SAN ANGELO, Texas — The Baptist Retirement Community in San Angelo is starting a campaign for the community to show their support for those living and working in senior care facilities by displaying gold ribbon outside of their home.
BRC Director of Marketing Erin Kelly said this is the first time they have held this event as a response to COVID-19. She said its been a difficult few months for both residents and staff, who have had to take extra precautions to stay safe.
BRC is hoping people in the community will display these gold ribbons for the entire month of May to bring awareness and support to those most at risk and the essential workers that care for them. While they were only handing out ribbons Monday, May 11, it's not too late to participate.
Many of the 400-plus residents have been quarantined alone and unable to see friends or loved ones. Kelly said there are approximately 250 full-time staff members at Baptist Retirement Community such as nurses, nurses’ aides, housekeeping and dietary workers, who are there 24 hours a day. The retirement community spans more than 100 acres with three distinct parts: independent living homes, assisted living and the nursing home.
Kelly said they try their best to keep the residents active and positive with different activities and events.
The way these ribbons can be displayed is up to the imagination. They can be tied to the front door as a bow, wrapped around a tree or even tied to the car’s antenna to show support on the road.
Kelly said community members can reach out to the Baptist Retirement Community’s marketing department to get a gold ribbon or they can just use any gold ribbon around the house or from Christmas.
Other ways to cheer up residents is to send cards or pictures, which are quarantined for four days before being distributed to the seniors. Kelly also said people can wave to residents from outside their windows and we can still show them support, even from a safe distance.