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A Q+A with Copley Activities Director, Cheryl Woodward

As we emerge from COVID, activities are getting back to full swing. It’s the perfect opportunity to hear from our Activities Director, Cheryl Woodward. In this Q&A, Cheryl reveals the challenges that came with COVID, and what’s to come in the future.

2020 must have been challenging for you in terms of creating engaging activities for Copley residents while maintaining social distancing. What activities were you able to do with the residents?

First and foremost, I have to commend my Activity Assistants. As a team we worked together to bring activities to the residents in their rooms. We took some of the basic day-to-day programs such as coffee hour, trivia, bingo, Pokeno, etc. and adapted them so residents could participate in the safety of their own rooms.

We visited all residents each morning offering coffee, tea, hot chocolate, assorted baked goods etc. We ran trivia contests, distributing packets to the residents to complete, later collecting them and providing prizes. Bingo & Pokeno players were given their own bingo/Pokeno cards and chips to keep in their rooms and staff called out the numbers with a microphone as residents played from doorways. Painters remained engaged in painting, but in a one-on-one capacity.  They were able to complete a 60” by 140” mural for the lobby. We even entertained by singing karaoke; that is until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Health said indoor singing was not allowed.

We spent a lot of time just visiting with residents and assisting them with reading cards and letters, organizing their belongings, assisting with phone calls and just being a friend. We offered recreational supplies for independent use such as cards, music, puzzle books, books, magazines, adult coloring, specialty foods for religious holidays, etc. 

What were the biggest challenges to overcome?

I have faced many challenges over the years, but 2020 was definitely the most challenging year in the healthcare industry, actually in all industries. Who would ever think the world would go through a pandemic, especially in our lifetime? This was a very scary time. This was a time of great loss for many of us, our residents included.

People need socialization. They need a connection, something to live for. In the beginning, families were not able to come in to visit their loved ones. As much as we tried to keep spirits up and to be there for our residents, it still wasn’t the same as having your loved ones with you. As employees, we were able to go home every night. Our residents did not have that option. 

Were there any differences between programming activities for residents in the nursing home side versus those in the rehab side during the pandemic?

In the beginning we were not able to provide group activities. Residents spent time in their rooms. We went room to room with puzzles, word games, refreshments etc. We spent time visiting residents one on one and as time went on and restrictions slowly started to ease, we were able to begin activities with residents participating from their doorways. 

Now that we are able to gather for group activities, we have one activity calendar of events for the entire care center. All residents are welcome to participate in group activities. Some residents here for short-term care are receptive and enjoy coming to group activities, while others prefer to focus on therapy and return home. 

In general, how were everyone’s spirits? How are they now?

It has been a rollercoaster ride with ups and downs, sometimes spiraling out of control. Everything is fine and running smoothly and then COVID happens. Spirits were low. Family members weren’t able to come in to visit. We did window visits in the beginning, which brighten their day for a short period of time. As the weather got warmer, we were able to schedule outdoor visits. Eventually we were able to set up an area inside for family visits as the weather started to cool. Of course these visits remained supervised for social distance and to make sure all protocols were being followed. The best day during all this was the day I was able to tell family members and residents they could have a brief hug before leaving. I saw many tears of happiness as they embraced, something they hadn’t been able to do in months. Everybody needs a hug. 

Unfortunately, right before the holidays, we had to close our doors to visitors again. It’s painful to see families apart, especially for the holidays. As much as we tried to make their holidays enjoyable, it’s not the same. We did Zoom calls and FaceTime calls. Residents opened gifts as their families watched on the other end of the video call. We continued social distancing activities from resident doorways and did our best to keep spirits high. 

Now we have a full activity calendar again. Fully vaccinated family and friends are able to visit in resident rooms. We are gradually getting back to pre-pandemic routines. Residents who have been here prior to the pandemic are enjoying previously enjoyed programs. Some of our residents who arrived during the pandemic are just starting to discover new talents in our painting and writing classes and develop new friendships within groups. Resident spirits are uplifted with every visit they receive from their loved ones. 

Were there any surprises – any silver linings in terms of the pandemic and activities? (For example, a silver lining for some was learning to connect via Zoom and other technologies, something they wouldn’t have learned otherwise.)

Yes, in some ways this pandemic made us stronger. Balancing supervised visits, one-on-one visits and doorway activities improved organizational and time management skills. Thanks to our more tech savvy employees we learned how to use some of the modern technologies such as Zoom and FaceTime. Some residents learned how to use their own electronic devices.    

Are activities back to full swing now? What precautions do you still need to take?

Thanks to the vaccine and the decrease in COVID cases, we have been able to reintroduce group activities. Our groups started out small but are growing with consistent encouragement from staff. We have weekly entertainment scheduled in the courtyard. Religious services are being offered. Fully vaccinated family members are now able to come in to visit. It’s starting to look like old times, better times. 

Masks are still being worn by all staff in resident areas. Fully vaccinated residents wear their masks while traveling to and from activities, but are able to take their masks off during the program. 

How great is it to be outside now?

It’s great to be outdoors again, especially because that’s the only place we can have musical entertainment programs at this time. So, all entertainment programs are weather permitting. Residents also just enjoy sitting outdoors on nice days. 

Did you start any new activities during the pandemic that will continue into the future?

Yes, we started a creative writing program. The residents create short stories as a group. We have a few stories completed. Our goal is to create a book of short stories. We also started a daily chronicle with a quote of the day, a trivia fact for the day, three moments in history that occurred on that day, and a mini-biography about a famous person born on that day. 

What advice would you give to other activity directors? What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned?

As Activity Professionals, we rise to the occasion. It’s very easy to get caught up in the chaos. Step back, take a breath and do the best you can do. If you’re not sure, seek answers before you act. If you can go home at night and know in your heart you did your best, you’ve done well.  

Now that Copley at Stoughton is opening up, we are able to book live music events for our residents and their guests on our outdoor patio. Our Activities Director, Cheryl Woodward, is scheduling performances at least once a week. In my mind, this is not just another step but a significant milestone, as music provides much more than entertainment for our residents.

Studies show that music is like a super fruit for the brain at any age.
It can easily improve your mood, is uplifting, can get you moving, and for some, religious and patriotic music can be particularly inspirational.

But music is also social, especially at Copley. Our live music events encourage everyone to get together, reducing isolation and boosting social contact. Everyone greatly appreciates this after such a long time of reduced contact!

Music can also do a surprising number of other things, such as boost creativity, improve language skills, manage pain, and even help people recover from illness or injury faster.
The overall snowball effects of music, socialization, and physiological benefits are reduced stress, better sleep, better overall health, and a brighter outlook. In turn, that leads to a better quality of life – and for many a longer life, too.

It’s been said that music heals the wounds that medicine cannot touch. It is so uplifting to again see residents and their guests singing along with their favorite entertainers. I’m so glad this is back!

Copley at Stoughton recently celebrated National Nurses Appreciation Week (May 6 to 12) here as we do every year. Now that we can schedule visits and accept new residents, we can take a little breath of relief. And while this is a welcomed turn of the corner, I can’t help but reflect on what a difference our nursing staff made during this year of the pandemic.

You’ve all heard that nurses were literally on the front line of the pandemic. And “front line” is such an appropriate phrase here. They put their lives at risk to ensure the health and welfare of our residents. We took every precaution we could to reduce the risk of COVID at Copley. But all of us in healthcare were well aware that this insidious virus can sneak in through any crack. Our nurses lived with this frightening prospect every day. We – and most importantly, when I say “we,” I mean our entire nursing staff – had to be constantly vigilant.

What amazes me most is despite this fear, our nurses remained cheerful and upbeat on the outside, no matter what they might have been feeling on the inside. That, I can tell you, was tremendously uplifting for our residents. Nothing was normal this year. But our nurses were leaders, showing that we could still look on the bright side, no matter how bleak things looked during quarantine. I know many of our residents felt reassured that everything would be okay eventually, based solely on our nurses’ positive attitude and a familiar face to see every day.

That’s how dynamic and invaluable they all are – providing care in a way that goes above and beyond.

I want to give a public “Thank you!” to our entire nursing staff, who bravely, professionally, and with a smile on their faces helped us through the worst healthcare crisis of our time. Next time you’re visiting, please think about giving our nursing staff a special thank you.

Art can be therapeutic. Copley at Stoughton’s lobby mural is an excellent example of that. Not only does it provide a creative outlet for our residents, but it also brings brightness and happiness to our hallways and a great way to greet visitors.
Normally, with the help of our incredible activities department, residents change the mural with the seasons, a symbol of constant rejuvenation at Copley. It’s sort of like a garden in that sense, bringing a fresh perspective every few months or so.

Of course, that’s one of the many things that changed with COVID. Restrictions meant our residents couldn’t gather to paint their beautiful murals. The last mural had to be done one resident at a time. But now, with vaccinations finished, we can start our in-person activities, with safety protocols in place, of course. So, the summer mural is now in full swing, with residents meeting in small groups, painting, and socializing with their friends, all for the common good!

If “COVID” was the theme for 2020, then I hope “back to normal” will be this year’s theme. As I’ve reflected in this blog, every month, we seem to get closer to the way things used to be, and life, in general, is getting a little bit lighter.
Spring is always a time for transformation, but it’s particularly significant this year. For me, this year’s summer mural will be one of the most important symbols for that change and rejuvenation.

I’m not sure we will ever truly get back to the way things used to be. But then, what garden looks exactly the same, year after year? Even if you put the carrots in the same place and the peonies and the tomato plants, the garden still looks slightly different than it did last growing season. Sometimes you even get good little surprises sprouting up.

That’s what I’m hoping for this year: good little surprises. Our newest mural will be a symbol of this too.

February is usually a hopeful month –this year especially so. After winter, we’re looking forward to one of the brightest springs you’ve ever seen.

I believe we’re finally coming out on the other side of COVID. As I mentioned last month, vaccinations were already well underway at Copley at Stoughton (https://copleystoughton.com/vaccinations-well-underway/ . Not only are those immunized much less likely to get COVID, but they are also much less likely to pass it along as well. Copley completed its third and final CVS vaccination clinic on February 14th. Our residents and staff who wanted to receive the vaccination have done so, which provides us with a huge sense of relief.

But as our health leaders have repeatedly told us, vaccination is just one weapon in the fight. (Even if it’s a big one.) We still need to use every precaution to ensure our residents are protected from COVID. We took swift and decisive action when the second surge began by asking visitors to stay at home and temporarily halting new residents’ admission. It was a difficult decision, to be sure, but a necessary one. The goal was to make sure we stop both symptomatic and asymptomatic spread. It’s clear we’ve been successful in that regard too since these measures are working. Copley currently has NO active cases of COVID for residents or staff. We continue to test numerous times each week.

I’m aware that inevitably every decision we make involving visitation affects our residents in other ways – as well as you, their families. We want to be at a point where we can comfortably invite visitors back into Copley to see their loved ones, and we do see this soon, but for the moment, we need to continue working together in the fight against COVID. I can’t tell you how appreciative I am of your support and patience in protecting our loved ones. Together, we are making a difference.

We are so close! Vaccinations are going up, and the number of cases is going down. I genuinely believe we are almost through to the other side, and we’ll be able to get back to somewhat normal very soon. We’re riding a wave of optimism, thanks to our staff’s hard work and the support you’ve shown.

Stay warm and safe!

Vaccinations couldn’t have come soon enough for everyone living and working at Copley at Stoughton. I’m proud to announce that we have given both doses of the COVID vaccine to almost all residents and most staff who are eligible.

I think we’re all breathing a huge sigh of relief! Those who are vaccinated will be at a much lower risk of getting COVID than those who are not.

Although this is a significant milestone, our journey is not over. Vaccination is one tool to fight the pandemic, but unfortunately, it is not a silver bullet. We still need to follow social distancing and mask-wearing according to the CDC’s current recommendations. [Link: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions#do-i-need-to-wear-a-mask-and-avoid-close-contact-with-others-if-i-have-received-two-doses-of-the-vaccine?]

Right now, we’re in Phase 1 of Massachusetts’ vaccination program, and Phase 3 is anticipated to be completed in June according to the state plan. [Link: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/when-can-i-get-the-covid-19-vaccine]

That means a risk of transmission within Copley remains. So, while hopeful, we need to continue being diligent in slowing the spread and flattening the curve. There are still many unanswered questions, and we need to maintain safety protocols until those questions are answered.

While we are all itching to get back to normal, we need just a little extra push to make sure we continue to do as well as we have, as we’ve come a long way. We are working closely with health officials to create policies that balance the risk of COVID transmission at Copley with our residents’ other needs. Those include meetings between loved ones and the possibility of expanding our available programming. Rest assured, we are making plans for that highly anticipated “return to normal” as quickly as possible.

I personally want to thank all of you again for your words – and actions – of support during COVID. I can’t praise the staff enough for their tireless dedication, our residents for their unbelievable resilience, and the families for their unwavering support. They are and continue to be, the Heroes of Copley. We’re all in this together.

– Steven Tyer

There’s no way around it – Christmas around Copley at Stoughton will feel different this year. I mentioned last month that our annual Thanksgiving holiday party was not the same without the hundreds of families and other guests who usually gather here to celebrate. It was heartwarming though to hear from all our residents and what they are thankful for in 2020. Their messages of hope, love, and family should be an inspiration to us all during the holiday seasons.

One thing is for sure: it’s still going to look like Christmas. Our incredible staff has been hard at work decorating Copley with our usual festive Christmas tree in the lobby and literally decking the halls. That includes residents’ room doors to help them get into the holiday spirit. It’s been a hard year for everyone, but especially our residents. We at Copley continue to do everything we can to keep them continually engaged so they don’t feel isolated and alone.

You’ll notice that in particular this holiday season. We’ve modified some of our annual events to ensure we can get together safely. We are extremely grateful that everyone is on board with us to ensure all our residents and staff stay safe and healthy!

As I write this, I think of the hope we have for 2021, now that the vaccines are starting to roll out. Normally, no matter what our personal faiths, we associate this time of year with getting together with family. It may be harder to do this Christmas, but thanks to technology like FaceTime and Zoom, it’s not impossible. Yes, the holidays will be different, but it will also be special in other ways. This year’s holiday season gives me a new appreciation for the family and loved ones we have in our lives. When they say “cherish the moments,” this is a good reminder about what they mean.

Happy Holidays to everyone! Here’s to a Happy – and Hopeful – New Year!

-Steven Tyer

As I sit here at my desk, I find myself thinking about how different the holidays will be here at Copley and in the homes of our staff and families. Copley remains focused every day on preventing COVID from re-entering our facility, which means we still cannot have group activities of any kind. Unfortunately, our residents will not be able to host their families and friends at their annual holiday party.

For those of you that have not attended one of these holiday gatherings, it is the focal point of the holiday season. It starts with a full Thanksgiving dinner in our Main and Plaza dining rooms, which were always at capacity.

A few weeks later, we (staff and residents) host a gathering, including everyone’s families, and provide food, drink, and entertainment. The record is hosting approximately 300 guests.

I can’t help but think the upcoming holidays will be a letdown for all of us. I asked Cheryl Woodward (our activities director) to help me develop some ideas to make our residents happy. I first asked her about Thanksgiving, and if she would inquire what, if anything, our residents are thankful for this year. I prepared myself for some depressing answers, considering everything we have been through, but boy was I wrong!!! I thought I would share some of the responses with all of you. They lifted my spirits, and no matter what, I know we will have some positive, happy memories of the upcoming holidays.

 

Here are the responses and what our residents are thankful for;

 

MG: “my family, my health, and the pleasant staff that works here”

ES: “my family”

CMc: “when it comes down to brass tax, I’m grateful for everything”

DA: “my family”

JG: “the ability to walk”

PL: “my girls”

JD: “I’m able to wake up every morning”

CS: “being alive, my sister and my friend”

KZ: “life, family and my health”

GH: “my family and my husband”

AG: being alive, my family, television, and humor”

MG: “my family and love”

EG:” the gift of family and the gift of love”

SV: “at my age, everything! Family and being able to laugh”

SM: “my kids, my health and god”

AB: “food and family”

JM: “my husband and family”

PB: “my life, my sons and the Copley staff”

LT: “my family”

CL: “my husband, my children, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren, and Copley”

EF: “being alive and my health”

DB: “being alive and friendship”

GA: “a wonderful family”

JK: “my excellent family”

ES: “my family and Copley”

LL: “I’m about to be 93 years old, my wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and luck”

RB: “that I’m alive, I’m able to do my puzzles, my family and the world around me”

KN: “my family, the Red Sox, the Patriots, Lisa and my independence”

 

ST: “my family, my co-workers, our residents, and their families”

 

After reading their responses I have faith the holidays will be different, but very meaningful for all of us in our own special way.

 

If there is anything we can do to make your holiday more special please do not hesitate to ask.

 

HAPPY Holidays!!

-Steven Tyer

It’s a question I hear all the time – and it’s one I always appreciate: “What’s the best thing I can do to help Copley at Stoughton prevent the spread of COVID-19?”

First, there are obvious safety measures. Stay at home if you have COVID-like symptoms (even if symptoms are mild) and do all the things health professionals recommend including regular hand washing, physical distancing, and wearing a mask.

The next best thing you can do is get your flu shot. A flu shot will not protect you directly against COVID, but it helps your loved ones in other ways.

People are hospitalized every year with regular flu. As you know, the elderly are, particularly at risk. This year, our hospitals are already dealing with an overload due to COVID. That means reducing hospital admissions for regular flu is very important.

Another thing to remember is that you or your loved ones can get COVID and the flu at the same time. That’s why some are calling this flu season a “twindemic.” Not only would having both increase the likelihood of hospitalization, but there is also an even greater risk of serious side effects such as pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions.

Copley is proactively ensuring staff and residents get their flu shots for the protection of all. We pre-ordered doses, and we’ve already had one clinic with a great turnout. Our residents are lining up for flu shots, for their protection as well as the protection of everyone at Copley. And, as always, I’m proud of the commitment of all of our frontline workers at Copley to ensure the safety of our residents.

Arranging flu shots is one more COVID measure we’ve put into place over the last several months. It has since become a Massachusetts DPH requirement. Others include cleaning touched surfaces multiple times per day, monitoring physical distancing, and screening all residents, workers, and visitors for symptoms. As I’ve mentioned previously, our staff are also working tirelessly to ensure your loved ones feel engaged and supported during this difficult time.

COVID hasn’t been any fun for anyone. Now that we are entering the regular flu season, we need to be extra vigilant. From the start, our commitment has been to the health and safety of our residents and staff. I’m appreciative of all the support you’ve shown so far. Getting your flu shot is another way you can help keep all of us safe.

Our number one priority is everyone’s health and safety here at Copley, and it is our responsibility to follow all regulations regarding this pandemic. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health continues to work with state, federal, and local partners in this ever-evolving situation. As of last month, the visitation guidelines for long-term care facilities were updated with the following physical distancing and protection requirements.

• A resident who is suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 cannot be visited.
• All visits will take place at the designated outdoor visitation space.
• A resident who has recovered from COVID-19 may have visitors.
• A resident quarantined after a hospital stay and not suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 can be visited.
• A resident who is not quarantined and never tested positive for the virus can have visitors.
• Before transporting a resident to the designated outdoor visitation space, the long-term care facility must screen the visitor for fever or respiratory symptoms. Any individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 (fever equal to or greater than 100.0F, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, myalgia, chills, or new onset of loss of taste or smell) will not be permitted to visit with a resident.
• A long-term care facility staff member trained in patient safety and infection control measures must remain with the resident throughout the visit.
• Staff and residents must wear a surgical face mask, and visitors must wear a face covering or mask for the duration of the visit.
• Visits with a resident in a designated outdoor visitation space must be scheduled in advance and are dependent on permissible weather conditions, availability of outdoor space, and sufficient staffing at the facility to meet resident care needs and the health and well-being of the resident.

We understand this can be frustrating for everybody. We continue to do our best to accommodate everyone while maintaining our residents’ and staff’s health and safety. We must continue to enforce all safety measures put in place. The visitation restrictions protect our residents and staff and will be lifted once the DPH feels safe, statewide, to do so. We are so thankful for our residents’ families and friends’ continued support through these challenging times.

If you have any questions regarding these regulations, please feel free to call me anytime 781-341-2300. We are here for you and with you. We’ll get through this together.

-Steven Tyer