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 Feature Article

by Kathryn Moery

A number of parents attending a recent meeting asked for some guidance on how to help their children handle the changes that the coronavirus has brought.

Geana Connelly, Administrator of Clinical Services and Strategic Planning, shared her insights on how the residents and the campus has responded and adjusted in this time of covid. Overall, the residents have shown amazing resilience. Access to the campus environment and services, reduced feelings of isolation.  The continuity of their connectedness to our Misericordia community and their families was an important factor throughout Covid even though it looked different at times.  Residents and families learned to use technology in the absence of face to face visits.   They adjusted and adapted to what was in front of them at the time. While the residents are back to experiencing home visits again, many residents and families still look forward to their family zoom time as a way to catch up regularly.   In addition to using technology to connect with their families, the residents have also had opportunities to connect virtually with their friends across campus which has been an important factor for our residents.  Today, the virtual platform, Staying Connected continues to be offered weekly and is a resource many of the residents look forward to. 

Staff during the pandemic have also proven to be resilient.  They stepped in and provided ongoing support by helping the residents understand the changes that were taking place and provided reassurance that the changes were being made to keep them safe.  They worked with our residents to understand the importance of social distancing, handwashing and mask wearing.  They helped the residents manage the regular disappointments that we all faced during the pandemic.  Staff tapped into their own talents to bring fun into the homes, with a large focus on keeping the residents engaged and active.  

When day programming early on was halted across campus due to the spread of COVID, behavior services shifted to the residences to ensure that the residents needing support continued to have access to these services and staff continued to receive training to support the residents. Misericordia adopted a new training curriculum called Safety-Care which helps staff learn how to properly manage challenging behaviors by teaching functional alternatives. The use of this curriculum will be expanded due to its proactive approach.  

Counseling services continue to be an important avenue of support for individuals who are in need.  During the pandemic, it is no surprise that many referrals were due to the stress and anxiety that the residents were experiencing around the worries of Covid.  Group counseling was another avenue for cohorts that needed assistance with managing the stresses of Covid often causing interpersonal conflict.  Both individual and group counseling services will continue to be offered to support the emotional well-being of our residents.  

Geana shared helpful suggestions for families. Family members should stay on top of Misericordia’s communication that is published in Campus Connections.  This is an excellent resource to learn about Misericordia’s Covid practices, wellness and policies.  In addition, it gives insight into the many facets of the Misericordia community; highlighting staff, departments, programs and activities taking place.  This resource is shared monthly through Mis Biz and is posted on the mfa-sibs.org website.  Employees receive the newsletter the 2nd Wednesday of the month and it is published for families the weekend following that.

Geana also suggested that families should guard against showing stress or anxiety regarding the pandemic. Project a positive attitude as the residents may be inclined to mirror the reactions of others. It is important to be honest about the realities of the Covid-19 when talking about it and not to minimize the seriousness of the illness, but to provide reassurance that many people are working to stop the disease. However, limiting exposure to adverse media reports about the disease on television, podcasts, etc. is necessary to allay fear. Finally, at home follow the safety routines that the campus uses regarding mask wearing, hygiene, avoidance of crowds, and contact with others outside the family. Misericordia is strong in partnering with families to rise above these challenges.

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