For the residents of SouthWest Commons Assisted Living, it feels so good to be able to share time in person with friends and loved ones again

By Mary Malik

The residents of SouthWest Commons Assisted Living in Strongsville are looking forward to fall. Right now, they are soaking up the last days of summer in their beautiful outdoor spaces and getting a peak at the changing colors. They recently enjoyed an annual Oktoberfest celebration that went on right as scheduled. And perhaps the best news for residents and their families is that SouthWest Commons officially opens for visitors once properly screened on Wednesday, October 14.

“Families can come inside and visit their loved ones,” says health services liaison Sharon Nicholas. “It’s been a long several months for everyone, but we’re thrilled to be able to open our doors for visits with precautions in place to continue to protect everyone.”

Certain Covid-19 protocols are still in place at SouthWest Commons to safeguard residents and their families during indoor visits. But finally seeing loved ones without barriers is a welcome step toward normalcy for everyone.

“Visits are taking place in designated areas with social distancing and masks still required,” says Sharon. “We’re asking that just one or two visitors call and arrange for a time that is convenient for everyone. Even children of an age who are able to social distance, wear a mask, and are accompanied by an adult are able to visit.”

The Covid-19 protocols at SouthWest Commons now include testing of all staff members and sample testing of residents every two weeks.

“We are using the less invasive nasal swab tests,” says Sharon. “They are much more comfortable for residents. This greater availability to testing is one of the main things that has allowed senior living communities to open their doors to families again, so we are more than happy to comply with the extra testing if it means families can be reunited.”

More exciting news for residents and families is that in the next few weeks, they will be introducing the “Essential Caregiver Program.” This provides the residents with specific needs to designate one family member as their Essential Family Caregiver.

“This is wonderful news for some of our residents and families,” says Sharon. “Throughout the pandemic, one of the most difficult things was that a family member wasn’t allowed into the Community unless a resident was near end of life. That is not the case any longer. There are guidelines we must follow, but this is an opportunity for residents to get the loving support they need from family.”

As all of us know, for so many, one of the hardest things about this pandemic is dealing with the isolation and loss of interaction with family. And no group has suffered greater than the older adults.

“Human interaction is necessary for all of us,” says Sharon. “And that’s what has made these past six months so difficult. The isolation of our residents has had an impact, but we have been doing everything possible within the Community to keep residents active and engaged with staff and with each other.”

Even Covid-19 hasn’t been able to dampen the daily routine and fun activities taking place at SouthWest Commons.

“From a community standpoint, things have remained, as always, resident-centered here,” says Sharon. “We’re having our annual Oktoberfest celebration, we had a Clambake and celebrated Johnny Appleseed Day with apple-themed treats and a bar cart. We’re spending a lot of time outdoors and enjoying entertainment, too. We are still having all of our community traditions and just tweaking them for safety reasons.”

The staff at SouthWest Commons knows how important it is to create a safe and secure feeling for residents, especially in times of uncertainty. With residents and families always their first priority, the staff has continued to keep residents physically and mentally active during this time, which is so important for overall health and well-being.

With many members of the senior population isolated in their own homes, the residents of SouthWest Commons are happy to be in a community that’s thriving and bustling with activity to keep them from feeling lonely and disconnected. Many residents here aren’t worried about themselves, but they do worry about friends or siblings still living on their own, completely isolated from family and friends during these past months.

“Our residents have the benefit of neighbors and friends within this Community,” says Sharon. “They have someone watching out for them, caring for them and making sure all of their needs are met. This is critical all the time, but especially during this pandemic. Every day, so many residents say, ‘thank goodness I’m here.’ That makes it all worth it.”

SouthWest Commons is located at 18090 Pearl Road in Strongsville. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 440-238-3777, check the website, LifeServicesAssistedLiving.com, or find them on Facebook.