Activities and Connections Continue for Hallmark Residents

Though the coronavirus pandemic has inspired some changes designed to keep residents in our senior living community safe, it has not slowed down their pace of life. Socializing may look a little different at The Hallmark now, but it’s still in full swing, giving our residents every opportunity to engage, connect, and stay active and happy.

Keeping at a safe physical distance, wearing masks, and taking advantage of sanitizing stations gives our residents confidence to keep doing what they enjoy most. And our staff are busy ensuring that seating provides ample space between residents and surfaces are clean while continuing to offer a wide range of activities.

The Hallmark is home to many residents who love the opportunity to continue engaging with the arts. Those who enjoy arts and crafts gather for “Work of our Hands” in our activity room, the lounge, and other locations throughout the community. This regular event gives residents the opportunity to chat with friends while they work on and share their creations. What was once a weekly movie night has expanded into a nightly movie, with a new film shown in our community center each day of the week until Saturday afternoon, when residents enjoy an encore presentation of their most-loved films. Our writers group continues to meet at properly spaced tables and use our sound system to read aloud and share their latest stories with each other.

For staying physically fit, there are plenty of games and gatherings for residents to enjoy. Many physical activities are continuing with safety precautions in place, such as our Tai Chi, aerobics, and yoga classes. Even our billiard lessons are still taking place weekly. With the weather warming, many residents are heading outside to relax in and by the pool, where they can swim, chat with friends, and read a good book. Others join in by soaking up the sun from their balconies and waving to their friends below.

Our residents continue to keep their minds active, too. Rice University's Midweek Medley Lecture Series continues to be one of our most popular events. Though our residents had previously ventured out to Rice University for each seminar, the university continued to provide the lectures online during these times of physical distancing. Also, a Hallmark resident has started a new weekly Bible study and all attendees are taking measures to stay safe.

Connecting with the outside world is incredibly important, too, and residents have had many opportunities to do so. Residents who venture out are limiting their time away to two hours and having their temperatures checked upon return. Many are connecting virtually with friends and family often by way of Zoom meetings, video chats, and social media. Staff are also helping residents learn some of this technology that is new to them.

And as a special celebration, The Hallmark hosted a “family and friends” car parade for Mother’s Day. Residents gathered outside at our beautiful circle drive to wave as their loved ones drove through in cars decked out with balloons, car paint, and signs. Drivers and passengers called out with well wishes as they drove through, some stopping to leave gifts for their mothers and grandmothers. It was one of the largest resident festivities we’ve held – and it’s one that residents will likely never forget.

Though the safety precautions associated with the pandemic may continue, so will our residents in enjoying all that life here has to offer.