Ridgeland Place is an assisted living and memory care community, housing some 75 plus residents. Its located one block off of Pear Orchard Road in the Metro Jackson area. Residents are living under quarantine with several rules, regulations, and guidelines. Some folks may think this is somewhat challenging.
Ridgeland Place is a wonderful, safe, and secure place to call home because the people in charge are loving and caring in every way. They try to answer every question that might pop up.
There are guidelines and rules that are in place that must be followed. The questions come up how can family visit with residents? The answer was to pull their car up into the front of the building, then stay seated in their car with windows down and the resident can walk out and stand 10 feet apart and talk with their family or friends. The reason for this procedure is the resident cannot leave and the visitor or guest cannot enter the building. This is as close as the 2 can meet.
Several days ago, the police and a huge fire truck lead a car parade in front of the community. The residents were outside on the front waving signs and saying "Hello" to each car as they passed. The cars had signs on the side so residents got "Hello" in return. This was a huge success. Everyone had fun as the fire truck brought the parade to an end. The residents are hoping for another parade soon.
Since the main dining room is closed there are new rules coming from the kitchen. All food service is brought to each residents' room (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). The residents eat alone and that takes some time getting used to. Eating alone isn't much fun!
The residents can move about and roam throughout the building. The staff, who are on duty, wear blue gowns trying to keep germ free. They also wear face masks. Residents do not have to wear face masks.
One of the main activities that meets every day is bingo. There is a small crowd to attend. There is bible devotion each day and a small crowd meets. Since no one from the outside comes to teach, the lessons are divided among the ones who attend.
A small group got to ride the bus and sightsee downtown Jackson. Fresh air and sunlight are most welcome.
Come by to see this beautiful two-story community when everything is back to normal. Please read Matthew 22 v36-37.
Walter Redden is a Northsider.
