Question: What is the main concern that you are hearing from your residents these days?
Answer: Being isolated from their family – that’s their biggest concern. We’re not under quarantine anymore, but we’re still taking a lot of precautions. We do allow residents to have two visitors at a time. We make sure all visitors continue to wear face masks, sanitize their hands and practice social-distancing. Residents can meet with their friends outside and can also leave the property, as restrictions have loosened up. We are gradually resuming limited social functions across our properties. We just want them to be safe.
Q: How has the vaccination process gone?
A: Our residents were blessed to receive the vaccine in-house, and approximately two thirds of them have been vaccinated. We still have some who are refusing the vaccine. We have to accept that but are continuing to encourage all to take advantage of the vaccine.
Q: What about other medical issues?
A: Since February, our residents have been doing a lot of catch-up with their (in-person) doctor’s appointments because during quarantine, a lot of them didn’t know how to do the virtual appointments. Some of them have the flip phones, so it was difficult for them to do a face-to-face with their doctor, or they would be talking on the phone with their doctor, but not hearing what the doctor was saying. So, now it’s great that they can go into the doctor’s office for things like diabetes screenings, eye appointments, dental care. I still have some squeamish people who are not 100% ready (for in-person doctor’s visits), but they do go. Sometimes, it takes a family member to encourage them and bring them to the doctor (although there is no such thing as not having transportation, if you have an HMO).
Q. Has the way in which residents are receiving their prescription medication changed since COVID-19?
A: They had to switch to a delivery service to get their medications. Places like Walgreens don’t deliver, so many of them had to switch to smaller, mom-and-pop pharmacies.
Q: Have you seen an uptick in depression since the pandemic?
A: I have had several residents who have been assessed for depression. It was really tough being confined to their apartments for such a long period of time. I have seen crying spells, irritability. I have a few residents who still don’t want to (come out of their homes) yet because they believe the pandemic is not going to end as fast as it came.
Q: What are some resources for anxiety and depression?
A: We have behavioral health companies that come out and do assessments. Sometimes they’ll meet virtually, but now the residents can go to them for group therapy, have lunch and then be brought back afterward. In-person, group therapy seems to be helping them.
Q: How are physical fitness needs being met at the residences?
A: Although we have exercise rooms with treadmills, bikes and other basic equipment, they are still unavailable to our residents. When I do health presentations, I will have someone come out to teach them chair exercises and walking exercises they can do at home.
Q: What is the current grocery situation?
A: We have our bus back up and running, which takes them to Walmart. As an independent-living facility, they cook their own food. In April, Food for Families (operated by Catholic Charities) resumed deliveries of commodities like juice, milk, peanut butter, cereal, beans, rice – and sometimes canned meats – to those who are 60 and above. They come once a month, and it helps a lot. Making sure our residents had groceries was not a problem during the pandemic. They had food delivered and they also received supplemental food. Second Harvest was awesome during COVID, and several of our local civil leaders were very helpful.
Q: What is your main tip for seniors coming out of the pandemic?
A: Don’t be afraid to tell your family what you need!
Q: What can adult children do for their aging parents?
A: Show some concern, even if it’s a daily phone call to say “Hey, Mom” or “Hey, Dad – do you need anything? I’m calling to check on you.” Call every day! That picks them up. It keeps them going. All they want is to hear from their children. Bring them some new puzzle books. Ask them over for Sunday dinner. Make sure they have their food and their medication, and if they don’t, pick it up for them! A lot of seniors just don’t feel comfortable asking for things.
Q: What are some activities grandchildren can do with their elders who live in independent-living apartments?
A: Draw a picture of grandma that she can put on her refrigerator. Play cards and games with them. Older grandchildren can pick them up and take them for a walk in the park. Plan an outing where everyone wears the same T-shirt!
Q: What other challenges might younger generations not know about seniors?
A: Some older people have learned how to use technology, but many of them don’t even want to touch it! So much of the world is online-only now. For example, in Louisiana, before the pandemic, Food Stamp recipients had the option of going on the phone or online to keep their information updated. Now they’re telling them to go online. I have some people in their 60s who need help with updating their information so their Food Stamps won’t be interrupted.
Q: What have you learned from your seniors during this public health crisis?
A: They are so grateful for the things we did for them! At first they thought we were being too hard on them, but now they are so glad they wore masks, sanitized their hands and stayed in their apartments – because they said that a lot of them wouldn’t be here if not for those precautions. They are relieved that they can move around a little bit more now. All of them have been soldiers! I’m so proud of them, because they listened (to the guidelines) even though they were upset with us sometimes. I love my seniors! That’s why we’re still being very cautious. We have to look out for them!
– Interviewed by Beth Donze, Clarion Herald Christopher Homes is the archdiocesan agency that manages and develops affordable, independent-living housing for seniors and individuals with physical disabilities. It currently manages 21 apartment complexes that house individuals in nearly 2,500 apartment units. Thompson, a 12-year member of Christopher Homes’ staff, troubleshoots residents’ needs at three Christopher Homes properties: St. Bernard Manor, Nazareth Inn and Delille Inn.