Assisted Living Communities Thinking Outside the Box to Keep Residents Connected to Loved Ones

Assisted living communities in Virginia and elsewhere are taking creative measures to ensure that residents stay engaged and connected despite isolation during the COVID-19 lockdown, reports Blue Ridge Now . At The Landings of Mills River, for instance, residents have "window visits" with family. They are also learning how to use FaceTime and Skype, write white-board messages to loved ones, and engage in more solitary pursuits like gardening. Birthdays are still celebrated, too. Technology, particularly FaceTime chats, is significant in maintaining social connections. "The residents are so funny. They will scream when they see their loved one comes up on the screen," said The Landings Executive Director Joy Elliot. "It is super sweet to see their reactions to things those in their 80s and 90s aren't used to." Staff also perform regular check-ins with families to let them know how their resident is faring. The Landings is a part of Affinity Living Group, a network of assisted living communities, and Elliott said all group members are keeping in touch about different ideas they have tried out with residents.