from many of the social interactions they may have once enjoyed. While these precautions have been necessary to protect the health


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and well-being of vulnerable residents, restrictions on daily activities and other impacts have no doubt had an affect on residents and their families. At Taber’s Clearview Lodge,Taber and District Housing (TDHF) CAO Tim Janzen said residents have coped as best they can with restrictions or recommendations that might prevent them from seeing family and friends or doing some of the things that were part of their usual rou- tines. “Separation from family for an extended period is difficult,” said


Janzen.“Within days of COVID closures being announced,we attempt- ed to offer alternatives to family members (window visits, video-confer- encing, accepting gifts at the front door and delivering to residents after cleaning/disinfecting).Our lodge management has gone on many a drive to pick up items on behalf of residents; rather than hav- ing residents go without or have them leave the building.” Providing recreational opportunities hasn’t been easy, but staff have done what they can to deliver excellent programs. “In late March, the recreation schedule was altered to offer program- ming seven days per week rather than only on weekdays,”said Janzen. “The recreation department also took on responsibility for computer visits and eventually outdoor visits.We were fortunate enough to receive Canada Summer Jobs funding to add an additional full-time recreation person from late May until the end of August.The depart- ment has been phenomenal in keeping residents active while still maintaining proper group sizes and distancing.They also lead a daily walking program which was a continuation of pre-COVID days.” 22 - insight magazine september 2020


Drive-by parades have also been a popular option, reports Janzen. “A few outdoor events have been held where entertainers will set up in the parking lot and residents can go outside, sit and listen while still appropriately distance.Taber Fire Department and Taber Police Service worked with lodge management to coordinate a parade of their units and any resident family vehicles that wanted to join.” Staff have remained vigilant to ensure they are not spreading the virus among some of Taber’s most vulnerable citizens. “We are extremely proud of the work being done by our staff,” said


Janzen.“We know that they have been forced to make changes in their daily lives to reduce the chance of exposure outside of work hours. They are required to screen each and every time they enter the build- ing and a minimum of twice per shift.While many people in the gener- al public express concern, frustration or discomfort with wearing a mask, staff have been wearing them each and every day for over three months now.And they do it to keep the residents safe. Residents how- ever, are not required to mask which would potentially keep staff safe.”


hile pandemic restric- tions have taken a toll on our personal lives throughout 2020, residents of care homes and related facilities have often been isolated


BY TREVOR BUSCH insight magazine


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