UPPER SANDUSKY [June 24, 2020] – United Way of North Central Ohio has awarded a $3,000 grant to Fairhaven Community from its COVID-19 community response fund to support Fairhaven’s new virtual visitor guide program.
Fairhaven is experiencing significant financial pressure due to the pandemic. While operating on the front lines, Fairhaven has increased expenses for food and personal protective equipment.
With communal dining prohibited, staff members deliver three meals a day to each resident in their apartment instead of inviting residents to dine together. Residents are also less active as they are physically distancing. Fairhaven’s dietitian is working to ensure they get enough nutritional calories.
“Safeguarding the mental and physical health of residents, staff and families has been — and will continue to be — our top priority,” Administrator Jean Smith said. “We’re the first line of defense for more than 180 older adults who live in our community and for the 200 staff members who need workplace safety.”
Virtual Visits at Fairhaven
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention restricted visits to skilled nursing and assisted living communities on March 13 to reduce the risk of the novel coronavirus entering congregate living settings. United Church Homes, Fairhaven’s parent organization, shortly thereafter launched a virtual visitor guide program at each of its senior living communities.
Jae Watterson, who already served in Fairhaven’s community life department, helps residents connect through FaceTime, Skype or Google Duo with loved ones while they can’t visit in person. In addition to scheduling visits, Watterson provides essential technical support.
“Our residents are so much happier than they would have been because they have remained connected to loved ones during these difficult past few months,” Smith said. “Launching this program was an important step to address one of the many challenges the pandemic imposes.”
To learn how you can support residents at Fairhaven residents and staff during the pandemic, visit unitedchurchhomes.org/covid-19/.
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About Fairhaven Community: Fairhaven Community offers independent and assisted living, long-term care, short-term rehabilitation and holistic, person-directed memory care services on its beautiful campus. Its mission is to transform aging by building a culture of community, wholeness and peace.
About United Church Homes: United Church Homes, headquartered in Marion, is one of the nation’s 60 largest nonprofit providers of senior living and affordable housing for older adults, with over 75 communities in 14 states and two Native American nations. UCH is a faith-inspired organization in covenant with the United Church of Christ and welcomes residents of all faiths.
Media Contact: Alissa Paolella, communications coordinator, 740.382.4885 or apaolella@uchinc.org