NEW ROCKFORD, N.D. – Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation recently provided funds to expand access to technology for residents at Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought countless restrictions to visitors and interaction for the residents. The funds are being used to purchase new computers for residents for greater access to telehealth visits, family and community interactions, as well as music and entertainment.
“The grant from BCBSND Caring Foundation has been a wonderful opportunity for residents to see their families and have something to look forward to,” says Terri Backer, activities director at Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd. “The computers have been a positive step toward increasing residents’ mental and physical wellness, ensuring they have access to technology and can reach out and visit with loved ones.”
“We’re constantly finding new uses for the computers to benefit their residents,” explains Becky Hilbert, communications and support coordinator at Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd. “While we’ve already gotten so much out of the new technology, we can’t wait [to] implement more exercise videos, live sporting events and evolve our worship service.”
BCBSND Caring Foundation manager, Amber Blomberg states, “We are pleased to be able to support this project to help bolster residents’ well-being, especially recently, when many are lacking social interaction with family and friends. Adding more technology to their facility allows their residents to stay safe and connected to providers, as well as keeping connections with family and friends strong and allowing residents to view their grandkids’ programs, concerts and sporting events, virtually attend birthday parties and holiday events, or simply enjoy a video chat.
About the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation
Established in 1989, the BCBSND Caring Foundation (www.BCBSND.com/Caring-Foundation) is a private 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Through giving and investing, the Caring Foundation focuses on key health issues that help improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans and their communities. Caring Foundation staff work with grantees to support nonprofit sustainability, collaborate on shared outcomes and create lasting change.
