COMM U N I T Y
BY: RAE LYNN PAYTON
Balancing Health & Safety
Seniors at Silver Elm Estates stay active while prioritizing safety
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ilver Elm Estates in Norman, the largest independent senior living community in Oklahoma, has 120 residents. While the coronavirus pandemic has brought about new restrictions to protect the health and safety of the large estates’ community members, staying active mentally and physically is crucial. “Staying active improves quality of life,” said Rhonda Roy, the center’s activities director for the past four years. Roy has been with Silver Elm since it opened in 2013 and plays an important role in assuring residents’ needs are met. Despite a year of difficult challenges, Roy and her staff have found ways to keep Silver Elm residents happy, healthy and most of all safe. “One of the biggest challenges has been foregoing some of the normal activities that residents enjoy so much,” she shared. Weekly trips out to eat and OU football watch parties have had to be put on hold. However, other favorites have been
24 | January 2021
able to remain in place, but with social distancing, use of masks and limited attendance. Exercise and line dancing classes are held with limits on attendees. Bingo is by far the most popular, she said. Residents can sign up and names are drawn to play twice a week. Movie nights, trivia, Wheel of Fortune, Bridge Club and crafts are scheduled with COVID precautions in place and extra activity times are built in to allow for social distancing. Commander Doyle of the U.S. Air Force Band of the West found a way to pivot and still bring joy to the community members when their Veterans Day performance couldn’t occur in person. Instead, he sent a DVD to the center so that they were able to watch the ceremony on TV screens and recognize their veterans. “It meant a lot to them,” Roy said. Instead of planning their large-scale, annual Christmas party, Roy adjusted plans to keep holiday spirits up. They decorat-
