Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe recognized for hard work

Looking to recognize the hard work and stressful times the staff of Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe have been working under since the beginning of COVID-19, Dr. Thomas F. Kelly recently treated staff to lunch from Panera.

“It’s just a simple gesture to acknowledge how much they’re appreciated,” said Kelly. “They’ve all been working hard without much recognition.”

Kelly and his partner Ahmed Elmanan own and operate Shore Community Medical on Route 24 near Rehoboth Beach. They purchased 60 lunches.

Kelly’s 83-year-old mother Dorothy has lived at Brandywine for the past two years. 

The staff has been wonderful and they do an awful lot, said Dorothy. They go out of their way to help, no matter the problem, she said.

Jeanie Elgin, Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe director of community relations, said staff and residents have been trying to find a balance between staying safe and keeping families involved. It’s been a challenge, but the families have been understanding, and the community support has been great, she said.

Elgin said the facility still isn’t allowing outside visitors, but maintenance constructed an outdoor visitation area with a piece of Plexiglass, and there has been lots of facetime for the family members who live out of town.

Kelly said people’s lives have been dramatically altered. Routines have been changed for residents and staff, he said.

“As time goes on, we recognize we’re in this for the long haul,” said Kelly. “It’s been very hard.”