Providers Get Creative to Fight COVID Isolation

Every day across the United States and world, health care providers demonstrate quiet humanity as they deliver patient during a pandemic. Here are just few stories that exemplify from Legacy Care, an independent medical group of physicians advanced practice who on-site for post-acute long-term care, inpatient rehabilitation, assisted living communities around nation. Molly Cage, MD, PhD, has been playing piano since second grade. Her musical gifts ones she freely shares with patients through live classical performances she’s hosted at four in central Virginia where works. “Playing music others is special me,” said Dr. whose repertoire includes pieces Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, other masters. “Residents seem to really like it so appreciative — it’s nice change pace them.” first series concerts was held February, before COVID-19 hit. Afterward, had get creative perform safely. Using her husband’s speaker his bluegrass band portable keyboard, Cage brought show on road. “I played hallways, residents were able sit doorways their apartments or rooms listen, socially distanced,” said. “They isolated right now, stuck inside. The almost be little vacation without travel.” Care 2017, noticed calming affect patients. “There one began smiling swinging legs when I Debussy piece. She didn’t remember used dancer, but hearing song seemed bring back lost memory, least physical body.” There wide body research compelling evidence points how positively influences (Caring Ages 2018;19[12]:P18). “We trained very academic our approach body, clearly there much more people than selves,” Cage. “My responsibility doctor heal, cannot always done prescription.” Elizabeth Adams, ACNP, nurse practitioner considers family members. When saw lonely become because visitor restrictions, took action. watched depressed helpless rooms, disconnected families. They felt trapped,” Ms. Adams. Online connections aren’t viable solution. “This generation doesn’t understand virtual loved sometimes can even bit confusing. knew we folks outside fresh air sunshine.” That’s Friday Fun born Virginia-based skilled nursing center Adams served provider several years. “For gathering, cut-up watermelon about 15 joined me patio,” Other summertime-themed refreshments eventually made menu well, including fancy fruit punch “mocktails,” cantaloupe, honeydew. Outdoors, help ensure social distancing protocols followed. folding table chair also complete charts while sitting everyone.” asked what these outdoor gatherings mean community, resident named Grace said, “These events give sanity, comfort, freedom.” Diane, another resident, added, “The peace serenity.” Kathy Anderson, ACNP-BC, heart gold. A 20 years, recently 30 goodie bags rehabilitation delivers Richmond, VA. wooden airplane kit, colored pencils, jumbo word search book, fluffy socks, comforts among treats provided. “Because COVID-19, no activities, mostly confined rooms,” time make each gift bag own. attempting some light gloomy day.” eight seasoned devoted “Geriatrics great specialty brings many rewards.” Meredith vice president Communications & Culture Virginia.