Touchmark at Fairway Village residents may not be able to leave their rooms to participate in their usual social activities, but that doesn’t mean fun can’t come to them (while maintaining a safe distance).
Staff put on a parade Thursday through the parking lot and lawn at the senior living community in east Vancouver. People dressed in costumes, waved flags and shook pompoms as residents watched from windows and balconies. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the facility is not allowing visitors and residents are staying in their rooms.
Director Tim Cross said staff are coming up with creative ideas to bolster residents’ spirits. Local musician John Van Beek recently played for residents and moved around the outside of the building so everyone got to hear and see him perform. The senior living community also set up a Facebook group for residents and staff members complete with home workout videos, virtual activities, recipes and ways for neighbors to keep in touch.
Touchmark CEO Marcus Breuer said in a letter: “We will get through this together, and be stronger people for it. For now, continue to stay connected with loved ones and newfound global neighbors. And let’s all look for ways to enrich people’s lives.”
