Working as a recreation therapist in a Long term care home with residents who suffer from memory loss was not easy when Covid -19 hit! Suddenly we could do nothing then only holding there hands, take them out to the garden and listen. No programs full with fun physical movements. It was not allowed because it could spread the virus. Then we had to where everyday since a mask, very confusing for most of the people I work with. No visitors from outside, nothing.....
a Very difficult time for everyone, the workers and the elderly because no one had any idea what or how dangerous this virus is, what you can't see with your eyes.
Because of the restrictions, we're not allowed to invite musicians to play some music for our monthly Birthday parties. Those parties was always a highlight for the residents because they listen, sing or dance the whole time. I deeply missed those parties too. Music bring memories back, seeing twinkles in the residents eyes when they hear there favorite tune and start moving in the chairs or dance with my co-workers or me. Now we have to wait when everything is more safe before we start dancing again.
In the mean time my co-workers and I are going around with Birthday cake, al dressed up with a Fun hat. The residents a exactly waiting for a slice of cake that's how much they miss the parties.It give me tears in my eyes time....
Thank god, for the vaccines. Now we can let have more visitors in our care home for the residents but not yet a musician!
Let's hope for the what the future bring us.
Submitted by Anneke Wijkstra.