Last February and March when all of this began, I never could have imagined that I would be writing a Fall message with the pandemic still present in our daily lives. But here we are, and it is still here.
And, as much as it may feel like the world has been stopped from turning on its axis, when we look outside and see the first signs of fall colors, Mother Nature is reminding us that nothing stops the change of seasons. And the world is still spinning. To me, seeing the oranges, yellows and reds bring me a sense of nostalgia, and a comfort that is so much needed during these days.
As we tiptoe into October, The Kensington of Fall 2020 looks very different from The Kensington of Winter 2019. For starters, our doors are not quite as ‘wide open’ as they once were. All visitors and guests only arrive through scheduled appointments and are encouraged to bring negative recent COVID test results when possible. Everyone must have their temperatures taken and go through a series of health screening questions and provide contact tracing information on our new Accushield machine in the front lobby. We are determined to keep our residents safe and healthy and are following all Department of Health guidelines with vigilance and attention to detail.
For several months now, our team members have been going through the screening and temperature process, as well has having weekly COVID tests, which are performed at The Kensington 4 days a week. With over 250 team members being tested every week, that puts our testing numbers well past 4000 to date. We have partnered with a local medical practice to perform and process the tests, and that has gone well.
We also have a new therapy/rehab company on site. We welcomed HealthPRO Heritage to the therapy space on the parking garage level in the beginning of May. After a long quarantine that seems like a blur now, our residents have practically been running to get into therapy and get moving again.
One other recent change within The Kensington has been the promotion of Donna Porchi to Life Enrichment Manager. Donna previously was overseeing activities within Memory Care, and now through a restructuring, she supervises all Activities team members within the building. Donna has introduced new programs like “These Hands” (which should be ready for the public in October) and Ongrowing Mindfulness- a meditative planting and gardening program led by a former family member. Her gift for creativity and fun coupled with extraordinary organizational skills have been welcomed by all.
So we go into this season feeling hopeful and prepared- or cautiously optimistic. While we have no control over the outside world that seems to be like a forceful blustery windstorm around us, I’m happy to paint pictures for you of a team and residents who have been through this together and find the strength and motivation to keep making the best of each day.