Creative team members ensure Burnbrae residents have Easter during outbreak

With safety precautions in effect, residents enjoyed cookie decorating, a colouring contest and window visits from the Easter bunny

Despite being in the midst of an outbreak, Burnbrae Gardens residents were still able to enjoy an Easter celebration with safety precautions in effect, thanks to the Campbellford long-term care home’s team members tapping into their creativity.

Residents have been in isolation since the outbreak was declared April 8, and staff members wanted to keep spirits high by providing everyone with Easter treats and some surprises to mark the holiday, says Burnbrae Gardens administrator and life enrichment co-ordinator (LEC) April Faux.

Initially, the home planned to host an outdoor Easter egg hunt for staff members’ children, and there was also supposed to be a parade, but those plans were cancelled when the outbreak was declared.

Instead, April and the life enrichment team organized Easter cookie decorating for residents, providing them with cookies, icing and utensils that were delivered to every resident who could participate.

There was a colouring contest where residents were provided with markers and sheets of paper. Team members also made Easter baskets filled with small treats that were customized to each resident’s diet texture that were delivered Easter morning.

Due to safety precautions in effect, residents are being delivered meals in their rooms, but team members provided Easter-themed placemats with their tray service to keep with the holiday theme.

“Staff wanted to ensure the residents had that special touch,” April tells The OMNIway. “The staff really went the extra mile to try to bring a smile to their faces in light of the times they’re facing.”

Capping off the Easter weekend was a visit from the Easter bunny, played by former Pleasant Meadow Manor LEC Chris Garden, who came to residents’ windows for visits.

“That really brought a lot of smiles, and sometimes tears, to their faces,” April says. “She has done this for the past few years, but it was extra-special this year because we were in isolation, and it just meant that much more to have that special touch, so a big thanks to Chris for doing that for us.”

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