COMMUNITY BRINGING CHRISTMAS TO SENIORS
Five hospice establishments decorate Pacifica Senior Living
Santa, his mischievous elves and a few reindeer popped up at Pacifica Senior Living in Vacaville Thursday, no doubt in honor of National Light the Tree Day.
As residents watched the action from their perches indoors, beverages and treats in hand, the facility’s five residential cottages were turned into a Winter Wonderland.
That’s thanks to five hospice facilities — Continuum Hospice, Suncrest Hospice, Kindred Hospice, Vitas Hospice and Yolo Hospice.— who each chose a cottage and provided the decorations and the volunteer teams to put them up.
From blow-up figures like Santa, Christmas trees, snowmen and reindeer to blooming poinsettias to glittery garlands and lights and window displays, the whimsical decor made all who saw them smile.
That’s the three-fold effect she was going for, said Rosa Gracida with Pacifica. The enjoyment, that is, of residents and staff, their families and the community.
“It is a partnership,” she emphasized, of bringing everyone together and maintaining community involvement.
The pandemic, she said, has taken much from the resident, as they’re not allowed to be in physical contact with loved ones.
So, no visits, no hugs, no nothing until COVID-19 is deemed under control.
So a little decorating brings joy via the Christmas spirit, it seems, and contact — through the windows — with decorators.
Diane Slabaugh with Suncrest Hospice was the first to decorate. She had the Journey House at the front of the Pacifica complex and went all out, decorating the doors, peppering the lawn with joyful Christmas signs, even adding huge light bulb lights as accents. Santa aand a snowman blow-up added to the fun.
Gwen Winters with Suncrest said the team jumped a the chance to participate.
“We were so excited to do something for families and the residents that haven’t been able to see their families,” she said.
Slabaugh, an educator who works with dementia patients, said the residents don’t understand why they can’t see loved ones, or have to wear masks, or are unable to do some activities. So giving them some fun, she continued, is te least they can do.
“They deserve it,” she said. “Yes, bring them some happiness,” Winters added.
The Wheatly House decor was compliments of Yolo Hospice. Snowflakes and lights hung from the trees, and potted poinsettias lined the yard. The windows, though, were the charm, with messages in fancy cursive welcoming all.
“You are in our hearts,” it read. “Happy Holidays.”
Kenia Miller with Yolo Hospice said she residents were concerned for her welfare, thinking she’d fall and get hurt while stringing her decorations. They waved and kept an eye on her, she said, and it was fun.
A performer will be by from 4-7 p.m. on Dec. 17, playing violin and singing.
At the Wilson House, two Vitas Hospice folks hung an elf in a tree and decorated a faux mini tree near the entrance. They also doled out water, mandarins, sesame crackers and cheese.
At the Clark House, Kindred Hospice folks put out a little something for everyone, including lots of lights, decorated doors and poinsettias at the entryway.
“At Kindred, we’re really focused on compassionate care,” said Jennifer Simmons. “And this is part of giving back to the community.”
With the help of volunteers, everything came together.
“A lot of people want to give back right now because they can’t see their own grandparents,” said Jeanette Camarena with Kindred. So, they adopted the Pacifica folks.
The decor was mostly donated by volunteers as well, Simmons said. Volunteers included Travis Air Force Base, Vanden High School National Honor Society, Solano County Pageants and more.
At the Pappas House, Julie Callaghan was putting finishing touches on her creations.
It was a special thing for her, as she had previously worked at Pacifica for eight years. So when she was asked if she wanted to participate, her only answer was yes.
“All we wants to do right now is something to give back,” she said of her crew. “We’re givers and we want to give.”
During one decorating session, one adorable woman waved and blew kisses at the decorators.
“We were just melting and waving back,” she said. “It just feels good to be here. It feels good to be doing this.”
The community is invited to view the seasonal handiwork from 6-7 p.m. Dec. 17 during the inaugural Winter Wonderland Parade.
Dress warm, perhaps deck out your vehicle and drive through the facility, on Nut Tree Road adjacent to the Vacaville Unified School District offices.
Enjoy the Christmas light displays and decorations, hear Christmas carolers, meet music therapists, enjoy a classic car show compliments of NorCal Knights and participate in a canned food drive.
And, grab free hot beverages while waving to Pacifica residents, who will enjoy the parade from their windows.
Cast your vote for your favorite decorations by visiting www. facebook.com/ PacificaVacaville to like, share and vote.