Parsons Presbyterian Manor
JULY 2020
Staff uses technology to connect residents with loved ones When Parsons Presbyterian Manor established infection control protocols to prevent COVID-19, Social Services Director Babette Collins knew it would be a challenge to keep residents in regular contact with their families. “When the pandemic started, we let the families know that we would do our best to accommodate them with phone and video calls,” she said. Adding this layer was a bit chaotic before Babette created an Excel spreadsheet to log all the appointments. Staff have been directed to send requests to Babette or Life Enrichment Director Becky Nash. They faced a steep learning curve at the beginning, but “now everything is downloaded on our iPad so we can just click the button and there we are,” Babette said. “I have learned a lot about technology as a result of this pandemic. I’m not a pro at it, but I’m pretty far up there now.” Babette keeps an iPad in her office for staff to use, and the nursing staff also has access to an iPad. When needed, members of the leadership team have also used their own cell phones to set up chats between residents and their loved ones.
COVID-19 updates continue As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, you can count on regular communication from your PMMA community and PMMA leadership. PMMA’s President and CEO Bruce Shogren’s latest letter to residents and families are posted to your community website, ParsonsPresbyterianManor.org/ covid-19. Get the latest information about visitation and restrictions on deliveries and learn more about PMMA’s infection control efforts to contain COVID19 across the PMMA system. u
Babette says their biggest challenge has been trying to figure out how to accommodate everyone who wants to connect with residents. Initially, she just used the FaceTime app, but she also downloaded Zoom for people using Android and Windows devices. She even became Facebook friends with a family member so that they could chat with a resident through Facebook Messenger. “It’s neat to see the excitement and awe that the residents can see their loved ones,” Babette said. She observed one resident chatting with grandchildren, who were using
TECHNOLOGY – continued on page 2 Parsons Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
1