more personal
For everyone’s safety, grooming and hair care facilities often have not been able to continue services, meaning residents are in need of haircuts and nail care. Health care teams at assisted living communities must step in to provide these services for the comfort and safety of residents.
At The Kensington Redondo Beach, this provides the opportunity for enrichment coordinators to step in and provide the necessary spa days and grooming for residents, making it another activity everyone can enjoy. A fresh haircut can make your loved one feel confident and soothed.
Enjoying the outdoors
Fresh air is good for the soul, and right now the outdoors provide a safer space to hold small gatherings, group activities, visits, and meals. Sunshine is a natural mood booster that helps loved ones feel more relaxed and less stressed during these uncertain times.
We are able to open the sliding doors in our cafe, and residents also can access the outdoor dining area with umbrellas and full service. Controlled group events can be held on the patio and in the courtyard. Residents can comfortably enjoy socially distanced outdoor dinners and visits with friends.
The Kensington cares
Whether you already have a loved one in an assisted living community or are a dedicated caregiver considering your options, we are here for you. Our goal at The Kensington Redondo Beach is to build long-lasting relationships. Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own. This promise is even more important during uncertain times.
Reach out to us today to chat with our team and learn more about how we are continuing to provide excellent life enrichment in assisted living during the coronavirus pandemic.
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To learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care at The Kensington Redondo Beach, click below or give us a call today for any questions. We promise to love and care for your family, as we do our own.