The close-knit Campbell Place Assisted Living Community is weathering the restrictions that come along with the COVID-19 crisis by leaning on each other for support at the family-oriented senior facility.
Tiffany Bryant, care services manager, said staff members are finding creative ways to enable residents to still “see” their loved ones during this time when visitors are not allowed inside the 356 Kent Drive, Bellefontaine, center. “Window visits” have become popular – where family members can chat with residents while standing outside their windows at a safe distance, along with online chatting and FaceTime capabilities.
“Luckily, modern technology is enabling us to have these types of visitors,” she said. “It has been fun to introduce the seniors to this technology. They’re enjoying learning something new and being able to see their families.”
In return, the seniors are building up staff members with uplifting stories from their past and sharing difficult times that they have overcome, Bryant related.
“This generation is so good at encouraging us. They will tell us about different outbreaks that they have lived through and other hard times in the world. We have more time these days to sit around and talk, and telling stories is good for everyone’s morale.”
Since the coronavirus precautions were put in place by the state about two months ago, including numerous guidelines for elder care facilities, the Campbell Place care services manager said she is thankful that the various safety standards have kept their residents in good health.
“All of the protocols are not easy, but they have helped to keep us safe. Fortunately, our facility has not been compromised.
“That first month, it seemed like there were changes every day. Our corporate office still keeps us updated each day.”
Bryant said some of the changes that have taken shape recently have included moving most meal services out of the community dining room and into residents’ individual rooms. In addition, social outings and day trips are canceled for this time, and transportation out of the building is reserved for medical appointments.
“Usually during the summertime, we have a season of outings to the zoo and parks and other places, but we’ll have to wait to do that until next year. Instead, we are getting outdoors here at our facility when it is nice out, sometimes even just to take a walk.
“We’re finding other fun things to do as well, such as cook-outs and ice cream socials with the residents. We’ve just had to change up how we do activities to keep everyone spaced apart.”
Families of the residents also have been most supportive of staff members during the health crisis, and have showed their thanks by preparing meals for employees, and even organizing a recent staff appreciation parade.
“The residents lined up inside to see their loved ones driving by. It was very special,” said Bryant, a Champaign County resident who has worked in the geriatric care field for most of her nursing career.
A total of 34 residents currently live at the facility, and the care service manager has observed that new residents always receive a warm welcome.
“We pride ourselves on the family atmosphere here, and the residents are always eager to get to know new people. You’re not just a number here; it’s very personable,” she said.
Campbell Place, formerly the Campbell House, first opened in 1997, and as a testimony to its personal touch, the very first resident of the facility is still living there today, representatives noted.
For individuals interested in checking out the facility, virtual tours are currently available, along with Zoom and FaceTime appointments to view the studio and one-bedroom apartments that incorporate a number of amenities, Rachel Andrews, community relations manager said.
Also at Campbell Place, a full-time registered nurse is available 24 hours a day to provide clinical oversight and coordination of care, helping to set up home health, physical therapy or occupational therapy as needed.
The Campbell Place, managed by Enlivant, can be reached at (937) 592-6089, or toll free, (866) 575-8950
Additional information about the facility, including photos, can also be viewed at https://www.enlivant.com/communities/ohio/campbell-place-bellefontaine.