Assisted living homes taking extra precautions, working 24/7 despite COVID-19

WYOMING, Mich. — It is not just medical workers putting in overtime during the coronavirus pandemic. Caregivers at assisted living facilities are working around the clock to keep residents safe.

David's House Ministries in Wyoming has been adding employees and seeking extra cleaning supplies to keep the virus away while also adding extra activities inside to keep spirits high.

With every day that passes, the need grows larger. While they have everything under control at the moment, they are requesting help from the community in case months pass with no COVID-19 resolution.

"It can be stressful at times like any healthcare profession." says Greg Vander Goot, director of advancement at David's House. "There are things you deal with that are stressful and we don't have an abundance of staff. We have care every day, 365 or 366 days this year with leap year."

The biggest stress relief that could come to the facility is of course a quick fix to the pandemic, but in the meantime they are asking for any donations. The biggest need is extra cleaning supplies, games and and fun things to do inside along with monetary donations to support their staff. They are also looking for folks who want to join their team and help with the care.

Vander Goot says David's House runs a pretty tight ship as far as staff goes. They don’t have extra people and if somebody were to get sick or care for sick children, their overtime costs will go up and impact the budget.

The budget is also in limbo after the facility had to postpone, and likely cancel their one of their largest fundraisers of the year.

The workers that are currently staffed are well trained in thorough cleaning techniques. They are also teaching residents how to properly wash their hands and to do it frequently.

As an extra precaution to the residents, so that they do not run into any problems plaguing some assisted living homes across the nation, residents are not allowed. Workers are also screened every time they come to the homes for symptoms of COVID-19. If they show signs that they could be sick, they are sent home immediately.

While visitors are not allowed, family members can still call to check on their loved ones.

If you would like to donate, you can visit David's House Ministries at 2390 Banner Dr. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also donate at the David's House Ministries website.