Area folks get creative to stay in touch with Manor residents

RANDOLPH — Even though no visitors are allowed at Colonial Manor here, that hasn’t stopped area residents from interacting with residents.

"Visitors are getting very creative,'' said John Kish, LPN Charge Nurse at Colonial Manor. "People send messages on social media. When they can't come in, they come around to the window. We are also encouraging them to send cards.''

Residents and visitors alike are using social media to communicate.

"Social media is a great thing. It has helped a lot,” Kish said. “It is an excellent tool. We can do videos. It is the best tool right now. People are encouraged to post things just to show they are thinking about each other.”

The nursing staff has also become more closely bonded to residents because of the restrictions on visitors, Kish said.

"It is hard to believe, but the staff has come together more during this,'' he said.

Community members also wanted to show they are thinking about the residents.

Vicki Bermel coordinated with Main Street Flowers to brighten the day of Colonial Manor residents. Community members were able to purchase a two flower bud vase with their name attached and have it delivered to the Colonial Manor. It didn’t take long for the community and family members to reach 45 plus bud vases to be delivered to every resident and a few extra for staff to enjoy.

Colonial Manor also put on a special Spirit Week, where staff dressed according to the daily theme. Staff members have also been filling in and doing weekly hair and nails for the residents.

Residents also kept busy by making cards that they sent off to their sister facility in Wayne to brighten the day of residents there.