March 18, 2020
The Van Dyk Memory Care Center will be closed for all on-campus sessions between March 19 and April 3, 2020. We will re-evaluate availability in two weeks and keep you informed every step of the way.
Without the weekly interaction at the Farmhouse, we are concerned about your loved ones feeling some degree of social isolation. And without the extra time for you to have some “Me Time” during the day, we are concerned about family caregivers feeling some degree of burnout. Both issues are not only natural, they are inevitable during this time.
Please know that the Van Dyk family is always here to help. We have a solution in mind for your loved one and a solution for you…
For our members, Pam Tokarczuk is designing a Mind, Body & Soul activities program that allows them to participate virtually via Zoom. This program will require a family caregiver’s assistance from home. But you will be able to help your loved one participate in this program and remain connected to our staff each week.
As we prepare this virtual program, here’s how you can help be ready for it:
• Make sure that your WiFi connection at home is secure, and that your Internet speed is capable of handling Live Video Streaming.
• Register for a basic (free) account on Zoom.
• Set up a computer, tablet or television (ideal) with access to Zoom in a room that gives your loved one enough space to move around.
• Schedule a test call with our staff via Zoom, so we know that you’re able to use the account successfully.
For our family caregivers, we have a special offer from our home care division, At Home With Van Dyk.
Our certified home health aides are available to help with Assited Daily Living activities, light household chores, grocery shopping and so much more. Please contact At Home With Van Dyk’s executive director Christine Sanchez at christine@vandykhealthcare.com or (201) 444-4257. Please mention that you’re a member of the Van Dyk Memory Care Center.
We strongly recommend that you add some level of home care assistance. We understand the temptation to do it all yourself. But it’s too great of a burden to place on a family caregiver, especially with the additional stress that we’re all feeling at this time. We can help you put together a talented team of nurses and aides to help your family for a 4-hour shift or even 24 hours. You may want to consider hiring a Live-In home health aide for the next few weeks, just until things feel back to normal. We can help there too. It’s worth the peace of mind.
Please continue to follow the recommendations on preventive care from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the New Jersey Department of Health. Make sure that your loved ones are washing their hands frequently with soap and warm water (or use hand sanitizers as a secondary option). Help them avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Check their temperatures daily. Putting these precautionary measures in place at home will help improve their safety and the safety of others.
Please contact us if you’d like to place an order from Take Out With Van Dyk (dinner available tonight and tomorrow). Please let me know if you didn’t receive a copy of the menu. You can place your order at vandykfamily@vandykhealthcare.com or 973-238-4332.
If you have any questions, please e-mail me at pam@vandykhealthcare.com or call my cell at 973-477-3685.
Thank you, as always, for letting our family take care of your family.
Warm Regards,
Pam Tokarczuk
Executive Director
Van Dyk Memory Care Center