Epworth Villa “call team” mobilized
By Beth Case, Community Outreach Coordinator for Epworth Villa
New acquaintances and friendships are blossoming. Sally Lenz, a call team member, said this project was a step out of her comfort zone. Employees Rev. Marsha Purtell, a chaplain, Elizabeth Newell, a licensed clinical social worker, and Destiny Helms, director of independent living, have mobilized a group of volunteer callers made up of them and approximately 35 independent living residents, including Lenz.
The call is a daily check in. The callers check on the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our neighbors. The callers are instructed that It is not a time to pry. The call is voluntary to the recipient, but it is a way to keep in touch and not feel isolated.
“We are in the business of assisting members of our community to thrive,” Purtell said. “They have always been thriving educators, entrepreneurs, business leaders, church leaders, and continue to be a gift to our community. We do not want in any way to diminish any independence that is not mandated to each of us.”
The recipients are also asked by the caller assigned to them, “Please call and check on me, if you don’t receive my call.” The volunteers and those being called all agree that, “we are in this together.”
The callers ask questions like,
- “How was your dinner?”
- “Do you need any groceries?”
- “What are you doing for fun?”
- “Are you feeling well?”
- “Do you have all the medications you need?”
- “Do you need a puzzle, a book, art supplies, stationary, or something else to occupy your time?”
- “Are you finding time for spiritual renewal?”
- “Are you reaching out to other people in your faith community?”
- “Do you need devotional materials or devotional websites?”
- “Have you been outside to see the beautiful spring flowers?”
- “How is your family?”
If they just need to talk and vent, the volunteers say that’s fine, too.
Purtell went on to say that occasionally a resident might not be aware of something going on such as Wednesday morning breakfast. She has been able to find answers to questions on some occasions and says, “that’s been a positive thing.”
Lenz also said she enjoyed getting to know residents she didn’t know before, adding that it’s been fun and that she really likes them.
“They all seem truly happy to be at Epworth; they think management is doing a good job in a tough situation,” Lenz said. “One lady was hoping that we would get through this whole pandemic without a single case of COVID-19 at Epworth!”
“I’ve heard about kids and grandkids and such, have found commonalities among us, and sorta marvel that they truly don’t seem to mind my calling them every single day,” Lenz continued. “One lady and I were, just today, talking about how we couldn’t wait to go to a grocery store again! A ‘chore’ we agreed that, in normal pre-lock down times, could be a bit of a burden.”
Epworth Villa is a non-profit, life plan retirement community located in north Oklahoma City. To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/EpworthVilla.