Over the past 2+ years, COVID-19 has taken a toll on all of us in different ways. Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) residents are no exception. In addition to dealing with the loneliness caused by having to quarantine and maintain social distance, these older individuals, many of whom have health problems to contend with, also faced the fear and uncertainty of potentially becoming seriously ill. Thankfully, we are in a much better place with managing the virus and life appears to be heading toward a new normal. If you own or operate an RCFE, now is a great time to take steps to help cheer your residents up and bring more joy to their lives. Continue reading for some valuable information and tips.
Encourage Socialization Through Fun Group Activities
One of the best ways to help RCFE residents move past the isolation and distress caused by COVID is to get them socializing again and doing a variety of activities that they enjoy. Bingo games and movie nights are great options, as are concerts, craft projects, and fun classes. In addition to restarting social activities that residents took part in pre-COVID, it is also worthwhile to look into brand new activities for them to experience. This can help make them feel more excited about daily life while simultaneously keeping their minds and bodies as sharp as possible. While it may take some time for certain residents to feel comfortable doing activities in close contact with others again, encouraging participation as time goes on can truly make a positive difference.
Get Your Residents Up and Moving
As physical activity offers tremendous physical, mental, and emotional health benefits, another fantastic way to improve your residents’ well being post-COVID is to get them up and moving around as much as possible. Even though residents may be physically limited in terms of what they can do, something as simple as a walk or low-impact strength building exercises can get those endorphins going and help them feel far better than before.
Address Remaining Concerns with Compassion and Empathy
While some residents may be excited to dive back into social activities and outdoor adventures, others may still be feeling scared or at least hesitant. Have your staff take the time to speak with any residents that are still feeling distressed about COVID, and help them navigate through those concerns. It is important that these residents feel heard, and that they are met with understanding and not judgment. Hopefully over time these residents will begin to feel more comfortable and can build toward having a happier life once again.
We hope that this guidance proves useful to you. Our company, InsureMyRCFE, has worked closely with many RCFE owners and managers over the years. We seek to help these facilities thrive for the benefit of residents and staff alike, and do our part by providing comprehensive RCFE insurance policies for businesses in California and some surrounding states. If you’re interested in learning more about all we can offer your facility, please reach out at (805) 413-5668.
