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COVID-19 Update: April 10, 2020

UPDATE: April 10, 2020 – 4:00 p.m.

Easter Joy

The very first Easter was not in a crowded worship space with singing and praising. On the very first Easter the disciples were locked in their house. It was dangerous for them to come out. They were afraid. They wanted to believe the good news they heard from the women, that Jesus had risen. But it seemed too good to be true. They were living a time of such despair and such fear. If they left their homes, their lives and the lives of their loved ones might be at risk. Could a miracle really have happened? Could life really have won out over death? Could this time of terror and fear really be coming to an end?

Alone in their homes they dared to believe that hope was possible, that the long night was over and morning had broken, that God’s love was the most powerful of all, even though it didn’t seem quite real yet. Eventually, they were able to leave their homes, when the fear and danger had subsided, they went around celebrating and spreading the good news that Jesus was risen and love was the most powerful force on the earth.

This year, we might get to experience a taste of what that first Easter was like, still in our homes daring to believe that hope is on the horizon. Then, after a while, when it is safe for all people, when it is the most loving choice, we will come out, gathering together, singing and shouting the good news that God brings life even out of death, that love always has the final say!

“Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”  Matthew 28:10

Happy Easter and thank God for our blessings. They abound.

Honoring Loved Ones at Easter

Easter is one of the biggest floral holidays of the year, this year won’t be the same without the delivery of lilies, tulips and daffodils to loved ones. If you want to show your love in different way, please consider donating to the Clark COVID-19 Care Fund in honor of a family member, friend, neighbor or staff member. You can donate online or contact the Clark Foundation office at 616-278-6533. We will send a note to the honoree, so they know they were remembered! If you would like to know more about the Clark COVID-19 Care Fund watch this message from JoAnn Abraham, VP of the Clark Foundation.

Life Enrichment

The definition of enrichment is the action of improving or enhancing the quality of value of something. Our Life Enrichment team spends their waking hours doing just that. Improving the quality of life for the residents they serve. They bring value to days made long by COVID-19. Here’s a peek at their creativity:

Clark at Keller (all while social distancing)

  • Virtual pastoral care services utilizing the Clark YouTube channel was introduced this week. We will soon offer one-on-one pastoral visits via ZOOM.
  • We exercise in rooms and go for walks through Whitten Park.
  • The warm weather had been perfect for watching the ducks and swans from the deck
  • BINGO – one person per table, one card per game!
  • IN2L offers so many options for engagement, we take full advantage of all IN2L has to offer including trivia games and sing-alongs
  • Enjoying Karaoke singalongs in the hallways
  • One-on-one visits to offer loving support
  • Virtual coffee hour with Keller Lake Towne Home residents

Clark at Franklin (all while social distancing)

Memory Care/Assisted Living

  • ZOOM is our new best friend! We conduct one-on-one music therapy sessions and pastoral care visits with ZOOM
  • To keep residents fit, we conduct one: one exercise “classes” in their rooms
  • We communicate with families frequently. Last week several residents were asked to share on thing they’re thankful for. The sentiment was written on bright paper and shared with families via a text message
  • The blessing of being a first-time great grandmother was announced with a flyer of photos sent by the family and created by staff. The moment was captured with photos that were texted to the family to enjoy

Independent Living /Retirement Living

  • Walking Challenges! With warm weather approaching, we are encouraging residents to walk a .85 mile loop around the East Town neighborhood.  Maps and more information are located in the library. The loop will be used for a variety of programs: Walking Competitions, I-Spy Challenges and more!
  • Weekly Cooking Demos with Chef James Bailey begin on April 13. The first class features Brioche stuffed French toast with a strawberry glaze and a minted fruit salad.  Videos will also be uploaded to the Clark YouTube Channel and Resident App which is accessible by both campuses

Skilled Nursing

We have engaging activities every day, here’s a few of the ways we stay busy!

  • On Mondays we go for wheelchair rides when it’s nice outside
  • Tuesday’s include ZOOM Praise & Prayer with our Pastoral Care team
  • Wednesday’s are all about music – ZOOM group music therapy and one-on-one music therapy
  • Arts and crafts and BINGO keep residents busy on Thursday’s. Many also enjoy praying the rosary with Fr. Rock on Channel 15
  • On Friday’s Fr. Rock celebrates the mass on channel 15
  • Weekends are filled with card playing, arts and crafts, and enjoying televised Broadway plays

Video Chats (available to all residents)

Staying connected through Skype, Facetime, ZOOM is a fun way to stay connected. With the extension of Governor Whitmer’s executive order the request for video chats has increased. If you would like to schedule a call, please email info@clarkretirement.org. It’s important to note calls will be scheduled on a first come basis, available times will be offered based on staff availability. In order to honor all requests, we ask you please limit your call to 10 minutes. Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated.

Make the most of your phone calls and video chats with your loved one.  Write down talking points to have engaging conversation. Play a game!  Simple games like trivia, hangman, and others translate perfectly to video chats or even phone calls. Make each call something unique and meaningful!

Cookie Delivery

We are limiting the number of staff who come in contact with residents, to that end, we are no longer delivering cookies. To stay connected with independent living residents we are “Reaching out and Touching Someone!” Our pastoral care and sales and marketing teams have increased the number of calls they make every week to say hello and make sure all is well.

May you be blessed with love and peace this Easter.

We are Community.
We are Clark.