Seniors adjust to new reality during pandemic

A SENIOR ACROSS THE PROVINCE SHARES HER STORY

When we moved into Waterside Retirement Community almost two years ago, little did we know we would become virtual prisoners, confined to our suite, and totally dependent on the goodwill and service of others. We are not alone.

Thousands of people living in retirement homes across Canada find themselves in the same situation.

Because of the spreading of COVID19, every precaution is being taken to prevent its attacking those of us who have made places like Waterside in Carleton Place a safe haven where we hope to live out our senior years in comfort.

What does that mean? First of all, we are in virtual lockdown. No longer can we meet other community members in the dining room. The camaraderie of lingering over a meal is gone.

We dare not set foot off the property surrounding our residence. If we do, we better have another place to bed down! Only those who are on the payroll can enter the building, and they are screened as soon as they walk in the door. Walking in the main lobby is like walking into a building where the owner had yet to move in all their belongings.

The comfortable chairs are down to a minimum, tables are bare, and big bright green X’s are placed six feet apart over the entire floor and walkways. Separation here is taken very seriously! Only two people at a time on an elevator, and activities, the gym, and pool are only fond memories.

So, what has all this done for people like us who moved in to places like Waterside expecting something similar to a five-star hotel? For most of us, it has been a major adjustment.

It took a few days of total confinement for us to come to grips with an entirely new lifestyle.

For the first time in many years, I am finding a good jigsaw puzzle can fill in many hours.

Television is there, but the sad news on just about every station has us choosing carefully what we watch. Books have taken on a whole new meaning. Writing at least one letter a day (yes, in longhand) has been a great release.

And every day I make a promise to call at least two people on the telephone, connecting with those I know to be lonely or alone. No face-to-face visitations, of course, is sad.

But we have seen birthdays being celebrated by relatives of a community member, right out on the driveway at the front entrance! Balloons, handmade signs, singing — albeit with much space between the visitors and the celebrant — but nonetheless, there is a real feeling of joy mixed in with the reality of separation.

Making life livable under these extremely trying times has no doubt been a never-before challenge for those who run places like Waterside.

Finding ways to connect with members while still keeping that safe distance, answering the never-ending questions about the virus, making sure everyone has his or her own personal needs answered, and trying to come up with ways to fill in the long gaps in the day has been difficult, but has been amazingly well handled here, and I suspect in other senior citizen homes as well.

Living in isolation, but still in comfort, with good food, round-the clock medical care if needed, and dedicated people whose mission it is to keep us safe helps us tolerate the very strict rules we now have to live by.

We are fully aware of the tragedies around us, as so many have lost their battle with this terrible epidemic.

Our prayers go out to their families who have not been there to help them through this tragic journey. We can either give up, pull the covers up and put a pillow over our heads, or accept what we cannot change.

In order to survive this terrible worldwide curse, we must abide by the rules. They weren’t put there to aggravate us, but rather to outlive this virus.

Everyone doesn’t have the privilege of living in a Waterside, but everyone does have the option of living each day to its fullest.

Accept what you cannot change. As my mother used to say, “You’ll get out of today, exactly what you put into it.”