Keeping Spirits Up in Lockdown
Keeping busy, being informed and a lot of snacks are helping the residents of the Sunnyview Nursing & Rehabilitation Center weather the COVID-19 pandemic and the facility's continuing lockdown.
Tricia Kradel, the Sunnyview administrator, said the 213 residents have been cut off from family and friends while her 215 employees in dietary, nursing, housekeeping and activity departments have to find new ways to care for the residents while working with personal protective equipment restrictions.
“The residents are doing extremely well with it. We keep them informed about what's going on,” she said.
She said they are thankful for the measures that are keeping them safe.
Those measures include the staff working while wearing gloves, masks and, where called for, face shields.
Kradel said the activity director and her five aides are working overtime to keep spirits up.
“We're doing Photoshop activities, we have hallway bingo because of the social distancing requirements. We're doing a lot of reading,” she said.
The residents dyed eggs in the hallways for Easter, and have the aides helping them enjoy multiple Facetime calls with their family.
Some families have taken a more direct approach.
“We've had families come to the windows of a husband and wife celebrating an anniversary,” Kradel said. “We've had a few doing that.”
“It's really neat to see how people are bringing these signs. It's touching. You see them in the parking lot looking up a second-story window,” she said. “You never thought you would see that in your lifetime.”
And Sunnyview's dietary department has been getting creative in an effort to keep residents' spirits up.
Mary Beth Sikora, director of the department, said in addition to preparing 700 meals a day, her staff has been adding special food treats.
This, despite the fact, the kitchen staff, along with all Sunnyview can't begin work until they've done their COVID-19 drill: they've had their temperatures taken, answered a questionnaire, sanitized their hands and donned face masks, gloves, hair nets and aprons.
“We've had the residents dye Easter eggs that we've served with the meal,” Sikora said. “We've had special desserts and holiday cookies. We've had snow cone days, popcorn days and special food theme days.
“Today, I'm wearing Disney ears and a shirt. They like to see me dressed up,' she added.
Social distancing measures means Sunnyview's main dining room is closed, and the residents are taking their meals in shifts or in their rooms except for the Alzheimer's unit.
“They (Alzheimer's patients) don't do well with change, so we are moving the tables further apart,” she said.Favorite foods still bring a smile.“The residents love hot dogs with hot dog sauce and chicken Marsala. They also like chicken legs. I think because the meat is moister,” Sikora said.A recent addition and a big hit has been a snack cart that's available to residents and employees.“Everyone's been holding up well. We're being open and honest with them, and they are thankful for the measures that keep them safe,” Kradel said.She and all at Sunnyview appreciate the outpouring of support from community.“We are accepting PPE donations, and businesses and restaurants are so kind in providing meals,” she said. “Seeing Butler coming together is very special.”The pandemic is changing the way the staff must do their jobs.“The staff is staying longer, making sure everyone has the items they need,” Kradel said.When she does get home, Kradel said she practices self-isolation as well.“I can't preach a practice if I'm not going to do it,” she said. “The little sacrifices for a short time are worth it in the end when everyone is safe and healthy.”
