Letters to Northwood residents welcome

Inside the grounds of Good Samaritan – Northwood, residents have been isolated from personal visits from friends and families to protect them from contracting coronavirus since last week.

It’s a similar story among all nursing homes and senior care facilities in the area.

At Northwood, personal messages and packages are still being hand-delivered to residents reminding them of their families. And special pictures are being delivered to families outside the community.

One resident, Jim Berg, is missing visits from his wife, Kathleen. The couple have been married for 60 years and before coronavirus, she was there daily to visit with her husband.

Being apart is difficult for both of them. They still talk on the phone regularly. Monday, Kathleen stopped by to drop off a card and some goodies for Jim.

Jennifer gave Kathleen this photo as well.

life continues in the Northwood community. According to Jennifer, one resident told her they feel like life is going on as it always has and they just pray for their families.

“All of our staff is working hard to meet one-on-one with our residents to play games, talk and enjoy time together,” said Jennifer Wilson. “We know being separated from family and friends is very difficult. However, we are a family here at Northwood and things like this just help us to get ever closer that we already are. This is our home away from home during the day and we truly love one another. ” 

When a bible study held each Monday had to be canceled since ladies from outside the home were unable to attend, two residents decided to gather for the study by themselves. They used it as a time to pray for the world, said Jennifer.

To help Northwood residents, the company is offering a service called send a note. Friends and families can go online here and send notes and attach photos for loved ones inside Northwood.

Since Friday, residents have already received 26 special electronic notes. She said they would love to receive more notes for residents. Notes can be addressed to certain residents or to “any resident” and the staff will ensure someone needing a special note will receive that message.

Additionally, Jennifer said they are taking pictures similar to the one we took for Jim and Kathleen and will be responding to the families with pictures of their loved ones.  

Here is a note.

Hi Mom, I am really missing our breakfast time and puzzle time. Make sure you ask them to take you down to work on it some, or wheel yourself down there, you can do it!

If you need ANYTHING, have them call me. I know you don’t like to bother them, but they are there for you, especially since we can’t come visit. I’m praying that this all passes, and I’ll be in to see you soon. Are you low on Butterscotch’s? Have them check the drawer by the window, and if your low, I’ll bring some out for them to give you. I’ll send another note soon. Love you