A Different KIND of Lifeguard
Going Beyond the Job to Keep Residents Engaged B
rad Brunner was hired as a lifeguard at Landis Homes in mid-March – just as the wellness center and pool were closing due to restrictions imposed by the coronavirus. Tis produced
an unprecedented dilemma for the Life Enrichment/Wellness team that Brad had just joined. “Everything we do requires being together in a group,” said Michele Stipe, Director of Life Enrichment. “We do very little on a regular basis that’s individual.”
Finding innovative ways to enrich the well-being and physical health of each resident during a campus lockdown became the central challenge to meet. While many on the team worked in their usual areas, wellness team members branched out to help in new areas like delivering meals, programming events on closed circuit television, doing temperature screening and serving in other areas as needed.
“I was sad to hear the pool was closed,” Brad shares. “But I said, ‘Wherever you need me, I’ll go.’” Brad committed himself to helping wherever he could. “All I want to do is help people,” he said. “Tey told me, you’re not able to lifeguard the pool right now, but you can lifeguard the campus.”
Brad helped protect lives and keep many safe by joining other staff to help residents make video calls to family and assist at the checkpoint at the entry to the community. Because lifeguards interact with just a small number of residents while working at the pool, this unique time provided Brad the opportunity to get to know some residents he most likely would not have met otherwise.
“Everyone loves Brad,” said Michele. “A lot of teamwork has been happening and everyone is so supportive of each other.”
In one special opportunity, Brad recalls coming in on a weekend to help a resident join a group Zoom call to celebrate his 80th birthday. Trough the connection Brad helped set up, “he got to talk to his grandchildren and family members all across the country.” He adds, “It was cool to hear his life story and see what kind of person he is as they recalled their favorite moments with him. It was so awesome!”
Hallway Bingo has been a fun way to help residents interact from a distance. Staff invite residents to open their doors along a hallway and they distribute bingo cards. Residents can play from their rooms – physically distanced but able to participate in a familiar activity.
Other fun options for residents have been an ice cream cart and one-on-one walks, to get some fresh air and soak up some vitamin D. “We’re trying many ways to brighten up their lives,” said Michele.
Tough circumstances may be less than ideal, the Life Enrichment team and other team members are dedicated to going above and beyond in new ways to serve residents needs and boost everyone’s spirit.
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Landis.org | FLOURISH | Summer 2020
CULTIVATING WELLNESS
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