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SUP Encore June19 2020-v2 PDF
SUP Encore June19 2020-v2 PDF
JUNE 2020
40
The Impact of Social Distancing
by Heather Wood
As it did with all of us, COVID-19 brought tremendous change of homeschooling two children. Homeschooling her 12-year-old daughter
“It’s hard not to view this time in my life brought greater awareness of her skills in that
to Michelle Viera’s life. The mother of three was arguably better
without feeling truly thankful for what I have,” department. “It’s been hell,” she laughed. “I
prepared for lockdown than many — she worked and taught her boys she said. “I try and focus on that each and don’t know how teachers can do it.”
from home long before the pandemic forced everyone else to do the every day. We’ve adjusted in a way that oth- However, were it not for COVID-19 her
same — but then the noise kicked in. ers simply weren’t able to, through no fault of family would have never had its own garden
their own. That has stayed with me.” and might never have realised how much
A valuable lesson for Ms Ranson-Leverock they could accomplish in a kitchen, Ms Smith
“In the beginning, I saw the ‘silver linings’ in of the office even if I’m not directly involved has been learning that sometimes, “it’s OK to added.
almost everything, like extra time for doing the in the conversation; the ability to call out to say no”. “We planted our garden the first week we
things I enjoy, movie nights with my family, a a cube mate and get a question answered, “I can’t do everything I normally would,” got locked down, and it was wonderful. By
slower pace of life,” said Ms Viera, who, be- or congratulate a colleague on a deal won or she said. “When we first went into lockdown, Week 3 we were getting salads from our yard.
fore the pandemic taught water aerobics and commiserate on a deal lost.” I found myself feeling very anxious. I experi- “[During shelter in place you couldn’t] just
exercises through her company Fluid Fitness “Business is so much more than just ‘doing enced sleepless nights, I found myself break- order out. You had to cook everything on your
and, with Linda Cook, who owns online retail the deal’. People do business with people ing out in a sweat and feeling nauseous when own. That was great. I’ve been digging out
store Soltrino. they like, and we get to ‘like each other’ by faced with simple things like making a run to the recipe books. Some things have turned
“I had no problem keeping myself busy be- getting to know each other in person through the grocery store. I worried over how I would out great, and some things have turned out
tween schooling my kids, teaching my fitness conversations — conversations about work juggle two kids in primary school, a full-time … oh my God, try again. Even the child has
classes online, studying for certifications, and personal interests, family, spouses, chil- job and looking after us all on the home front. gotten into cooking and is doing a good job.
coming up with new class routines for my wa- dren and all the other aspects of our lives that But by saying no and limiting what I take on So this has been a great experience for that,
ter aerobics classes, and re-examining a busi- make us human.” (we can’t always get through all the home of family bonding and getting the house kind
ness plan for a dying retail business. I had a school activities and, surprisingly, the kids of in order.
nice little routine. As time went on, two weeks don’t seem to be any worse off — they’re just As a family that plays well together — “my
of social distancing became four weeks of not learning different things!), it’s been easier to husband and I are actually friends” — lock-
seeing anyone and then six weeks, and now SIMPLE INTERACTIONS manage my anxiety as time progresses. down offered the chance to explore the neigh-
I believe we are not going to see the end of LIKE A FOOTBALL PLAYDATE “I’ve been really impressed with the kind- bourhood and taught them to be creative in
social distancing for some time.” ness of my work colleagues and their sensi- their search for “alone time”.
“My business partner and I decided that WITH OTHER KIDS, A WINE tivity to what we’re all juggling at home. It’s “We went to places that we haven’t seen
our online retail store, Soltrino, which we not just about how much work you can turn before, we discovered new things and so for
had run for four years, would shut down at WITH A GIRLFRIEND ON THE
out or plough through, it’s also about a caring us as a couple it’s been fantastic, but with the
the end of March. The plan was to take the PATIO, THE GROCERY SHOP mindset in the new virtual workspace.” child too, it gets kind of sticky. Because when
remaining stock and sell it on Amazon. Retail Also helpful is that her husband Michael do you have alone time now? They don’t go
in Bermuda is so tricky. Add the fact that we WHEN YOU BUMP INTO EVERY- has risen to the occasion, proving himself as to school. But it’s been fantastic, it really has.
were online and out of people’s sight, phys- “the most amazing partner” through it all. At the end of this will people really be able
ONE WHEN YOU ARE IN A HUR-
ically, made it that much harder. People like “He handles childcare with me, often doing to return back to normal? I really doubt that.
to shop online through stores like Amazon RY; WE NEED HUMAN CONNEC- more than his fair share because his work What is it gonna look like exactly?”
etc. and ship in; they want to go on trips with is more flexible than mine. And his natural However it looks, Ms Viera is hopeful that
friends or family and buy their clothing and TIONS JUST AS MUCH AS WE tendency is to find the good in everything, so her businesses will continue to be a part of
swimwear. It is hard to compete with that. NEED THE AIR WE BREATHE.” he is upbeat and cheers me on. I’m certainly the picture.
However, as more and more businesses start far more appreciative of my partner now I see “I am doing a lot of studying to renew
setting up online stores to pivot and keep how well we work together when faced with certifications and adding new ones for my
their businesses going, we see the opportu- challenges. Overall, I think we’ve learned a lot business, Fluid Fitness. This business has
nity to turn our poor luck around and give it On the plus side, she loves that the pan- as a family, and I know that I can cope with come to a halt due to shelter-in-place and
another try.” demic has forced the world to slow down, far more than I ever thought.” social distancing. I do expect to see signifi-
Years from now, when describing to that it’s hastened an understanding that the She’s hoping to pay her good fortune cant changes in how I operate my classes this
youngsters what it was like to live through a way we have lived for centuries might not be forward by supporting “the local economy year. As a business that deals directly with
pandemic, she believes that forty-somethings great for the Earth. and small businesses as Bermuda returns to people, I am going to need to find ways to
will recall how they missed being surrounded “We have started to realise that the hustle a somewhat normal way of life”. pivot and keep reaching.”
by friends, getting kisses from loved ones, and bustle is destroying us and our planet It’s the help that entrepreneurs like Surlena Zoom helped her shift the focus of her
chit-chats in the office and neighbourly hugs. daily,” she said. “During strict lockdown, I Smith, owner of natural deodorant PondaPits, classes from water aerobics to strength
And while Zoom, Google Meet, WhatsApp appreciated the peace and the quiet — the will need. After-sales tanked as a result of training. Mindful of what was happening with
and other social apps enabled communica- stillness allowing me time to evaluate and COVID-19, she took out a long-term micro- many workplaces around her, she left it to
tion, the technology simultaneously highlight- re-evaluate — but today and many other loan with the Bermuda Economic Devel- the people who signed up to decide what, if
ed that there was distance. days, I miss physical interaction and the opment Corporation, set up a website and anything, to pay.
“I realise that we need other human inter- human touch. I miss hugging people outside expanded her product range. “I wanted these classes to be an outlet
action,” Ms Viera said. “Simple interactions my immediate home — my family, friends and Without that help, she doubts her business of stress relief, so the classes are offered on
like a football playdate with other kids, a wine loved ones.” would have survived. a donation basis. If someone cannot pay, it
with a girlfriend on the patio, the grocery shop Her movement is particularly restricted as “That is basically the cheapest money you does not matter. However, I do have many
when you bump into everyone when you are she lives with a vulnerable person. can get on the island,” said Ms Smith, who people who can donate, and for that, I am
in a hurry; we need human connections just “My nephew turned four months old in has four years to repay the loan. “It is a breath incredibly grateful.
as much as we need the air we breathe.” April, and all I wanted was to see him and of fresh air that the BEDC is able to offer a “If I were to look back on this time in my
Victoria Edmonds has worked from home hold him and smush his fat little cheeks. But cheap interest rate, as well as offering a grant. life 10, 20, or 30 years from now, I may cry
since her US-based (re) insurance company that is not possible. While I appreciate some “Without the BEDC’s help, I don’t think I at the lives lost, or the hardships that people
ordered staff to do so in March. of what COVID-19 has given us I am tired of would be able to pivot at all or have my head endured, I may laugh at the little inconve-
The experience has shown her that it is the sadness, the death, and the economic above water. I am still in a breaking even type niences or annoyances that I faced, but what
possible to do much of her job away from damage. I am tired of all that it has taken.” of place in my business. I believe with this I will remember is the kindness and humanity
the office but, like Ms Viera, she misses “the Emily Ranson-Leverock has used the boost from the BEDC, I will be able to be a that I saw in people, how people were willing
human dynamics”. pandemic as an opportunity to reflect on the profitable situation.” to lend a helping hand, or businesses offering
“I miss simple things like human interac- many positives in her life. Like Ms Edmonds, The business lesson wasn’t the only thing their services to keep people believing in the
tion, whether at someone’s desk or at the she was sent home by her (re) insurance com- she learned after Bermuda shuttered shops in greater good.”
coffee machine; the general noise and chatter pany in March; with that came the challenge a bid to limit the disease’s spread.
THIS HURRICANE
ACCORDIAN special orders
SHUTTERS
15% off stock
items
SEASON ROLLER
SHUTTERS LEXAN PANELS
Add a touch of class. Add a touch of glass.
Ageing
in Place
By Annabel Cooper
As we and the people we love get older, our dations for equipment and she continued. “Make sure Group allow the user to our customers to help them
homes can be more difficult to live in, particularly the most necessary home your toilet height is at least communicate with their with a planned payment
in Bermuda where many involve steps just to get modifications and adapta- 17 inches from the floor,” central station, permit schedule.”
to the front door, and that’s before negotiating tions.” and when buying furniture, caregivers to keep in touch, Certain insurance poli-
According to Mike “make sure it is not too low, can be programmed to give cies, such as one offered by
slippery bathroom floors, staircases, low chairs
Serebrennik, Director of or that there is at least a bar automated reminders, and BF&M will cover 80 per cent
and high beds. Clinical Affairs at Lighthouse stool or living room set that include a GPS system so the of the cost “of the necessary
Medical Supplies Ltd., when is up higher.” Anything that wearer can be located easily medical equipment that a
We speak to some experts Tinee Furbert, Occupational it comes to fixtures and is 15 inches from the ground in an emergency. senior might need.” Howev-
about how to retrofit your Therapist at Medical House. fittings, the most commonly or less is usually too low. er, they do not cover “any
house so you can maintain If you want to remain at needed equipment for se- For the bedroom, Ms A major concern for associated home renova-
the independence and com- home, she said “you should niors includes bathroom and Furbert said that if she had seniors needing to retrofit tions or installation costs.”
fort that only your own home definitely consider widening bedroom safety equipment, to get a new bed now, she their homes is cost. Because of the sums
will allow. your doorways to at least mobility aids and accessi- would get one where the Renovations and medical involved in necessary home
Once we enter our 32-34 inches. You also want bility equipment. He also head or the feet rise, “so I equipment are not cheap. renovations for seniors to
twilight years, accessibility to make sure that the most warned that “falls are most can put my feet up and my One way to ease the funding age in place, a govern-
generally can start to be- commonly used areas are frequent and most severe head up, and that will help issue, said Ms Furbert, is ment-backed loan scheme
come a problem. Common accessible and that your in bathrooms, where there me as I age, in case I expe- to think about this early on. was announced in January,
issues people could experi- bedroom, bathroom and are many hard and slippery rience swelling in my legs or “When people are build- making interest free loans of
ence “are that they become kitchen (or kitchenette) are surfaces.” digestive issues. They make ing their homes initially, or up to $15,000 available for
unsteady on their feet, start all on one level.” He particularly recom- beds that don’t look like buying a home, take into “family members of persons
to lose peripheral vision, or Walette Cross, BHB Allied mended removing tripping hospital beds, but still have consideration that we age, in need of financing home
develop memory loss just to Health Services’ Occupa- hazards such as rugs, im- those features.” and ask yourself, how are renovations, modifications
name a few,” said Bermuda tional Therapist Clinical proving lighting throughout Other general modifica- you going to use the home and/or goods or services
Red Cross Executive Direc- Supervisor, added that the premises and installing tions that she recommended as you age?” that support a safe, long-
accessibility aids such for older people include If renting equipment from term care setting for a loved
as wheelchair ramps, if a replacing knobs on cabinets, the Red Cross, Ms Spen- one living at home.” The
person uses a wheelchair. doors, or faucets with a lever cer-Arscott encouraged loan term is for a maximum
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS CAN Grab bars in the bathroom as it is “easier to manipulate customers “to speak to their of 10 years and is provided
PROBLEM SOLVE CHALLENGES AND and lift chairs, generally, can a lever versus a knob.” insurance company to find through the Bermuda Hous-
help someone rise from the Another useful device, out if rented equipment is ing Corporation, in conjunc-
LIMITATIONS IN AND AROUND THE HOME sitting position more easily. particularly for seniors living covered under their poli- tion with Age Concern.
Stairlifts can make floors on their own, is a medical cy.” She added that “where
tor, Ann Spencer-Arscott. “significant changes and more reachable, and he said alert system. “Person- possible we do work with
While there is a wide appropriate adaptations and that “accessible bathtubs al alarm systems for the
range of specialised equip- modifications can be costly can make bathing possible elderly have their benefits,”
ment available to either and can mean major reno- again.” said Ms Cross. “Most are
rent from the Bermuda Red
Cross or buy from Medical
vations.” With this in mind,
she advised consulting an
Similarly, Ms Furbert
explained that it is quite
common to install bath
activated by a push button
on a wearable device such
as a pendant or wrist band.”
MAKE A PLAN
House or Lighthouse Medi- Occupational Therapist be-
cal, it is useless if you can’t fore embarking on such an or shower chairs into the She added that for those
Personalized service with
get through your front door endeavour: bathtub or shower. “They who are able to use them
even make a device whereby efficiently, they are good for
financial and tax planning
or down your corridors. “Occupational therapists
“A lot of homes in Ber- can problem solve challeng- you sit in the tub, and it will providing quick access to
muda are old cottages, and es and limitations in and lower you down into it.” medical help and peace of
have tight and tiny entrances around the home,” she said. Toilet and furniture height mind.
into their rooms,” explained “They can make recommen- can make a difference to The devices available www.SeniorSolutionsBDA.com | 1 441 232-5888
the quality of life as we age, from Bermuda Security SeniorSolutionsBDA@outlook.com
Encore
70 • A Light, a Lock
and a Good Dog
Home and Personal Security Considerations as You Age
by Amoti K. Nyabongo
To say these are interesting times would be a When discussing home say that most companies if patience, then this may not advert on tv with an elderly
massive understatement; however embracing security with Ms Leleath Bai- requested, will agree to pro- be for you. person on the floor saying,
change as best we can, life goes on. We must ley, she referenced a situa- vide a service representative “Help! I’ve fallen, and I can’t
strive to embrace what semblance of normalcy tion where an intruder gained with a security word to en- INSTALL A SECURITY SYSTEM get up.” ICSS provides a lo-
access to a home through a able you to confirm that they The next option for home cal version of this. His com-
we can grasp every day. As we move from
bathroom window that ap- are in fact, who they claim security would be an alarm pany has been in existence
shelter in place to moving about our respective peared to be too small for an to be. This security word is for five years, and the word
community and other areas, some challenges system for your home or
adult to fit through. We usu- initiated and agreed upon apartment. The market has a has been slow to get out, but
remain. ally think of an intruder being by you, the consumer. She he is persistent because he
wide variety of offerings and
of average stature, however, suggests this is a necessity prices ranges, from stand- knows what his company is
Our personal safety, safety to install a few more. He this was not the case in this for seniors who live alone alone systems to 24-hour offering is needed.
for our loved ones and for says that when he comes instance. as it adds another layer of 7-day monitoring linked to a Through the use of locally
our home still remains a in at night, his driveway is Installing a deadbolt with security to mitigate risk. network. There are systems available infrastructure, when
major concern. As society lit when his vehicle triggers a key on both sides of the It is also a good idea to available that you as an in- the client presses the alert
and technology evolve, so the sensor, which gives him lock on main and secondary have trusted family mem- dividual, can install, such as button, Mr Smith’s company
do folks who would take a sense of security. Anoth- access doors is another de- bers or neighbours regularly the new Ring Home Security is able to provide alarm ac-
advantage of us. The good er option with lighting is to System. This system allows tivation to alert the Bermuda
news is that through tech- have exterior lighting on a you, through your personal Police Service, Bermuda
nology, planning and security timer which can be adjusted device (Cell phone, iPad, or Fire and Rescue as well as
AS SOCIETY AND TECHNOLOGY concerned family members
techniques, we can make it throughout the seasons or if tablet) to visually monitor
harder for those who would you are going to be away for EVOLVE, SO DO FOLKS WHO WOULD who is on your property via of the emergency. ICSS
take advantage of us (if not a time. sensor alert or who rings technology also has the
totally guarantee our safety). Another consideration is TAKE ADVANTAGE OF US. your doorbell. You can also capability to detect when an
What follows are some street lighting. Advocating have it connected to a mon- individual has fallen, the de-
ideas and suggestions for additional street lighting terrent as an intruder would check on those living alone. itoring centre for a monthly vice can generate an alarm/
regarding personal safety in with your neighbours, block have to leave the way they Mrs Erlor Dean says that she, fee. The upside is that you alert. They also have the
and around the home that watcher group, the local came in, which limits the size her family, and neighbours can tailor this DIY system to ability to track and locate the
have been offered by fellow church, parish council, or of what they can take. check on each other regular- your budget. individuals where-abouts in
Bermudian residents. minister would be the best Most new windows have ly. They are familiar with each Most security companies, real-time. This is good news
way to approach this issue. security tabs that limit how other’s routine, and if there as well as the Bermuda for families or caregivers
ADD EXTERIOR LIGHTING high the lower pane can be is a break in the routine, they Police Service, are willing that have relatives, friends
INSTALL LOCKS raised. For those who may make a phone call or inves- to conduct security surveys or clients that suffer from
Lighting is probably the
have older or wood-frame tigate. These trusted folks or audits for free to advise Alzheimer’s or dementia and
easiest to install and most Good locks are a key to
windows, it is suggested that have each other’s pertinent you on how you can to have a history of leaving the
cost-effective for personal peace of mind. Mrs Lise Fox,
you pin the window. This phone numbers and addi- minimize risk in your apart- residence unsupervised.
and home security. In talking who says she is always on
can be achieved, by drilling tional information in case of ment, on your property, or In speaking with Mr
with Mr Stanley Williams, guard, locks everything; win-
a hole about an inch deep an emergency. in the home. For seniors on Smith, he informed me that
he suggested that having all dows, screen doors, sliding
into the frame of the upper a fixed income, 24-hour while the cost of his services
areas around your home lit glass doors. While she does
pane and inserting a 2 ½” CONSIDER ADOPTING A DOG 7-day monitoring may not be is reasonable, Government
at night can cut down on in- not personally know anyone
nail, thus limiting the height Three of the interviewees an option, but it is always a Health Insurance (GHI),
truders trespassing. He also who has suffered through a
that the lower pane can be advocated for owning a dog. good idea to check and see Financial Assistance, Argus
suggested that having blinds burglary or home invasion,
raised. You can contact your Dogs can sense or detect what security companies are and BF&M are all willing to
on your windows so people she does not want to be-
local carpenter or check You- intruders or trespassers and offering as no two individual assist with the cost of the
cannot look in to see if you come a victim.
Tube to see how it is done. in barking scare them off or situations are the same. service and subscription.
are home, or what valuables In talking with Ms Esme
This can be done in less than best case…would-be intrud- In conducting research The website is icssbda.com,
you may have. Williams, who is also a
five minutes per window. ers just pass your property for this article, I talked with and the phone contact is 441
One may say that illumi- staunch advocate for seniors
(N.B. The diameter of the nail altogether. This writer has a Mr Dwain Smith CEO and 295 4277. They also have a
nating the exterior of your with disabilities/physical
should not be too snug and neighbour who has a good founder of ICSS Bermuda. Facebook page.
house could be expensive; challenges, says that people
hard to remove, or too loose dog. Depending on the tone This local based business The link for the Ring Sys-
however using LED lights should keep their screen
as to fall out.) of his bark, I may get up and provides 24/7 personal moni- tem: https://shop.ring.com/
instead of incandescent doors locked even with the
look outside. (Maybe I should toring services. Their mission pages/security-system
bulbs estimated savings are front door closed. People
BE ALERT buy him a cheeseburger for is “to provide our customers
about $150 over a 20 years. may come to your house Additional safety information
Another cost-saving option claiming an emergency sit- Be on the lookout for individ- services rendered.) with exemplary customer
uals posing as representa- Bear in mind that while a can be found on The Bermu-
is to get spot lamps that are uation…having your screen service, by removing the
tives from utility companies dog may be a good option da Police Service website:
triggered by motion sensors. door locked just gives you stress for those who are
and service providers in an for some, it may not be the http://www.bermudapolice.
Similarly, Mr Clyde Bur- an added layer of protection concerned about the protec-
attempt to gain access to best for all. Dogs require bm/content/senior-citi-
gess has some installed on when you open your front tion of their personal well-
your home. care and training of sorts. If zen-advice.
his property and is looking door. being…” We’ve all seen the
Ms Williams goes on to you do not have the time or
If you or someone you love has cancer, please call toll-free 770-400-7178
to speak with an International Oncology Information Specialist, available 24
hours per day, or visit cancercenter.com/international for more information.
© 2020 IPB
Love
your life
And your plan. At BF&M, our goal is
to help you live the best life you can
with the money you have. Of course
we’re focused on making your money
work as well as it can. But we don’t
just look at your return on investment;
we look at your return on life. That
means financial planning that works
for you now and for the future,
so you can go on loving life
—the way it should be.