January gets its name from the Ancient Roman god Janus. He was the god of doorways and transitions, endings and beginnings, and was depicted with two faces—one looking to the past, and the other looking to the future.
Ringing in a new year often brings about a mindset of making a fresh start. 2020 has been a challenging and unpredictable time for nearly everyone. As we emerge from a year of unbelievable upheaval, we enter 2021 filled with hope. A time to transition into a new beginning. From coast to coast, Americans are proving we are strong, resilient, and refuse to let the deep challenges of the past year break our spirit. We look forward to a year of great progress in creating a way of living that incorporates the best from years prior and continues with best practices we learned this past year.
2020 gave us the time to reflect, adapt and readjust. With this came a profound appreciation for our connection with family members and friends. We learned resilience, adaptability, the importance of friendships, relationships and family. We also learned that we were vulnerable to elements outside our control. We learned the correct method of handwashing, covering our faces, and hygienic practices that would help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Together, we became strong.
In a world where we were becoming less connected because of technology, we actually have become more connected through the use of technology. Telehealth allowed us to have doctor visits without leaving the safety of our rooms; FaceTime and online apps such as Zoom connected us to our loved ones; and the ease of use of online programs through our Virtual Connections website brought exercise, games, activities, meditation, live webcams, and sporting events delivered directly to residents to boost physical and emotional wellness.
At Juniper, our proactive strategy has embraced technology to advance the health of our residents by providing caregivers and physicians with the diagnostics tools and state-of-the-art analytics to protect older adults, especially those chronically ill. We continue to emphasize the benefits of proactive health screenings and the importance of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
As the transition process unfolds, let us remember that the year’s end means the beginning of a new one – with new possibilities. On the horizon, groundbreaking discoveries will be made in science, health and technology. We hope this means the end of coronavirus and social isolation and opens the doors to freedom, personal interactions, and better health.
New beginnings involve new understandings, values and attitudes, marked by a release of fresh energy in a new direction. To move forward as a society, we need to continue to work together and support one another with strength, unity and compassion. If we take these qualities into the new year, we will truly see bright new beginnings. The best is yet to come.
To view Juniper’s video on how we are Staying Safe, Healthy, and Connected click here.