Looking back over 2020, the Brookhouse Home found that we really had to rely on the little things to keep our spirits up during a long year.
Before the pandemic, organizations or individuals would regularly come to the Brookhouse Home to play the piano for the ladies or bring a comfort dog to greet our residents. Further, before covid 19 forced us into lockdown, we had a full schedule of visiting square dancers, Irish step dancers, chamber musicians, visitors from the National Park Service, school children, family and friends gracing our hallways.
That all changed in March 2020 when our facility was closed to visitors. We feel as this long year is nearly over, we want to thank those who kept the spirits of our residents up even when we were locked down. We have to thank our staff for the little things. Whether they were delivering Halloween candy door to door to our residents or coming in on Thanksgiving to help serve the ladies a special meal, they went the extra mile. Additionally, all the decorations in the house were lovingly put up by staff and they made the house so beautiful and joyful.
The nursing staff, as well as everyone else who is part of the Brookhouse team, went above and beyond this year in every single way. Their care and concern keeps all of our spirits bright.
We have to thank our in-house musician Eric Reardon for performing for the ladies and staff during his work breaks. Eric, along with Judy Kane’s husband Marvin Kane performed for the ladies outside in summer. Once the cold weather came, Eric, as a member of the staff continued to play even if it meant standing in the hallways so the music would reach the rooms.
Our Activities Director Marsha DiCesare does so many activities that go above and beyond her job description. Marsha gave us all something to celebrate when in October 2020, the Brookhouse Home entered and won The Brentwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center’s scarecrow contest!
We want to express our special thanks to the Salem Police and friends who brought us masks and gloves and much needed hand sanitizer!!
Additionally, Friends of Brookhouse never disappoint. We received donations of blankets, slippers, soaps, chocolates, and the special greens donated from The Salem Garden Club which made our home come alive with wreaths and garlands outside. We are grateful to the families who helped us celebrate a number of birthday greetings from outside our home for residents with banners and hearts in the windows to keep spirits up.
Further, what we would do without Chef Dennis Cox who prepared a fabulous Thanksgiving and Christmas feast for the ladies and throughout the year really went above and beyond to prepare and present meals day after day.
Happy New Year to all and thank you for all you have done for us in 2020!
