The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Parade of greetings
Senior center hosts parade of cars as unique visitation event to cheer residents
A senior living center in Avon Lake provided a special way for its residents to see friends and family despite visiting limitations due to the novel coronavirus.
Independence Village, 345 Lear Road, hosted a gathering where cars were encouraged to drive by with a variety of different homemade signs as residents watched from their rooms March 23.
“We had over 50 to 75 cars come out that were decorated, and people had a lot of signs of encouragement for our residents,” said Emily Goers, Life Enrichment director at the center. “This was the first we had done this; it was something that we planned last week as a team due to the coronavirus.”
Goers said she loved the turnout.
“It was amazing to see,” she said. “There were a lot of folks that showed up.
“Our residents were overjoyed to see everyone outside. It was a way to keep spirits up. This week, we are also doing a spirit week by dressing up differently for each day. We are just looking to keep spirits high during this time.”
Goers said the visitation restriction due to COVID-19 is difficult.
“It has been the biggest difference during this time,” she said. “Our residents are so used to having friends and family coming and going often.
“Now, we have limited that to only essential medical personnel.” Goers said the assisted living community has had window visits.
“We want to keep things going for residents, and family members have been visiting them from outside their windows,” she said. “I even saw one person call a resident on the phone while they were looking at each other through the window.
“We also have a table in the lobby where folks can drop stuff off for residents.”
Goers said Independence Village’s residents are understanding during the pandemic.
“The residents here have been appreciative of what we’ve been doing,” she said. “There is disappointment, but the most important thing is to keep them safe.”