Sara Stadem | Editor
Although the residents of the Colton Retirement Living Center were not able to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their loved ones like they would in normal years, that doesn’t mean they did not feel loved.
Thanks to the community of Colton and surrounding communities, the residents received Valentine’s that they were able to open and share in together, the farthest being received from Yankton.
This was the first year the residents made the Valentine’s Day boxes. Resident of 12 years, Lisa Nelsen said, “I had fun. I didn’t think I would but I did and the most fun was opening them. I saw one from someone that I didn’t know would send one and that was pretty cool.”
Pat Kotalik, five-year resident, said, “It was fun. It was something different. I was overcome by it. It was like a great feast. There was so many of them.” Kotalik said that she knew some of the people that sent the Valentine’s but most of them came from people that she didn’t know which was pretty neat.
Colton Retirement Living Administrator Michelle Wagner said, “It’s fun to do stuff like that. Everyone seemed to enjoy it and it put a smile on their face.” She continued, “It makes them feel like they are known and that people know what they are going through.”
Once COVID-19 hit, Wagner verified prior to January, Colton Retirement had not allowed visitors. When asked if this affected the residents, Wagner said, “We saw some pretty sad behaviors, loneliness. It was tough for them.” She continued, “It started to take a toll on them. They definitely knew, they were always watching the news. They knew we were trying to protect them from the virus so they understood.”
Wagner said they have done what they can to keep residents busy. They have trivia a couple times a month, holiday parties, bean bag tournaments and BINGO every Friday. “I’ve tried to keep them busy and entertained for the lack of being entertained outside of the facility and outside visitors.”
Back in January, Colton Retirement opened it up to visitors again according to Wagner. “We started opening the facility very slowly. We started with two visitors at a time. They need to call ahead and let us know that they are coming and they can stay for about an hour.” Wagner also stated, “The community has been wonderful. The family and friends have been wonderful and understanding with the rules and regulations.”
According to Wagner, everyone has had their COVID-19 vaccinations now. So, they will start allowing more visitors to come. They will start to invite the community again for live music, cards and a letter will be generated to family to let them know. “This will be done slowly. As the days go by, we will re-evaluate and go from there and hope everything continues to go well,” Wagner said.
Wagner clarified that all visitors and vendors will be required to wear masks when entering the facility and the Colton Retirement will continuing to follow the CDC guidelines and recommendations
Wagner concluded, “The one thing I want to finish with is how great our community is around here. Anytime I put something on Facebook, it’s amazing how fast people are dropping things off or stopping by if they can. The community is great that way and helping make our residents feel special.”
(Photos/Sara Stadem)