Stories of Care #CARENOTCOVID
Special Edition: Stories of Care
GRANT’S #CARENOTCOVID STORY OF CARE
Grant started working as a CNA when he was 17-years-old and describes himself as an “old soul.” He loves being around older individuals and quickly learned that his guitar playing was a hit. As coronavirus continues to require long term care providers to enforce social distancing and isolation, Grant thought his music could help. “I thought if I would be able to come in and bring a smile to even one person through my music it would be worth it,” he said. Grant has been playing socially distanced concerts in the courtyard and walking the halls for those who cannot make it outside. If you or somebody you know has a story of care submission, please visit https://carenotcovid.com/faces
BLIND THERAPY DOG BRINGS JOY TO ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY
Baby, and 8-year-old therapy dog, is a 6-year veteran of bringing smiles to the faces at Island City Assisted Living in Michigan. Not to be deterred by Coronavirus, Baby and her handler Pat are continuing visits through windows. Residents love Baby, who is blind, hard of hearing, and a cancer survivor. Because of Baby’s health issues, human resource director Stephanie Hall said she is a “perfect fit for this community because she shares some of the same challenges.”
SENIORS CONNECT THROUGH RADIO STATION MADE FOR LONG TERM CARE SETTINGS
Seniors in long term care centers are finding new, creative ways to connect while their contact with one another is limited due to coronavirus. “Radio Recliner” is sweeping the nation, with seniors themselves playing DJ and serving up their favorite hits. “We don’t have time to be sad, not at our age,” DJ M&M — real name: Marion Murray — tells her audience. “The tunes are chipper, the patter is cheery, and the people behind the microphones are chock full of stories.”
ASSISTED LIVING VOLUNTEER MUSICIAN ADAPTS TO SOCIAL DISTANCING TO ENTERTAIN RESIDENTS
Natalia Betzler, a high school sophomore, regularly played concerts at assisted living communities in her area but now she’s finding new ways to connect with residents. The multi-talented musician—she plays piano, guitar, bass and ukulele—now has video concerts, online piano lessons, and even started a pen-pal program at her high school. “I wanted to find a way for them to be busy throughout the week, to connect to other people, and to be something for them to look forward to,” she said.