Since the start of COVID-19, with prolonged closures of businesses and isolation of senior care facilities, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has done outreach within the Santa Barbara community and discovered a shortage of support at Casa Naomi, a residential care facility with four homes in Santa Barbara serving developmentally delayed seniors.
Since the residents have been quarantined with the rest of the world since March, they have been in need of mental stimulation and emotional support. Jeanne M. West, HSB community engagement manager, saw an opportunity to help.
HSB offered to show support by buying all four homes meals from McDonald’s, indoor and outdoor games such as Family Feud, Pictionary, coloring books, checkers and large puzzles for those visually impaired. Each home will also receive one iPad so residents can FaceTime with loved ones they have not be able to see since the pandemic started.
“We need to support those who are really struggling emotionally,” said West. “There is an opportunity to help, especially with the fact they can’t see or touch their loved ones.”
On Thursday, July 30, the 19 residents throughout the four homes will receive the items including the delivery of McDonald’s meals.
“Our residents can’t wait and we are so appreciate of Jeanne and HSB for donating these items to Casa Naomi,” said Rhonna Buyoco, owner and administrator of all four buildings.
For more information about Hospice of Santa Barbara, including volunteer opportunities, call 805-563-8820 or visit www.hospiceofsantabarbara.org.