Every day, worrying figures are given regarding the deaths of the most fragile, the elderly, in the context of the coronavirus. An anxiety-provoking atmosphere that does not reflect the joie de vivre that emerges from senior residences. It’s in one of them, Domitys, that Laure, coordinating coordinator, works. Meet.
Death, loneliness, fear of tomorrow, controversy … And if we put aside these harmful feelings to talk about life, beautiful initiatives and humanity. Between two new Covid-19 news that add to a long list, we have contacted by phone Laure, coordinator for a year in one of the senior service residences Domitys. The latter explains her daily life with elderly people who want only one thing: to live a peaceful life while keeping a social bond.
When the elderly point out, there are two possible choices for ending one's life: either staying at home, or living in a nursing home. But alternatives exist and they are called residences for autonomous seniors, like Domitys. These are spacious, quality residences, with apartments with suitable surfaces (mainly 2 and 3-room apartments from 45 to 65 m²), designed to make life easier. These places are also friendly and lively places to break away from loneliness, with nearly 50 events per residence and per month.
What is the situation in the residences at the moment?
Laure : Right now with the Covid, it's okay. I’m lucky to work with a close-knit team, which is very important. At the resident level, there is a small drop in morale due to the isolation. This feeling touches me a lot. So we adapt, we are more present than usual. I spend every day in the homes, I answer all the questions. I try to reassure them. And they are very grateful for our work. We favor personalized moments with each resident. They are happy to see us because being alone at home is very complicated. They are no more afraid than that. Personally, I find the information, which you can see on television, to be very negative. They do not show positive things. For morale, you shouldn't look too much. What is happening in the Ehpad is sad.
Are the sanitary directives well followed?
Laure : For our part, we have put everything in place so that the coronavirus does not come home. We respect barrier gestures and residents stay at home. We have closed the common areas: the swimming pool, the gym, the restaurant … We bring food trays morning, noon and evening. Families can no longer come to see their loved ones. But the residences are of course open to caregivers. The animators, we are well equipped, we have coats, gloves and masks. We try to stay at the door or at the window to talk to the elderly. All of these guidelines reassure them. At Domitys, we are lucky in terms of equipment, we have reservations. So I'm not afraid to come to work. Everything is secure. No case of coronavirus is to be deplored.
How do the events take place?
Laure : I'm learning a new job: the balcony hostess. I redouble my creativity to create moments of entertainment and avoid breaking the bond that I have had with them for a year. People chat and hello from their balconies. This week we have set up a Question for a balcony. Each resident had his little sign. Yesterday we had a balcony lotto with small prizes to be won. We sing and exercise at the balcony. This gives them a purpose: at 4 p.m. I have such an animation, I get dressed and I motivate myself.
For families, how do they stay in touch?
Laure : Some seniors are equipped (computers, tablets) because they are modern. We just installed Skype so they can see their families live. And for those who do not have any equipment, as an animator we have three tablets, so we go to see them, before we contact the relatives and we set up videoconferences. This is very impressive for some people. To see them happy and amazed to see their grandchildren is funny. These are moments that mean a lot to them. A new, virtual bond is being established between us and families from now on, thanks to this period. Relatives are reassured. I even send photos. Modernity is a real remedy for loneliness.
Are you touched by the thanks of the population to the caregivers and professionals who take care, like you, of the elderly?
Laure : I am very touched yes. I receive a few words of thanks from our management and our residents. We always have smiles when we are greeted. The first time we sang on the balconies, the building next door, which is not part of our residences, got into the game and they pushed the song with us. I had tears in my eyes, it was very moving. We really have a recognition, which helps us in our profession. Our goal, at all times, is to keep smiling and to prevent loneliness.