Residents of Aberdeen Crossings and Beachwood Commons can finally feel the love from family members, in person
By Mary Malik
The holidays are upon us and the residents of Aberdeen Crossings in Highland Heights and Beachwood Commons in Beachwood plan on celebrating. In fact, these assisted living communities have been celebrating holidays, birthdays, and even ordinary days these past several months, just like they always do, but with precautions in place.
“Celebrations are a big part of life here,” says health services liaison Sharon Nicholas. “And even amidst Covid-19, we continue to do that with safety measures in place for residents and staff. It’s vital for our seniors to stay active and engaged, maybe now more than ever.”
Living with Covid-19 has been challenging for everyone, especially seniors who have not been able to see their families as frequently or as closely as they would like.
“Our staff has stepped in for the families,” says Sharon. “We have the luxury of being here around the clock, responding to urgent needs of course, but also taking the place of families in every other way. We feel privileged to do that and have taken this opportunity to slow things down and take advantage of lots of one-on-one time.”
Staying inside, staying safe, staying busy. Smile. This too shall pass. Be positive. I love you. These are the encouraging messages the residents of Aberdeen Crossings and Beachwood Commons are sending to their loved ones, and to the world, when asked how they’re managing these days. Sharon describes it as an atmosphere of gratitude, patience and understanding.
“Our residents really are taking it one day at a time,” says Sharon. “They miss their families the most, but the good news is that families can now come inside and visit their loved ones. 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 at Aberdeen and Beachwood safeguard residents and their families during in-person visits. But finally seeing the faces of loved ones without barriers is a welcome step toward normalcy for everyone.
“Visits take 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 where they are able to socially distance, wear a mask and are accompanied by an adult are able to visit.”
The Covid-19 protocols include testing of all staff members and sample testing of residents every two weeks.
“The greater availability and less invasive testing have allowed senior living communities to open our doors to families again so we are more than happy to comply with the extra testing if it means families can be reunited,” says Sharon. “And rapid testing is allowing residents to go home with family members for the day.”
This is exciting news for families, especially with the holidays coming up. Communities will be following all of the recommendations for testing and any other protocols as directed by the Department of Health.
With many of the elderly population isolated in their own homes, residents of Aberdeen and Beachwood are happy to be in an environment that’s bustling with activity to keep them from feeling disconnected.
“Many residents aren’t worried about themselves, but they do worry about friends or siblings living on their own completely isolated from family and friends,” says Sharon. “Our residents have someone watching out for them, caring for them and making sure all of their needs are met. Every day, so many residents say, ‘thank goodness I’m here.’ That makes it all worth it.”
And when family can’t be here, the staff members of Aberdeen and Beachwood provide the support, and the fun. Activities staff members have been making sure residents are engaged both mentally and physically.
“We are now officially celebrating everything,” says Sharon. “We used to do birthday month celebrations. Now everyone gets their actual birthday celebrated Community wide. First of all, it’s safer, and, secondly, why not? It makes our residents feel even more special. We’re family now more than ever. We won’t let a day go by without each of our residents feeling the love.”
Aberdeen Crossings is located at 399 Bishop Road, Highland Heights. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 440-460-0686. Beachwood Commons is located at 3995 Green Road, in Beachwood. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 216-295-1700. Both are LifeServices communities. For additional information, visit LifeServicesAssistedLiving.com.