The ban officially went into effect at 5 p.m. on Friday. Since then, New York’s approximately 620 nursing homes have adjusted their visitor and volunteer policy accordingly. However, the ban has created new opportunities for families to connect with their loved ones, thanks to technology such as social media and video calls.

There are 78 residents between Fredonia Place’s assisted living and memory care facilities, some of whom are able to come and go throughout the day. “Just about everyone has opted to stay put,” said Mike Ferguson, director of marketing and communication at Fredonia Place. “We’ve tripled our activities schedule. We’re one of few facilities that have a seven day/week schedule. We’ve increased our exercise classes, indoor walking groups and the games and activities available.”

Ferguson told the OBSERVER that multiple Skype and Facetime stations have been set up for residents. “A lot of our residents have their own computer systems because we actually enhanced our building with bluetooth and Wifi technologies about a year and a half ago,” he explained. “But we’ve added several more laptops and iPads to allow residents to communicate with their families. They can also receive and make phone calls 24 hours a day.”

He noted that today’s St. Patrick’s Day dinner is still on schedule but limited to residents only. “The family members have been wonderful about understanding the restrictions,” said Ferguson.

OBSERVER File Photo Lake Shore Health Care Center is currently unoccupied.

On Thursday, Chautauqua Nursing & Rehabilitation Center reached out to families via Facebook to announce that visitation is suspended until further notice. Care plan meetings are now being arranged through phone conferences. “We understand that ongoing communication with your loved one is important and ask that you please contact the Social Work Department to arrange for phone, Facetime or Skype visits during this time,” they announced.

On Monday, CNRC began posting photos of residents sending “shoutouts” to their friends and family on dry-erase boards.

Heritage Ministries has also restricted all visitation at its skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities until further notice. Visitation hours for independent living communities are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

While residents are the ones most affected by Cuomo’s recent announcement, many nursing home employees are dealing with challenges related to school closures announced on Monday. Ferguson explained that Fredonia Place has been anticipating changes to some employees’ work availability for over a week and has already enacted a plan to address childcare concerns.

“We employ just under 75 people, depending on the time of year,” he explained. “We’re making sure they get the time off they need and rotating schedules. We went to an eight-hour schedule, which are shorter shifts, to increase flexibility.”

CNRC wowed employees and the community with their Facebook announcement that, beginning Monday, all staff who are scheduled/working between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays will be provided with free on-site childcare for school-age children (preK through eighth grade).

“Child care will be provided in what was previously the employee dining room,” the post stated. “Food, games, arts and crafts in a safe, secure environment. Rest assured, families, there will not be any co-mingling of our littles and your loved ones!”

In a letter to staff, David Smeltzer, president and CEO of Heritage Ministries, expressed his sympathy for employees in a childcare predicament.

“We recognize that for those of you with school age children, the recent school closures have added another layer of stress to this already intense situation,” he wrote. “While we do not have the capacity or ability to provide direct support, we want you to know that we are extremely sympathetic to your situation. If there is anything we can do to adjust your schedule or work dates, please do not hesitate to contact your supervisor or facility HR director, and we will make every effort to make adjustments as possible.”

Ferguson emphasized that employees’ and residents’ health is a top priority. All staff have been wearing masks and “higher level masks are coming in.”

“We’re trying to keep our residents, our staff and their family members safe by following this protocol,” said Ferguson. “Our goal is to be proactive so that we can be part of widespread efforts to limit the spread of the virus and make it as low impact as possible.”