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COVID-19 has had adverse effects on retirement and assisted living facilities across Iowa.

Among them is the isolation residents feel because the pandemic has forced facilities like Pleasantview Home in Kalona to limit or bar family visitation entirely.  Pleasantview’s Renee Hershberger says activity directors like her have had to “step up their game” to help residents feel less isolated and keep their spirits up, “Well it actually takes it up a few notches. We do a lot of one-to-ones now. We always did them before but it’s more important now than ever because before they were quarantined to their rooms we could only do small group activities, so we spend a lot more one-on-one time, it’s more individualized. We get to do whatever the resident likes.”

Hershberger says they play games, sing songs and read scripture, but one of the most important activities is for her staff to just listen to residents, “They’re frustrated and they’re scared, and they want to be with their families.” 

Hershberger says their efforts to help residents connect with family members include scheduling online virtual meetings. With the colder temps, Hershberger says family members have been able to visit by remaining in the Pleasantview vestibules and communicating to residents through the use of baby monitors or cell phones. She says the extra efforts to help residents connect are worth it.