MARQUETTE — A simple face-to-face conversation used to be a typical experience. However, during a time where quarantine, confinement and social distancing are the new norm, people are finding new ways to maintain those connections.

The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain is practicing social distancing measures while still keeping communication alive for its residents. VA employees, specifically those who work in recreational therapy, are coming up with new techniques to keep veterans socially engaged during this pandemic. The center is also working with families and friends of the veterans to set up virtual interactions through Skype, Facebook Messenger and other meeting platforms.

Utilizing these virtual platforms allows residents to speak with their family members and friends so they can feel connected and not as if they are so far removed from those they love,” OGJVAMC Public Affairs Officer Assistant John S. Jamison said.

“Some of our residents are long-term and would be here possibly for the rest of their lives. We find that it is very important to keep them socially connected to those they love as well as those that they have become acquainted with here at the facility,î” Jamison said. “Isolation and loneliness can have an effect on the physical being as well as the veteran’s mental state. Positivity is what we are trying to foster. We strive to keep our veterans engaged with each other as well as family members.”

Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center residents understand that they need to practice social distancing and follow the minimum 6-foot distance rule, Jamison noted, adding that they walk in the Community Living Center for exercise or therapy and sit in common areas, talking to one another with that guideline in mind.

“The measures the center took at the beginning stages of the pandemic were put in place to keep residents safe and healthy, which included restricting visitors, volunteers and non-essential employees from inpatient areas,” Jamison continued. “Procedures have changed in order to comply with social distancing such as bringing residents’ meals to their rooms instead of using the dining hall. Residents are ìoverwhelming(ly) gratefulî that OGJVAMC staff and officials have taken necessary precautions to maintain health and overall wellbeing of its veterans,” he added.

“Although we recognize the need for social interaction, we stand firm that we cannot put our residents at risk of exposure to any virus. We have been restricting outside visitation since early March in an attempt to maintain the health and wellness of our residents,” he said.

Activities and social interactions are still taking place such as Tuesday trivia, which has veterans winning certificates to the small store in the hospital and Wednesday Bingo where the entire Community Living Center participates from their individual rooms, Jamison said.

“Our staff has gone the extra mile to ensure that our residents’ needs are met. They are ordering grocery items for them through the VA store as well (as) meeting other needs,” Jamison said.

He said staff even surprised one veteran, who was missing his pets at home, with a robotic cat to give him that companionship.”

Until that 6-foot barrier is lifted, VA residents will still be able to feel connected to the outside world, their family and friends through a virtual lens.

Jackie Jahfetson can be reached

at jjahfetson@miningjournal.net.