COVID-19 Updates

CARE NOT COVID Stories of Care

This special edition series of Provider Daily is designed to keep Provider subscribers abreast of positive news in the long term care profession. To share your stories of care, please email storiesofcare@ahca.org.

FROM THE SUPER BOWL TO THE FRONT LINE: NFL PLAYER SUITS UP FOR LONG TERM CARE

The only medical doctor who is an active player in the NFL is helping a local long term care facility fight the coronavirus. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, an offensive lineman for the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs is volunteering his time at a provider in his hometown of Montreal. Duvernay-Tardif said he noticed a shortage of long term care workers and wanted to help. “You wouldn’t expect anything different,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “He’s all-in to being a doctor and being the best doctor he can possibly be.”

REGULAR NURSING CARE CENTER VISITOR GETS CREATIVE TO MAINTAIN CONTACT

15-year-old Hita Gupta was heartbroken when she learned she would not be able to visit local long term care centers. But she didn’t let that stop her from spreading joy. The teenager, along with her 9-year-old brother made gift bags filled with puzzles and other activities to keep seniors entertained while socially distanced. “Cheering them up makes me happy. Even if it’s just for one day.” If you or someone you know would like to make donations a long term care center, please visit https://carenotcovid.com/donate.

ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENTS GET VISIT FROM FURRY FRIENDS

Therapy animals are more valuable than ever with social distancing measures in place and providers are getting creative about how to keep residents engaged. A local animal shelter brought various farm animals around the outside of the building for window visits. “It’s a difficult time for everybody so we’re doing what we can to nourish them and to keep them happy,” said Diane Wheeler of Arbor Care in Valley, Nebraska.

KURTIS’S #CARENOTCOVID MESSAGE OF SUPPORT

Kurits, a high school student from Irvine, Cal., sends his message of support to residents and staff of long term care centers. He said he extends his “appreciation for all of the health care workers who have stepped up during this pandemic.” But said we can still have hope because “our front line defenders are the best of the best.” To send a message of support to long term care, please visit https://carenotcovid.com.