LONGMEADOW – Senior-living and life plan communities work to maintain a healthy quality of life for residents through activities and enrichments programs. When the pandemic hit and person-to-person interaction became dangerous, that work became a lot more difficult, but the life enrichment team at Glenmeadow in Longmeadow got creative to ensure the best environment for its residents. Now, it has been recognized for its imagination and dedication.

Glenmeadow was one of only five such communities to be recognized by LeadingAge Massachusetts, a state-wide association of not-for-profit providers of aging services, for its  “exceptional contributions in the face of the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Vice President of Health and Wellness Emily Perkins nominated the life enrichment team that she oversees at Glenmeadow because, she said, they have embodied a determination to not let the pandemic steal experiences from the residents.

"They went outside the box to find a way to engage them in their apartments,” Perkins said.         

The life enrichment team created an in-house television channel which aired programming, such as a game show, which the residents could call into to participate, a Bob Ross-style painting show to teach art lessons and a video updates on a chicken hatchery, which later saw the chicks brought to visit the residents while staff made sure to adhere to pandemic precautions.

There were also exercise programs, singing to residents outside their doors, and the broadcasting of ice cream truck music coupled with ice cream delivery to residents waiting in their doorways. During the nicer weather the residents participated in themed, socially-distanced outdoor parties.

Families of residents can even get in on the programming, Perkins said, as videos of Channel 918’s programs are available on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/glenmeadowretirement.

Perkins said that the enrichment team consists of four “amazing, incredible, very smart women and we had a couple of gentlemen who helped us with IT.” She also praised Director of Enrichment Laura Lavoie. She said that much of the program has been “her brainchild.”

Glenmeadow was established in 1884, and is an accredited life plan community, providing independent and assisted living through its facilities at 24 Tabor Crossing and through Glenmeadow at Home services.

For more information about Glenmeadow, its history and offerings, visit www. glenmeadow.org.