How is everyone doing during the pandemic?

[Carol Ann Jones]

How is everyone doing during the pandemic? I have done a couple of full training sessions for new staff during this crazy time. Smaller classes due to social distancing. I had to add to the Communication piece since we are all wearing masks now. Communication has been the biggest problem since this started in March. I made magnetic buttons for all staff with a photo of their smiling faces so we can show our residents. Every day, I remind our residents that we are all healthy but we have to wear the masks due to the virus. I remind them every day that they are all healthy and safe. I wish you all the best. Stay strong! Reach out to each other for support.
Warm regards,
Carol Ann Jones
Community Life Director, Best Friends Master Trainer, End-of-Life Doula
Converse Home
Burlington, Vermont

[Carol Ann Jones]

Here I am in Vermont, replying to my own post. Looking for support from other Best Friends. Now we have our first COVID-19 case, 9 months into the pandemic and just days away from receiving the first doses of the vaccine. We are holding strong, geared up in our PPE and trying to deliver some semblance of normalcy to our isolated residents. We will all be tested tomorrow morning by the Department of Health. 2020 is by far the toughest year I’ve ever lived. Sending love and light to all of my friends here. Be strong, take time for yourself. Just breathe!!

[Carol Ann Jones]

A few weeks have passed since my post. We have lost five of our dear residents in the Memory Care center. Nine tested positive and eight staff members. The staff members are recovering and the remaining four residents that are positive seem to be getting over the worst of it too. Thank God, we are all getting vaccinated tomorrow! There was a delay in our receiving the vaccine because we are not a skilled nursing facility. Now the Governor has put facilities with outbreaks to the top of the list. I hope that other Best Friends’ dementia care communities are fairing well through this pandemic. I can’t wait until its over. Light and love to all, Carol

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