BIRTHDAY CARDS from Pg 1
Jessica Fudali , a nurse at Heritage who works with Davis , stressed the positive attitude and optimism that both staff and residents are maintaining during this time . “ Where families couldn ’ t be , we have staffed to do our best to do everything we can to meet their psychosocial needs ,” Fudali mentioned . Based on a new announcement from Walz , it looks like the facility might be able to open its doors to more visitors starting Aug . 29 . “ It ’ s all based on current data and is a fluid situation but we are moving in the right direction .”
The response to Otten ’ s post was tremendous , as it received over 125 likes and over 50 comments from people wanting to help out . As of the week of her birthday , Otten expects that his mother received at least 30-40 cards and more could be trickling in .
“ It ’ s really going to make her day and make her feel special for weeks ,” noted Otten . “ In a lot of ways , those cards can be better than a visit .”
Homemade cards to residents provides boost
Carol Barnaal , a resident of Cokato and another member of the Facebook group , was inspired by Otten ’ s post and wanted to focus on a small way that community members could help out .
“ Jeffrey posted asking if people wanted to send cards to his mother for her birthday , as she has been at Heritage Place Memory Care without many visitors the past six months ,” Barnaal said . “ It got me thinking that so many people up there were in similar situations with nobody able to visit them .” This inspired Barnaal to post in the group , encouraging others to send cards to the residents in order to bring some happiness in this difficult time .
Regardless of whether you personally know a resident or not , Barnaal wanted to share this wonderful opportunity to serve the community safely . It is also a great craft project for children . The staff at senior care facilities like those in the Cokato Charitable Trust family share the cards with residents and many of them will keep the cards for months or even years .
“ It is a great thing for those residents . We love to read the cards to them and their faces light up when they receive them ” Dahlman said . It doesn ’ t have to be a fancy , expensive store-bought card either . It can simply be a handmade card with a message that is generic like “ Dear Friend ” so the staff can share it with any resident who might need a boost . “ If you have children who can draw pictures , decorate the card and write a little note about what they are doing in their lives , the residents always really appreciate the touch of personality ,” Dahlman noted .
Barnaal also is hoping that this is something that people can do regularly , as it always brightens the day of the residents regardless of what is going on in the world . “ It really doesn ’ t cost too much to do and if we can help someone with a card , it is worth it ,” Barnaal stated . It certainly has been a grind for the residents and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic . However , everyone is working hard to make the best of the situation that is given them . As Dahlman shared , “ When we call them the Greatest Generation , they really truly are .”
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Welcome Home to Stonebay of Orono
INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE
NOW OPEN ! FOR MOVE-INS & COMMUNITY TOURS
An exceptionally designed community located in pristine Orono , blending a classy touch with family care that offers a “ life on the lake lifestyle .” At Stonebay , you will feel at home with each unit designed to keep your care and comfort in mind . Our passion for care and service will make your loved one feel at home !
AT STONEBAY , YOU WILL ENJOY :
• A community of joy , fun and laughter in a light-filled , airy retreat .
• “ Meaningful Moments ” - Our signature activities program that includes many different scheduled options such as ; Creative Outlets , Next Level Learning , Bon Voyage !, and many more developed to help stimulate all of the areas in wellness and ensure that we are fulfilling the needs of our seniors .
• Our “ AnyThyme ” dining program that offers fresh quality ingredients sourced farm-to-table that awakens your taste buds while bringing you a sense of joy . Open 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and serving breakfast all day .
• A pet-friendly community where small animals are welcome .*
* Community restrictions apply ( i . e ., size , weight and breed )
Call Angie Ehalt at 952.219.2215 to schedule a community tour , or to learn more about Stonebay and why others have already reserved their new home !
Social distancing guidelines will be practiced and any visitors must wear a mask . Live virtual tours are also available by request .
2635 KELLEY PARKWAY , ORONO , MN 55356 | 952.200.0585 | STONEBAYSENIORLIVING . COM
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Senior Connections Sept / Oct 2020
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