Sunrise continues to take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously, and the health and well-being of our residents and team members remains our absolute top priority. Sunrise leaders are closely monitoring the constant flow of updates from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and other government and health authorities to continue supporting our communities. We have enacted several changes to our operating procedures in order to help keep our residents and team members safe.
Especially during these ever-evolving times, our team members are committed to bringing meaningful days to our residents and peace of mind to our families. One example is the Sunrise of Louisville, KY, team, who are focusing on the “little things” that matter to our residents and families.
Read the account below from Executive Director Brandie Windsor-Shanklin, RN, LNHA.
I often hear from families that they don’t want to tell me something for fear that it’s minor or I’m too busy. I often remind them of their important role as part of their loved one’s care team. We encourage family members to tell us the “little things” that our team might miss, as routine is so important to our residents and even more so to those with cognitive impairment. With that being said, we have been working on the “little things.”
We actively call/email and request that families tell us how they make their visits special. Perhaps it’s a special treat, or how they water plants, or a conversation about a new baby in the family. On Sundays, one of our family members watches Mass with his mother in her room. It’s their special time to worship together. With restriction of visitors, we want to be sure she still enjoys Mass, and we have her son call her before and after to talk about the service.
Those sons and daughters that would visit their parents daily are receiving daily phone calls from our team in addition to phone calls from residents. We have a drop-off/pick-up procedure for families that prefer to deliver a few special groceries or other items of comfort.
Huge hats off to my Activities & Volunteer Coordinator, Annette Bader! She is a champ and has been ultra-creative. Annette and our Director of Sales, Jennifer Dobbs, are teaming up, compiling lists, and making visits, ensuring our “little things” program is flowing.
The daily updates and changes can be challenging. Our community is really trying to view this from an interdisciplinary approach. We are finding ways to support our team who care for our residents and involve family and friends in a new and creative way. I am so proud of our team! Janice Jaggers (our Resident Care Director) and I are true believers that education is the best defense against fear. We have held true to that and will continue to do so.
Thank you to Brandie and her team, and all Sunrise team members, for all you are doing to support our residents and communities!
For updated information about Sunrise’s response to COVID-19, please visit our We Are Prepared page. For general COVID-19 information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.