Laura is the coordinator of personal support services. She works for LOFT (Leap of Faith Together) Community Services, a non-profit organization that provides mental health and addictions support, as well as supportive housing for adults, seniors, and youth.
“We now approach our residents wearing a mask, face shields, and sometimes gowns. It no longer feels like home.
I don’t know if there is such a thing as a normal day anymore. No two days are the same. This is very difficult in our environment where routine is very helpful to all.
Everything is now done virtually. For some of our residents this is very new and scary to them. Some say it’s like ‘seeing my doctor on T.V.’
Our residents enjoy their independence – they normally come and go as they please. Some residents go shopping on their own. Now, we are having to explain to them what social distancing is and that they need to stay inside. This is difficult for them because they have to rely on someone else to do things for them.
Many residents are missing their family.
Some are really good at calling and checking in. For others, it’s a struggle – especially those with memory impairment.
There are no visitors. Some residents can’t use a phone. For those who can, they may be unable to connect a voice to a face.
If it wasn’t for all of our staff working together, going above and beyond, adjusting every day, this would be quite challenging.”
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