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Residents at Celebre Place Assisted Living Facility in Kenosha, Wis., can’t have any visitors these days — as nursing homes around the U.S. try to prevent the spread of the coronavirus within these facilities — but they still feel a lot of love and warm wishes from outsiders.
The assisted living facility receives letters from “Love for the Elderly,” a nonprofit organization that sends letters to senior citizens around the country. The program, which started in 2013, has been especially busy the last couple of months as state and local officials urge Americans to stay home and nursing homes and other senior-focused centers restrict access.
“Seniors need to know that they care,” said Christi Lindsey, the activity director at Celebre Place. The center can’t have social events right now so she and the staff are mainly moving from room to room to care for the residents’ needs and bring them some sort of entertainment, like a puzzle or ice cream. Lindsey signed up for “Love for the Elderly” after hearing about it on social media, and asked for 23 letters, which have come from people of all ages and states.
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Love for the Elderly
Since then, she’s asked to receive letters four times a year.
“Love for the Elderly” aims to bring a smile to the faces of older Americans. “These cards and letters make them feel like they’re thought of and remembered,” said Haley Diep, volunteer engagement coordinator. “Now with the pandemic, they don’t have visitors, so this is something that lifts their spirits.”
Demand is high right now — the organization has been in contact with 300 facilities, and in April alone sent out more than 11,000 letters. They accept requests to receive letters numerous times a year.
Nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other senior care centers house some of the most vulnerable members of society. Data show older and immunocompromised individuals are more at risk of complications, or worse, after being infected with COVID-19. At least a fifth of coronavirus deaths in the U.S. have been linked to nursing homes. As such, health care experts and government officials have advised these groups to stay away from others as much as possible.
But those guidelines, although helpful, can isolate older Americans, a demographic that is already at risk of suffering from loneliness. Many residents look forward to visits from loved ones, as do the people who stop in to these facilities to spend time with their family members or friends.
The restriction on visitors has been challenging for both parties, though families and nursing home staff members have taken creative approaches to stay in touch. Some facilities continue to hold events for their residents, just keeping them at their doorsteps in the hallway. Many people are now relying on technology, such as video chatting or apps that allow staff and relatives to keep updated and send along pictures and messages.
“Love for the Elderly” is no different, and anyone can participate in the program. Letters must be handwritten in large, legible font and they can be as creative as the writer wants them to be in order to bring a little joy to a total stranger. Participants are asked to avoid religion, such as quotes or words like “God,” and to exclude the date altogether. Many letters are colorful and include drawn pictures. Writers should put their letters in envelopes if they can.
Also see: Nursing home residents and staff could be in great danger if states open too soon
Love For the Elderly
Those who don’t want to write a card can help in other ways, Diep said. The group is looking for monetary donations to help offset the costs of postage as well as other projects, such as “Senior Storybook,” a new online project where people share stories of seniors that impacted their lives. There’s also the “Sunshine Bag” project, where volunteers put together gift bags to give to residents of nursing homes around the country, but it is currently on hold during the coronavirus crisis. “Love for the Elderly” is also taking virtual letters, including videos from anyone who wants to record themselves sharing an uplifting message or a special story to send to nursing homes.
The goal for “Love for the Elderly” and its participants is simple: bring some light to an otherwise dark time for older Americans. “They’re a community at risk of feeling lonely and isolated, and when they have these feelings it has an adverse effect on overall health,” Diep said. “No one should ever have to feel that way.”
