In a season of social distancing and amidst a global pandemic, Immanuel is determined to help seniors safely celebrate this holiday. Immanuel Communities, the Midwest leader in retirement living and senior services, hosted holiday parades for residents at eight of their campuses around the Omaha metro and in Lincoln. The parades featured live reindeer, elves, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and are just one of the ways Immanuel is putting residents first this season.
Made possible through the non-profit organization’s life enrichment teams and special animal guests from Scatter Joy Acres, the holiday parades took place Dec. 8 - 10 at the Trinity Campus (Papillion, Neb.), Pacific Springs (Omaha, Neb.), Lakeside Campus (Omaha, Neb.), Arboretum Village (Omaha, Neb.), Graceview Courtyard (Council Bluffs, Iowa), Immanuel Village Campus (Omaha, Neb.), The Landing (Lincoln, Neb.) and Yankee Hill Village (Lincoln, Neb.).
“The holidays are certainly different this year, but we’re still encouraging Immanuel residents to make fantastic memories throughout the season,” said Jennifer Knecht, Immanuel vice president of marketing and sales. “Balancing safety, health and wellbeing has been a primary focus for us throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re now reinventing the holiday with opportunities for residents to celebrate, safely connect and enjoy.”
The parades are just one of the ways Immanuel is encouraging residents to safely make new memories this season. Residents can participate in safe holiday activities on campus, many virtual. Family members are encouraged to get involved through a holiday-dedicated website featuring virtual activities to do with their senior loved ones and ideas on how to reinvent beloved traditions. And for senior residents worried about navigating digital devices, team members will be there to help.
“We’re encouraging families to be highly involved this year,” said Knecht. “We know just how important connection can be. Senior loneliness is a growing epidemic and whether it’s through virtual family activities, assistance in connecting digitally, or a parade featuring live reindeer, Immanuel is putting seniors first this holiday.”
