HOW TO HELP: A daughter’s idea for showing support for Bridge Park residents

Michele published much of this as a comment on our most-recent report about another coronavirus case at Bridge Park in High Point. Today she emailed and asked if we would post it separately:

You’ve been reading about the 3 confirmed cases of COVID-19 here in WS at the Bridge Park Senior living apartments. My mom is an 84 year old resident at Bridge Park. She has lived there two years, and it has been the most amazing home we could ever hope for her to enjoy. The staff is caring and wonderful in every way Bridge Park is an active independent living complex for seniors; it’s not assisted living or a skilled nursing facility.

The days at Bridge Park used to include three meals a day in the community dining room, daily bus trips to the mall, the junction and Westside. They had weekly social outings. They played cards and board games every night. They had exercise classes, lectures from UW professors, a traveling bean bag team, themed parties and just plain fun. They are now quarantined to their apartments 24/7. Many of the residents are widowed and live alone. Many don’t have family in close proximity.

This is a tragic time we are in now and the current confirmed cases at Bridge Park are unsettling. That being said I feel confident they are doing everything possible to keep the residents safe, healthy and informed. They’ve also been very good in communicating to the families.

I was standing in the Bridge Park parking lot talking to my mom as she stood on her balcony. It was nice to see her in person and see her smiling face while keeping precautions and distance. Many other residents came out on their balconies when they heard us talking. It was nice to see residents smiles and made me realize how lonely many of them must be during this quarantine. I’d love to be able to provide them some entertainment for them to enjoy from their balconies…anyone play the guitar/sing?? Obviously couldn’t be a group or band. Maybe kids could do some chalk art on the sidewalks surrounding Bridge Park?

Please don’t send groups or congregate in the area. Just putting ideas out there to bring some joy to your quarantined senior West Seattle neighbors!

Lots of room to even just walk by and wave … the complex’s address is 3204 SW Morgan, but it has units fronting on public sidewalk on 2 sides – Morgan west of Lanham, Lanham north of Morgan.

10 Replies to "HOW TO HELP: A daughter's idea for showing support for Bridge Park residents"

  • Sandi Kessler March 19, 2020 (3:33 pm)

    Hi Michelle,I lost my Mom last month and your Mom and the other people at Bridge Park have been on my heart since  I read about their quarentine. I imagine they must be very lonely, bored and worried. Can I give them a call to show our community support?Thank you!Sandi

  • Martha March 19, 2020 (4:23 pm)

    A friend whose father is at Life Care in Kirkland got a bunch of people to write cards. Especially to those who may not have family. Pretty cards, thank you cards, all kinds of cards. It has helped with the lonely folks. Just direct them to the staff and let them know in advance.

    • CMT March 19, 2020 (8:23 pm)

      Thank you for that idea!

  • TWST March 19, 2020 (4:51 pm)

    What if people were to deliver pots of beautiful flowers outside their building, for them to enjoy from a distance? Plants that attract pollinators might be nice.  Just one idea.

  • Jennie March 19, 2020 (6:02 pm)

    More ideas! A gal named Vic Lee started a thread on the WS Facebook group, and I added the sidewalk chalk idea (also cross posted to NextDoor): Street art: It’s going to be nice for the next few days (don’t see rain forecast until Monday). Maybe anyone looking for a fun project to do with kids could go by and write nice messages on the sidewalks using sidewalk chalk? Even just HELLO! with lots of hearts and smiley faces. I live nearby and walked over there to take a look – there are nice big broad sidewalks all around the building. Anyone can do this at any time, requires no human contact, and I’m sure would brighten their day to look out the window and see some love! Letter writing: Send a letter, drawing, or card to the complex, management will distribute to their boxes! Bridge Park Residents, 3204 SW Morgan street, Seattle, Wa 98126

  • Brenda Scallon March 19, 2020 (7:04 pm)

    Hi Michele,My husband would love to come play some guitar for these folks!!! I’ll have him call them. Great idea!!!

    • Michele March 19, 2020 (7:32 pm)

      Thanks so much!!! It will be appreciated by all!

      • LK March 21, 2020 (11:09 am)

        Hi Michelle! Thanks for this post and the great ideas! I took my niece to my grandmas patio yesterday to do some chalk art and believe I spoke to your mom on her patio! We’re all on this together! Stay well ❤️

  • Lori March 19, 2020 (7:28 pm)

    My husband would love to do the same – he’ll give them a call as well!

  • M March 19, 2020 (8:30 pm)

    Are they testing each of the residents? 

Sorry, comment time is over.