Here’s how members from senior-focused businesses across the area are stepping up to entertain senior citizens
By Patricia Nugent
Each week since the pandemic hit, members of the Cleveland East Senior Network group have laced up their dancing shoes, grabbed their signs, fired up the boom box and got in sync for the “Covid Shuffle.” They’ve taken their Dance Party Parade on the road to entertain at senior care facilities all over the east side of Cleveland.
“Our group wanted a way to give back to the senior communities we all serve in some capacity,” says Melinda Smith, who is in business development for The Fountains Assisted Living. “We gather at a different place each week, all coming from our day jobs to dance and let them know we’re here for them. We’ve danced in the snow, in the heat, you name it. We’ve been to a dozen places so far.”
Songs they jam to during the 30-minute dance party include “Twist,” “Happy,” and the crowd favorite “Sweet Caroline,” with the audience chiming in with the bah-bah-bum. The “Locomotion” and “Hokey-Pokey” are big hits, too.
Anywhere from six to 12 dancers participate each week. Cindy, of Caring Senior Choices, says the staff usually comes out and joins the fun. Seniors either watch from their windows, or some come out to the sidewalk.
And seniors love the show. They’ve been known to dance in the windows, blow kisses, and even hold their own signs that say, “Thank you.”
“It gives you such a feel-good moment, seeing how excited they are with the expression of love,” Shalom Plotkin, board member and owner of Right at Home says.
The plan is to continue to do the Dance Party Parades until senior communities can open their doors again, he says. They are already booked through August.
For more information on the Cleveland East Senior Network, email info@cle-eastseniornetwork.com.
Hats off to the groups sponsors:
The Fountains Assisted Living helps your loved one safely receive the care they need while maintaining independence. Giving you peace of mind in a family atmosphere.
Melinda Smith, business development
440-684-6697 TheGreensAndFountains.com
Right at Home provides custom personal hygiene, cleaning, driving, and pet care, for adults in the safety of their own home. Call for the affordable rate. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Shalom Plotkin, owner
216-752-2222 OhioSeniorCare.net
Residence Home Care is a five-star skilled nursing agency offering physical, occupational and speech therapies. Nurses are dementia-certified.
Tracy Debevits, clinical liaison
440-725-8601 ResidenceHC.com
Caring Senior Choices is a complimentary service helping you and your loved ones evaluate senior living options that meet your lifestyle, needs and desires. The choice is yours.
Cindy Cardwell, owner
216-404-7667 CaringSeniorChoices.com
From downsizing to decluttering, Creative Moves helps people overcome an overwhelming move respectfully, compassionately and safely.
Hilary Mason King, owner
216-925-2393 CreativeMovesLLC.com
The Koewler Law Firm helps people who need long-term care and people with special needs by working with their wishes and needs rather than cost-driven decisions.
Jim Koewler, attorney
330-659-3579 ProtectingSeniors.com
Arden Courts, offering specialized memory care, has 25 years of experience helping over 43,000 people with Alzheimer’s and dementia related issues.
Laura Chernauskas, memory care advisor
216-407-0380 Arden-Courts.com/chagrinfalls
Beachwood Commons provides independence, privacy, dignity and choices as to how seniors live their life when staying in their own home is no longer realistic.
Sharon Nicholas, health service liaison
216-318-1381 LifeServicesAssistedliving.com/beachwood-commons/our-community
Five Star Clinical Solutions creates quality of care for consumers. Do you have questions about a doctor’s visit, hospital or nursing home care? They can help get answers.
Roberta Brofman, founder
216-513-9622 FiveStarClinical.com