ASK AMY KOCH
A monthly column from the Executive Director of the Charles Ford Retirement Communities of New Harmony

Mental Health Challenges and Adjustments During Quarantine at the Charles Ford Retirement Communities of New Harmony

Since October is World Mental Health Month, we asked Amy Koch to describe some of the most difficult mental adjustments and challenges they’ve had to confront, during the eight months of quarantine, and the difficulties those challenges have placed on the Charles Ford Retirement Community – its residents and staff – and the families of both groups.

“Obviously, the most difficult aspect of the quarantine has been the separation each person feels when they are unable to be in relationship with others, whether it be the lack of interpersonal communication, absence of human to human connection or the lack of a familiar embrace.  And, of course, not knowing when this will end.

“At the Charles Ford Retirement Community, we’ve worked to maintain a daily routine that is as familiar as possible for our residents, however, we realize they miss the close interaction they had with family and friends prior to the pandemic, and they certainly miss having the connection felt through personal visits.  Gradually, we’ve been able to add supervised “porch” visits so that residents are able to have a limited number of visitors with social distancing and masks.

“From an administrative perspective, I’ve tried to keep family members aware of their family member’s health and mental well being with weekly telephone calls and written messages.  Also, I know they appreciate the ability to speak and see their family member via contact through the iPads that have been provided for individual use by each resident. And the staff works so hard to be family to the residents.  Now, however, being family in two places (at work and at home) brings a special challenge, because in order to do that they’ve had to sacrifice in many ways to stay healthy:  They avoid crowds, family gatherings, and other recreational enjoyment as a sacrifice in order to prevent exposure to the virus.

“Understandably, it has been difficult for some residents and some their families to adhere to the stringent precautions we have had to take, but we are very fortunate, so far, to have avoided Covid19 in our community. I’m reluctant to talk about that, because we are always vulnerable.

“We love the people who live with us and we are going to follow every protocol that helps to secure a safe environment, even if that upsets some of the individuals impacted.

This virus is extremely contagious.  All we can do is follow the guidelines for best practice and ask our friends and family members to understand. 

“Most people have been very understanding because they know how quickly this illness can spread from one individual to another.  We live in Community at the Charles Ford.  Our residents need to be able to enjoy fellowship within our community, and in order for that to happen, we have to do everything within our capacity to keep the virus out of our building!  If just one resident becomes infected with the Covid-19, all of our residents will be quarantined in their rooms for 10 to 14 days.

“Yes, things are tough, but I remind myself –‘This, too, shall pass.’  In the meantime, we appreciate the prayers and offers of support from those walking with us through this challenge.”