A caring community: Elmswood Retirement Village

Retirement facilities are presented with many challenges during Covid-19 lockdowns. New care protocols have to be put in place to get residents through in the best physical and mental health.

Metropol asked how Elmswood Retirement Village navigated the August 2021 lockdown.

The Activities team was singled out as the superstars, organising morale-boosting outdoor, socially-distanced group chats, exercise classes and
sing-alongs.

Resident Betty Farrant missed her granddaughter’s wedding, but she says she did not feel isolated. “The activities team was marvelous and I appreciated the ice-creams, shortbread, and care packs that were dropped off.”

Zoom and Messenger really came into their own for family connection; the residents watched the daily government updates; shared stories of epidemics that they had lived through, and discussed what they felt we could learn from this pandemic.

Vaccine Packs were put together for outings; containing the resident’s vaccine pass, a fresh mask and a Covid-19 information booklet.

One staff member says that it was a hard time for everyone, but they feel good about what they did, and how they were still able to have fun and laughs.

To find out about being part of the Elmswood Retirement Village family, call Jules Rainey 021 241 9979 email sales@elmswood.co.nz or visit the website.

www.elmswoodretirementvillage.co.nz