By John Patrick Diaz, DPT, DOR, Magnolia Post Acute Care, El Cajon, CA
We all know that the mental health of our residents has been directly (through a specific medical condition) or indirectly (via communal isolation or psychological stresses) affected by this pandemic. Any type of interaction, whether it be through Facetime, window visits, regular phone calls, or even texting our loved ones, makes a huge difference in getting them through their day.
As part of Celebration and Loving One Another, Caitlin Dablow, SLP, and Jacalyn Leigh, COTA, guided a group of local community kids in creating Valentine’s Day cards for our residents at Magnolia Post Acute. The parents of the kids were so supportive in getting them together and designing simple but meaningful cards.
The cards were distributed to each resident with the assistance of our kitchen staff during their lunch meal. As each resident read their card, it was such a great sight to see that everyone had a smile on their faces while others became teary-eyed. Everyone appreciated the gesture knowing that the community cares. We may not be able to celebrate together as a group, but we for sure have felt the love and positive vibes within the facility.