The Esquiline Wellness Blog

For many, Lent is a solemn season. It’s a time for serious reflection, both spiritually and personally. But as we look ahead to Holy Week in March, our thoughts turn to quiet preparations for Easter joy. With that in mind, let’s take a look ahead at some of the lighthearted, fun ways people have and will celebrate Easter across the world.

Lent is a time of spiritual renewal and reflection. It’s a time to reflect on both our faith and our lives, and an opportunity to pause and take a deeper look at things we might otherwise overlook or take for granted.

As we age, we all need a little extra help, and some of us need more or less at different stages of our journey. If you have started evaluating alternatives for a loved one’s care, it’s important to do your research. And the sooner you make this decision - perhaps even before you or a loved one requires such care - the better. 

The holidays provide many of us an opportunity to see those we love - whether virtually or in person. It’s a time to connect or reconnect with those we may not have seen in many months - or even years. During these holiday catchups, it can sometimes become clear that a loved one’s health has declined since the last time you connected. Perhaps there has been a fall or health mishap, or their mental or physical health doesn’t appear to be what it used to. 

Remaining connected to a loved one in a skilled nursing center or nursing home can be difficult. You may be limited in your ability to visit a loved one due to the center’s policies, or perhaps you live far away or work odd hours, making in-person support difficult. Illness or injury, the needs of other family members, and other responsibilities can quickly eat up your time. 

As you work toward following your resolutions this year, you’re probably striving to improve things of this world — becoming more healthy, eating right, volunteering, and budgeting. However, this year, we challenge you to take some time to consider your spiritual needs and goals.

Many of us imagine spending our final years in our own homes, but the odds are against us. Few of us will end our lives in the homes where we’ve spent most of our time. But what happens if your parent doesn’t want to go to a nursing home or skilled nursing facility? What if they want to remain at home, despite their increasing care needs and decreasing mental acuity? 

UPDATE: February 12, 2021

We are delighted to report that our community of residents and staff received the 2nd dose of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine on Friday, February 5, 2021!  

We have moved from twice per week testing to just once per week of the residents and staff at the Dammert Care Center and St. Francis Assisted Living for COVID-19 in order to contain and manage the spread of the virus.  

We have received final test results from our most recent round of testing and all continue to test negative.  The new total of positive cases of COVID-19  in residents remains at 41 and the total number of staff at 30.

Unfortunately, despite our precautions, continued adherence to the guidance set forth by the Illinois Department of Health and the St. Clair County Health Department, and the best efforts of heroic medical staff, eight residents have passed away due to complications related to the virus. We mourn their passing and encourage you to keep them and their families in your prayers.  

As of today, we are relieved to report that 30 residents and 30 staff members have fully recovered and have been taken out of isolation. We continue to work diligently each day to improve outcomes for our residents and staff during this time. 

Updates can also be heard on our COVID-19 hotline at 618.394.6261.

Thank you again for your patience and prayers.

The global pandemic has made safety an even greater factor in evaluating senior living communities. As you begin your search for a skilled nursing care center or nursing home for yourself or a loved one, here are some important safety guidelines and questions you should ask during your search.