Courtney Luciana Photos
Cheers broke out at Wesley Village Senior Assisted Living in Shelton Thursday as nurses clocked out of their morning shifts while others entered the building to start the night shift.
The cheers came for CNAs, senior living board members, and town officials gathered for a celebration to mark National Skilled Nursing Care Week.
The celebration took on extra significance this year because of the work the nurses are doing amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Marissa Salvesen (pictured) organized the celebration. Salvesen has worked for the United Methodist Organization, a provider that manages Wesley Villages, and manager of the Wesley HR department for several years.
Before the event had started, she made circles on both sides of the parking lot in bright green chalk and six feet apart from each other so that everyone knew where to stand.
“We do celebrate every year,” said Salvesen. “Usually, it’s like weeks worth of activities and events and breakfast. Of course, we needed to still honor them today and not only from working all year long but also during these trying times.”
Salvesen stood in front of several boxes that held 350 “Thank You” bags that contained candy and a note from the Connecticut Coalition To Improve End-Of-Life Care. She made sure each nurse grabbed one while walking.
The note recognized nurses for their dedication and included a “serious illness conversation guide” that provided them with a script of suggested responses to deliver to patients and families with questions and concerns during COVID-19.
Cow bells, hoorays, and homemade signs applauded the staff. Everyone walking down the aisle made sure to grab an additional goodybag that included a mask, vitamin c, and a can of chicken noodle soup.
The president of Wesley Village and United Methodist Homes, David Lawlor (at center in above photo), said the entire team has been anxious throughout the coronavirus pandemic, but the experience has brought the entire staff closer together.
“The energy of the staff sets the culture of our organization,” said Lawlor. “Today we want to recognize everybody from our house keeping staff, our maintenance staff, our CNAs, and all of our administrative folk. Everyone who is in this community. We’ve been through some hard times, but we are still standing.”
Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell (pictured) added stakes to his “Thank You To Our Heroes” sign to install it in the grass in front of the building. He placed it right next to where Salvensen was standing.
“Nurses play a critical role here in this country, around the world, and certainly here at this complex,” said Purcell.
Nurse and board member Debra Samorajczysk has been a part of Wesley Villages for 26 years. She said that kinship is not a new trend at the center.
“We are very close,” said Samorajcyzk. “We have leadership, a strong team, and that’s what counts. During coronavirus, we designated a television station, Channel 12, and all of our employees have taken part in programs.”
Programs available including virtual bingo, spiritual programs, and virtual tools of museums have kept residents like Charlene Deluca from not feeling lonely.
“The only thing that we aren’t used to is having to stay put,” said Deluca. “I’m not lonely because I can keep myself busy even though my family lives far away. I’m here today for anyone who is affiliated with Wesley.”
