In April, at the start of the pandemic, we introduced Connection Coordinators to each of our sites to help facilitate video calls between our residents and their loved ones. In the absence of being able to see them in person, we wanted to ensure our residents retained a feeling of connection to the people they care about.
One of our Hahndorf residents’ sisters contacted us all the way from the Netherlands hoping to be able to video chat with her brother after more than 64 years apart!
Our team worked to set up a suitable time, taking the time difference into account, and the result brought tears to many an eye as the two sisters were able to see and hear their beloved brother after all this time!
After their phone call, the sisters organised a cake to be made for their brother. It was made in the shape of a traditional Dutch Windmill and they had it sent to the facility and served as morning tea for Arie and his neighbours.
Some of the feedback received from Arie’s family:
Thank you for making it possible for my sister and I to finally see our brother again via video call after 64 years. It has touched us all deeply. Our brother’s fragile health was hard to see and we want to share the time we can with him as often as possible. He likes it best when we sing old Dutch songs for him. The cake we had made is also typical Dutch tulips and windmill to all eat together with Arie. Thank you again for all your support in making this possible. There are again three happy people on earth.
Big kiss, from Joke and Paula
It has been such a great week for my aunts and me. We are so thankful that you made everything possible. Thank you all so much. Enjoy the cake together with him. Give him a big hug from me.
Love his niece, Isabella
The power of technology is incredible!
