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
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Residents Phyllis Pracht (left) and Helen Ozier (right) use an iPad to video chat with their families. Given COVID19 precautions, Parsons Presbyterian Manor staff have used technology to help residents stay connected to their loved ones.
the features of the application to add fun filters and symbols to the chat. “They were getting a kick out of that, and it was just fun to see,” she said. In connecting residents with their families, Babette and her colleagues consider the individual needs of residents. For those with low vision, staff sticks to phone calls. One resident who is both low vision and hard of hearing has family that sends Babette letters via email. Babette then reads the letters to the resident.
“If there’s a staff member available and a resident is having a bad day, they might call a family member and ask if they have time to chat,” Babette said. “The families and residents have been very appreciative,” she said. “We have a good group of residents and families, and they have been so understanding.” Babette plans to continue the practice of scheduling video chats even after precautions are lifted. This way, residents can connect more frequently with loved ones who live out of state. u
Although staff usually schedules video chat appointments in advance, they are always working to meet resident needs. Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
PARSONS Presbyterian Manor
620-421-1450 u Fax: 620-421-1897 3501 Dirr Ave. Parsons, KS 67357-2220 ParsonsPresbyterianManor.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | July 2020
Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Parsons Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: apeak@PMMA.org Maegen Pegues, executive director Alexandria Peak, marketing director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Parsons Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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PARSONS Presbyterian Manor 3501 Dirr Ave. Parsons, KS 67357-2220 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | July 2020