Page 5 - The Clare Connection_Summer 2020 Flipbook

A Shift to Virtual Programming at The Clare

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ocial distancing recommendations residents, so she searched for ways to
have eliminated the possibility of in- bring Clare favorites to them through
person programming at senior living the internet.
communities amid the COVID-19 On Wednesday, April 29, the Chen
outbreak. Since social and learning Quartet, featuring CSO Concertmaster
opportunities are a major component Robert Chen and his family, exclusively
of The Clare lifestyle, the community performed for Clare residents via
had to get creative with its enrichment Zoom, bringing them live music they
offerings for residents. have so dearly missed. Earlier in April,
That’s where Zoom meetings and live the Field Museum partnered with The
streaming came into play. Clare to present on their collections,
and film critic Zbigniew Banas hosted
“Clare residents have responded very
well to virtual programming,” says Lori an interactive movie discussion about
Jojo Rabbit. Looking ahead, virtual
Griffin, Director of Resident Experience
at The Clare. “They adapted quickly programs throughout the month of
and learned the logistics of Zoom May include a presentation on South
America, a tutorial on iPhone settings
technology.”
and a salon concert and conversation
While the senior care industry is often about women in classical music.
depicted as lagging in embracing “These days, the recurring theme is, ‘I
technology for residents, The Clare can’t believe that two months ago, I
prides itself on taking initiative when didn’t know what Zoom was,’” resident
it comes to tech solutions. Given the Carolyn Rusnak says. “Now, we ‘Zoom’
current circumstances that require through everything. Within the context
residents to stay in their apartments, of the new normal, it’s always a good
this focus has been crucial in the day.”
adoption of and adaptation to the
world of virtual programming. Residents have even started creating
added to the calendar for resident their own Zoom meetings to connect
“Whoever said you can’t teach an interaction and entertainment. with one another socially.
old dog new tricks has not met the
residents of The Clare,” resident Sheila “It is important to stay engaged “Zoom is an excellent opportunity
Rock says. “At the tender age of 80+, mentally and socially during this time to see many Clare friends, at various
I am ‘Zooming’ with my brothers and of uncertainty and mandated social management meetings or in smaller
sisters, children and grandchildren, distancing,” Lori says. “Engaging group gatherings,” resident Barb
friends near and far. It is not perfect, in activities and learning that you Arsenault says. “I’m in a group that
but this technology is giving us the find interesting gives some sense of ‘Zooms’ regularly, and being able to
ability to keep in touch.” normalcy and happiness. Connecting socialize and keep those connections
with friends and family via virtual with each other means a lot.”
Instead of typical group cardio and options or other means helps provide
yoga classes, Fitness Manager Emily And for residents who aren’t as tech
Buxton began leading live workouts for security and comfort, as well.” savvy, a variety of programs and
residents streamed daily via The Clare’s In addition to classes, programs and classes are being streamed directly to
in-house TV channel. Rather than events routinely put on by employees, resident televisions via The Clare’s in-
gathering residents for cooking demos, The Clare is also known for bringing house channel.
Executive Chef Hagop Hagopian in talent and experts from the likes “This time of virtual programming
brought them into The Clare’s kitchen of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, has reminded me that Clare residents
via Zoom, demonstrating the steps to the University of Chicago and more. are up for any challenge,” Lori says.
make simple dishes such as shakshuka. Naturally, outside programs brought “I am inspired to continue to try new
Virtual wine tastings, virtual book clubs to The Clare have been canceled. Still, methods of programming even once
and virtual coffee hours have also been Lori knows they are important for we resume our usual operations.”