Texas Ombudsman, Marsha Evans, Works to Connect with Long-Term Care Residents During COVID-19

August 24, 2020

Texas Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Marsha Evans, was featured in the Dallas News for her work with connecting with long-term care residents. The article also features other individuals who are finding ways to connect with residents in the facilities during COVID-19.

Through the Volunteer Program, Marsha has made a big impact on the lives of nursing home residents in isolation. When COVID-19 restricted visitation, she came up with a long list of ways for volunteers to connect virtually with seniors, and she’s still adding to it. Volunteers can correspond with letters, cards, photos and even videos. They can donate puzzle books and coloring books, pens and colored pencils, snacks, beach balls and other supplies. Some corporate supporters have even donated TVs, DVDs, DVD players and tablet computers.

She also finds creative ways for groups to visit. She coordinates outdoor musical performances, with residents watching from their windows, and put together a parade of honking cars through a community’s courtyard. “Some residents never receive a card or a visit, even before COVID-19,” Evans says. “We just want them to know that someone is thinking about them.”

Read the full article.