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Assistance with food delivery, balcony singalongs, and even the creation of a Virtual Village are among the measures designed to make lockdown more livable for residents of local retirement villages.
All the villages that Hibiscus Matters spoke with are providing practical assistance such as helping residents access groceries and meals (including assisting with the technical side of setting up online ordering) and delivering packages of essentials that are dropped off by family and friends.
Keeping residents healthy and entertained while in lockdown has also been a big focus.
Last week Metlifecare, owner of Hibiscus Coast Village and the new village in Red Beach, Gulf Rise (which so far has 30 residents) launched its Virtual Village – an online activity calendar which features a daily quiz where residents can pit their wits against their neighbours and residents of other Metlifecare villages, as well as interactive activity sessions. Recorded Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra performances and in-home workouts will also form part of the mix.
Meanwhile, at Maygrove in Orewa, residents have a daily ‘sing from the balcony’ session, which general operations manager Ruth Scandrett says has also provided the opportunity for couples who are separated – one in the hospital facility, one in the village – to see each other, from a distance.
Ryman Healthcare spokesperson David King, says that residents of Evelyn Page in Orewa are getting fresh air, activities to keep them moving and games such as Hallway Bingo.
“While our care centres are closed we are doing everything we can to make up for the lack of family visits,” he says. “This includes providing access to Triple A fitness classes online and supplying newsletters and puzzles as well as a special weekly magazine.”
Ryman staff can also deliver “Happy Hour in a Bag” to residents.
