“Angels on this Earth”
By June Smith
Outside Westwind Memory Care senior living home in Santa Cruz, the world has changed for 46 residents due to COVID-19. But inside, life goes on.
This stand-alone community is the only one of its kind in the area providing a specialized approach to customized memory care for patients with dementia. Residents receive personalized treatment plans while enjoying everyday activities and delicious meals made from scratch. Short-term respite and hospice care are also provided.
As approved by Elsa Prosch, RN, BSN and director of health services, 100% of the staff is screened before entry into the community with a questionnaire and temperature reading.
Residents have a choice of eating in the dining room with plenty of space between for social distancing or meals delivered to their apartment. Activities are modified to allow for social distancing.
Lesley Yanak, vice president of marketing and sales at the Seasons Living home office in Lake Oswego, Oregon, says, “Prior to COVID-19, families visited daily. Now with our strict visitor policy, we cannot have guests for the safety and wellbeing of our residents, unless it’s an end of life situation. It’s been challenging, and thank goodness for technology; we’ve used Facetime and Zoom regularly at a dedicated space inside the community. Our hearts go out to each of the family members who are at home struggling to stay connected and engaged, and face to face time is irreplaceable.”
An uplifting letter to the staff says in part, “I want you to know how much my sister and I appreciate all you are doing to keep our mother safe and happy. We were in awe of what you do to care for our mom on a daily basis before the virus arrived. Now you are all trying to keep our relatives well along with your regular duties. We know that you have family/friends at home for which you also need to be careful. We often speak of how amazing it is that you have the courage to show up for work each day. With all of the stuff going on, you still remain thoughtful of the residents and treat them with tenderness. I include all of you in the category of the doctors, nurses, first responders, etc. that are like angels on this earth right now.”
According to Yanak, activities take advantage of the California sunshine by encouraging daily walks in the courtyard alternating between music and exercise classes.
They also host virtual landmark tours, concerts, and church services. She says that there are a couple of residents who are slightly aware of the situation going on outside the community and seem to understand and accept the shelter in place concept.
“Their world hasn’t changed because life in the community has maintained normalcy, which is a testament to the diligent efforts of our staff.” She adds that employee morale is high, and they have been able to keep all staff employed.
Each day, Westwind Memory Care Facebook page shares photos and comments on activities taking place, like these:
“A big hit: Singing along with Frank Sinatra and other favorite entertainers with lyrics on the big screen. We’re keeping the beat with sanitized maracas, respecting our social distancing, and having a blast!! Music is so therapeutic!”
“Today’s activities: garden care, chair exercise, animal studies, and group brain games! Keeping them smiling!”
“Out for a pleasant garden walk today, after doing tai chi and a music appreciation class on Peter Paul and Mary.”
The base price at Westwind Memory Care is $5,750 a month for a shared suite and $6,300 a month for a private suite, with no lease required. That includes utilities, 24-hour security, and three nutritious meals; care services are charged separately. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 831-421-9100.
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Westwind Memory Care is located at 160 Jewell St. in Santa Cruz. For more information, visit www.westwindmemorycare.com