COVID completely turned our world upside down. However, the resilience shown by the residents, families, and staff of Country Manor has been nothing less than inspiring; it has been truly amazing to see our communities rise to this incredible challenge and come together to maintain a safe, comforting, and engaging environment for the people we serve. 

When we were no longer allowed to assemble as large groups, our Chaplains performed  17 separate, small-group worship services each week. Countless 1:1 visits and Bible Studies were done in each community. Resident Chaplains remained available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for residents, family, and staff.

Senior Housing Community Coordinators found creative ways for residents to feel connected, while remaining safe. Social calendars shifted to outdoor events, small-group activities and 1:1's. Additionally, staff made sure residents were able to stay connected with family through virtual capabilities, and assisted in scheduling hundreds, if not thousands of outdoor visits. Housing staff performed safe deliveries between residents and families, 7 days a week.

Staff in our Health Care & Rehab Center altered every aspect of their daily routines to ensure residents were safe, well-cared for, at ease, connected, and highly entertained! Staff increased daily 1:1's, and incorporated new safe events, like virtual in-room field trips, parades, and special surprise appearances by “celebrity” guests.

Staff performed all meal deliveries, taking time to sit, and conversate with each resident during meal times. Staff arranged all resident/family virtual and outdoor visits, scheduling and setting each one up. Staff helped with safe deliveries between resident and families, 7 days a week. 

From donations of PPE, essential items, and meals for our intensely committed, compassionate, and brave staff; to homemade masks (some made by our very own residents), cards of gratitude, and signs on nearly every door showing appreciation for all the extra efforts by everyone in our community to keep one another safe, there has certainly been no shortage of love and appreciation throughout our buildings.

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To our team-

We don’t have to tell you that this past year has been exceptionally difficult in many ways. A year ago we went to war with a virus we knew very little about. We felt the pains of countless new safety regimens, fearful patients and families, long days and even longer nights, as well as our own worries of safety and what was to come. “Two weeks” turned into two months, and eventually, the finish line drifted from our sight.

Admittedly, there were days that felt overwhelming. Frustration, sadness, fear, and even helplessness grew to be common emotions. Our hearts were heavy. Our bodies… physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted.

We often felt defeated.

We couldn’t control the virus, nor the fact that it proved especially dangerous and deadly to the very population we serve.

We couldn’t control others.

We couldn’t control the spread.

We couldn’t save everyone.

Very few people understood what it was like.

We grieved alone, together.

.. we grieved for our patients, their families, our families, our neighbors, our state, our country, and our world.

.. we grieved for each other, for the powerlessness we felt in not being able to take the burden or pain away.

.. we grieved because we knew nothing would ever be the same again.

We leaned on each other as much as we could, but the external narrative surrounding the work we do took its toll.

“It’s just the flu,” “I don’t need to wear a mask,” “they must be doing something wrong for so many people to be dying,” all became common headlines thrown in our faces time and time again.

We know it is simply because they did not/do not understand.

But the words cut deeply.

They bred an entirely different kind of sorrow and loneliness.

We are so sorry you to had face this on top of everything else.

So many of you have devoted your lives to this service. You don’t desire recognition. You don’t want to be called heroes.

We want to remind you that the people who know you, and have witnessed and/or felt all that you have done and sacrificed this year, are humbled, honored, grateful and proud of you.

Listen to those words. Hang on to those stories. They far outweigh everything else.

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As we prepare for our final vaccine clinic, and brighter days ahead, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate and thank you- our teammates, our friends, our heroes.

You have shown up this year, in a way we swear is superhuman.

The following video is a tribute to you all. The TEAM that it took to survive this immensely challenging year. We have been collecting candid moments throughout the past 12 months. Moments that may have been “normal” to you, but we are certain were life-changing to others. We reached out to your families (the best we could while keeping this a surprise), and were not surprised by the words that came pouring in in respect and admiration.

We hope this video reminds you that what you do matters. Despite what you were personally feeling, you continued to find new ways to create joy, comfort, and encouragement for others. You protected thousands of innocent lives.  You saved just as many through your actions and care.

Please know that the impact you have had on us, our patients, their families, and our community is irreplaceable.

But most of all, we hope you watch this video, take a deep breath and know that together.. we made it.

Thank you.