Kerry Donohue, A TBH Hero and Warrior
Activities Director, Kerry Donohue, doesn’t let the COVID-19 pandemic stop her from from doing her job.
Since 2002 Kerry has worked diligently to enhance the quality of life for The Boston Home residents. She considers The Boston Home her second family. Fifteen years ago she held her wedding at The Boston Home so the residents could be part of her special day. Her two children visit the residents regularly, and last year her daughter’s Girl Scout Troup received its art badge from professional artist and TBH resident Wanda.
“Most people who come here have experienced loss. My job is to help them engage, to give them permission to enjoy life again. I help people re-establish a sense of themselves as individuals. For some of our residents, coming to The Boston Home means no longer relying on family members as caregivers, so family relationships are evolving. I try to understand where each person is coming from, and suggest different ways of staying involved with family life.”
Before COVID-19 and the quarantine, the residents had a plethora of activities to choose from. They could do as little or as much as they like. The activities department offers art classes, a writing group, book discussion club, cribbage, bridge, bingo games, coffee and news, cocktail socials, outings to museums and concerts, Red Sox games, and much more.
The Boston Home now relies heavily on technology to keep the residents active and in touch with their family and friends.
“We have Coffee and News every morning on Zoom,” Kerry said. “Trivia and other games are played the same way. We set up DVD players in the residents’ rooms so they can watch movies. Art supplies have been set up for residents who want to paint and create, and of course we still have our cocktail nights. Residents keep in touch with their family and friends using Zoom, Skype, and Face Time. This year a few of our residents enjoyed a virtual Passover service with their families.”
COVID-19 is a challenge that Kerry and The Boston Home staff are battling every day. If you have the time, our residents would love to hear from you. They enjoy cards and video messages. If you’d like to donate movies or documentaries on DVD, or make a financial contribution, please contact Maribeth McKenzie-MacDonald at mmacdonald@thebostonhome.org or Click here to make a donation through our secured website.
