Veterans Lodge combating COVID-19 isolation

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

T he veterans who live at Veterans Memorial Lodge have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Only essential visitors are allowed in, which means veterans can feel isolated from their friends and loved ones. 

“These are challenging times,” said David Cheperdak, President and CEO of Broadmead Care. “Yet we are finding silver linings at every turn. These include opportunities to advance our purpose to build communities where every person can experience wellbeing and happiness through innovation and creative ideas that keep loved ones connected.”

To help people stay connected, Broadmead Care staff have launched two new initiatives designed to strengthen their mental health during the COVID-19 crisis.

Keep Connected Program

The Keep Connected Program encourages loved ones, members of the military, and others who would like to show their support to send messages or video call through Skype or FaceTime.

“Response to the Keep Connected program has been enthusiastic,” said Carson Sage, Manager of Volunteer Services and Innovation Activation. “Since launching March 17, we have delivered nearly 700 messages to people living in our homes. The faces of the residents light up when we read them an email, show them pictures, or help them watch a short video from their families. Connecting through FaceTime is equally well received.”

To send a message to a veteran or senior at one of Broadmead Care’s care homes, fill out a contact form by visiting their Keep Connected webpage: www.broadmeadcare.com/send-a-message/.

Keep Engaged Program

A second initiative is the Keep Engaged Program, a campaign to raise money for equipment to improve the overall health of residents living with cognitive decline or physical limitations.

Money raised will fund multi-sensory equipment to create soothing sounds and music, lighting effects, aromas, and tactile experiences; an expanded gardening program with wheelchair-accessible garden beds, tools, and reaching aids; and activity kits designed to bring back memories of residents’ favourite hobbies and pastimes such as woodworking, camping or travel.

“Activity kits create opportunities for cognitive stimulation and focused dialogue,” says Mandy Parker, Broadmead Care Vice President, Philanthropy and Communications. “It’s a form of connection, and helps to draw on memories from the past, such as fishing as a child, world travels, or even school days, with the aid of props and visuals that cover a broad spectrum of each theme.”

Broadmead Care is relying on financial donations from the community to help expand these multi-sensory programs and further the wellbeing of residents. To donate funds visit www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/broadmead-care/campaign/multi-sensory-environments/.