Banners by Revera at Riverview seniors residence near Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, urge the public to think on the positive side about COVID and to thank staff who have cared for seniors particularly during the pandemic.--NEWS PHOTO
A seniors’ residence in Medicine Hat is encouraging the community to focus on “hope” during COVID-19 and to remember the heroes.
The perimeter fence at Riverview Seniors Residence, operated by Revera, is attracting attention with bright blue banners and white lettering on Prospect Drive. Strong and Proud reads one. Another says Honk for Hope and the third says Heroes work here.
Medicine Hat News was not able to connect with management at Riverview about the campaign but it is a national initiative celebrating the end of 2020 and focusing on those who have made a difference.
“… there were heroes who emerged through the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the heroes were undoubtedly the people who work in seniors living,” says a Revera website. “The pandemic put a spotlight on the thousands of people who have been working tirelessly on the frontlines to care for people in long term care homes and retirement residences. ”
Before the days of COVID it was generally only those who had a loved one living in a seniors’ residence who understood the efforts and dedication of staff. The Revera website says almost all of us are now aware of the tremendous job the staff do.
“… starting in 2021, we should focus on the heroism of these frontline workers to guide us as we continue to adapt to whatever a post-COVID world will look like. The examples they have set have been bold and we owe it to them to match their determination to serve others. ”
Medicine Hat’s long-term care and assisted living residences have been able to get through the COVID-19 pandemic so far with relatively few cases and deaths.
In a year-end interview with frontline workers as newsmakers of the year, Jessica Boylan-Batdorf, licensed practical nurse at Good Samaritan Society’s seniors’ residence, told the News she felt protective of residents a pandemic was declared and it was recognized that seniors were particularly at risk.
“I felt like a mama bear. We’ve got to keep this out of here,” said Boylan-Batdorf in December 2020.
Revera is suggesting you honk your horn for hope and acknowledge the staff who are the heroes.
