Brookdale residents remain safe with face-to-face visits
Amanda Henderson enjoys a visit with her daughter-in-law, Kim Farmer, and granddaughter, Emma Newman, at Brookdale Sumter Senior Living on Wilson Hall Road.
The coronavirus has limited contact among friends and relatives around the world. For residents of assisted living facilities where many are elderly and/or have serious medical conditions, the necessary social distancing can be especially difficult.
Brookdale Sumter's staff has found a safe way to permit residents to have face-to-face visits with their loved ones - even though they're separated by a glass barrier. The staff has rearranged furniture to make a meeting place for residents and visitors at Brookdale's large front porch and dining room windows. Furniture has been placed to make visits comfortable on both sides of the windows, where cellphones can be used for conversation between residents and visitors are separated only by a window pane.
Following each visit, staff cleans and disinfects both areas, inside and out, before the next visitor arrives. Hand sanitizers are available, and other precautions ensure the safety of both residents and their loved ones.
Charles Richardson Sr., director of Resident and Family Management for Brookdale Senior Living centers, said, "Our associates and teams are offering powerful moments that will not be forgotten. We are here, and we care."