First – security, second - activation

First of all, it was absolutely mandatory to provide the necessary personal hygiene measures, as well as to ensure order in the facilities. The cleanliness was maintained in the “Senior+” Daycare House in Tuszyn on a daily basis, and they were not conservative with the disinfectants. In addition, the personnel must wear a mask and each person entering the building has their temperature taken. The health of the employees and the visitors is monitored on an ongoing basis.

However, the real challenge was to organize classes for seniors at the time when the activities of the “Senior+” houses were suspended. Thus, great emphasis has been placed on activities in the home environment. The inhabitants of the “Senior+” Daycare Home in Chorzów were encouraged to remain active in order to maintain their functional fitness, they received recommendations for television programmes were indicated, as well as films on Facebook which the seniors used alone or with the support of the members of their households.

Instructional videos with general exercises were specially recorded for the seniors of the “Senior+” Daycare House in Wola Karczewska. One of them was the series “Stay at home - online culinary classes” conducted by an occupational therapist and relating to healthy eating.

In Łapy, seniors received materials for classes developed by employees (including educational materials such as puzzles, games, crosswords, tasks for reading or to be performed alone) and participated in a number of classes consistent with the “Senior+” offer. The classes could be accessed in a group setting or alone, at home.  Seniors were also motivated to exercise and received sets of exercises to be performed at home.

The employees of the “Senior+” House in Oleśnica took a creative, responsible approach - they have implemented a number of initiatives on the Internet, i.e. art therapy instructions and radio plays for children with tales and legends. The activities enjoyed such great interest of beneficiaries and residents in Oleśnica that they were continued after the facilities have been resumed.

The employees of the Daycare Home in Mysłowice put emphasis on emotional support for their residents. In this difficult time, the loneliness of seniors, sometimes a lack of support, sometimes powerlessness particularly affect that vulnerable social group. For this purpose, the employees remained in constant telephone contact with seniors. This allowed employees to monitor their well-being and health.

Virtual walk

Another challenge was to organize life in senior citizens' homes after resuming classes and maintaining the sanitary regime. Therefore, in the “Senior +” Daycare Home in Zbąszyń, classes are conducted only by employees who are permanently employed in the facility. However, several innovative solutions have been introduced to diversify the measures. Due to the available equipment and multimedia board, seniors were provided with the opportunity to travel around the world without leaving the facility. Hawaiian week, Italian week and French week were organized for them in such manner. During the dedicated weeks, the senior citizens were introduced to the history and culture of the country. They prepared, among others, local cuisine, seniors listened to music and learned various dance styles, e.g. hula dance, and even took part in so-called virtual walks.

The “Senior+” Club in Zabrze resumed its activity thanks to the implementation of numerous restrictions and new rules prepared by the personnel of the Municipal Family Support Centre in Zabrze. Its employees say: “With new energy and on new rules, we are carrying out further activities, workshops and participate in the cultural life of Zabrze.”

Common holidays

Particular support was provided to seniors during Easter. The inhabitants of the “Senior+” Home in Chorzów received a holiday cake along with their meal. They also had the possibility to have individual telephone conversations with the priest who used to conduct religion classes in the Daycare House. During telephone conversations, the inhabitants also celebrated birthdays of the persons in specific isolation and loneliness conditions.

However, the inhabitants of the Daycare House in Lądek-Zdrój were received holiday packages. The parcels were delivered to the door, with a prior telephone notification. In addition to the traditional holiday items, the packages also included masks, gloves and antibacterial soap as well as wishes with “we miss you” notes. The parcels and holiday cards caused great emotions.

Due to the fact that all seniors long for a return to normality, they dream of being able to gather together and enjoy their presence. The personnel of the “Senior+” Home in Łapy has no doubt that such a day will come. “We'll enjoy the gathering of two groups at the same time. Both the senior citizens and the personnel are looking forward to spending time actively in our home for with the entire community.”