At the onset of the pandemic, Day Programs in the city were suspended for in-person programming. Clients and families who relied on our program now had to isolate at home. Like other Day Programs we initially attempted virtual offerings, though found – like most others – that due to the age of our clients, and the equipment and technical knowledge required, they were unable to participate. Instead we set up recreation phone calls, whereby our Recreation Therapist would spend anywhere from half an hour to two hours on the phone with each client, engaging them in conversation and doing activities such as trivia, JEOPARDY games, Name that Tune, and other brainteasers.
Furthermore, we sent out activity and care packages, monthly newsletters and letters from staff and volunteers by regular mail. Our volunteer Laurier, for example, would send pictures and descriptions of his wood-working projects which we would format into a story, print and mail out. Other volunteers would send well-wishes, recipes and pictures. Our monthly newsletter included stories, historical features, messages from staff and a feature from our pet therapy duo Daisy and Gayle.
Care packages were made possible through grant funding, and included Christmas, Easter, and Canada Day themes. Clients also received a birthday cake and card delivered in-person on their birthday by staff or volunteers.
Periodically, staff would (where able) visit clients one-on-one, while respecting all Covid protocols. Some clients who’s caregivers required more respite were permitted weekly in-person visits with staff or volunteers in their home where they could engage in art projects, exercises, reading aloud and trivia games. Volunteers were matched with clients where available and staff rotated through clients on a regular basis.
Day Programs were eventually given permission to reopen onsite programming, though with restricted numbers and time periods. The Pilgrims Day Program could have 2 clients in the morning (2.5 hours) and 2 clients in the afternoon. Lunch was not permitted to be served but a morning coffee/snack and afternoon coffee/snack was offered. Clients were happy to be back but definitely looked forward to seeing more of their Day Program friends. This gave staff a chance to work one-on-one with clients, catering to individual interests.
Day Programs have gradually been increasing their numbers through the past few months, while still attempting to maintain safe distancing practices. Most are operating at 50%. Pilgrims Day Program is operating at slightly above average at around 70%. Programs were permitted to go back to full day programming about one year ago and have gotten back to our regular schedule of morning coffee and conversation, activities, homemade lunch, exercises, meditation, etc. We have been continuing to admit new clients to the program as waitlists are long. *
*one other change to mention is that some of our clients used to attend 2 or 3 days a week. Due to extensive waitlists, clients are now only permitted to attend one day a week (unless special permission is obtained from AHS). This has created a greater strain on caregivers. We have made concerted efforts to allow clients who need it two days a week – as less than this would be a detriment to their health and wellness and add to extreme caregiver burnout.