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DENISE 10th Aug 2020 Activity Director
Hello All! After nearly 5 months of restrictions, my long-term care facility is planning to reopen for outdoor visitation in the next 1-2 weeks, following all CDC and state guidelines. I was wondering if anyone has any creative ideas for setting up outdoor visitation spaces for our residents to visit with their loved ones? I was also wondering if anyone has any insight on ways your activities department is incorporating recreation programs into these outdoor family visits? In my facility, the activity team will be escorting residents outside as well as monitoring visits and ensuring that all participants are following/meeting all recommended guidelines/expectations.
Susan 10th Aug 2020 Activity Director
Hi Denise
We did not have many outdoor areas for residents to use initially
However the residents kept bringing it up at resident Council meetings
Thus the facility made areas for them
This was before the pandemic
I think it’s so important to have outdoor areas for the residents to use
Anyway we did reminiscing trivia gardening. and exercise
I think you need to make sure that the residents follow social distancing guidelines and wear masks and also their family members need to as well
You should find out how many residents want to go outside and designate certain times for going outside
After you determine this contact the family members and tell them what was decided and hopefully they will agree
If not you will have to figure out what works best
There probably will be some trial and error
Hopefully you will be able to figure it out
There may be some residents want to go outside but their family is unable to come so make sure to include some of these residents some of the time
Jean 11th Aug 2020 Activities Coordinator
We have set up a gazebo outside with a table and two chairs, one each end of the table in order to ensure social distancing. the table has a perspex screen across it and PPE is required to be worn by both parties. Only 1 visitor at a time by appointment and only 1 staff member is involved in taking the resident out. The system is working well and everyone respects the rules.
Susan 13th Aug 2020 Activity Director
Hi Jean
Thank you for your input

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