What cures the blues during a pandemic?
How about a parade?
That’s what Vista Grande Nursing Home in Cortez decided to do Monday to boost the spirits of residents and their families.
Nursing homes are under no-visitation health orders to protect the more vulnerable elderly population from COVID-19.
The lack of social contact has been challenging for residents and their families, said administrator Paula Mitchell, but the safety measures are needed to protect residents. There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the facility.
“The idea for a vehicle parade was for the families and a way to generate some excitement and lift everybody’s spirits,” Mitchell said.
The event featured American flags, fire engines, Montezuma County mounted patrol, motorcyclists and classic cars.
Residents were taken outside in wheelchairs to view the parade, spaced 6 feet apart to comply with social distancing rules. They waved signs and pompoms made during craft classes.
Families drove by in cars and waved at their loved ones, honked horns and displayed homemade signs with messages.
“I hope it brightens their day,” said Linda Coffey, who participated in the parade to see her mother. “It is something positive for all of us.”
Residents enjoyed the entertainment.
“Dad loves the motorcycles, he was raising up his arms,” said Karen Gardner. “It was nice to see each other.”
“We waved and waved, it was great to see mom,” said Bobby Smith. “There were some happy tears.”
Nursing home residents have been getting up to speed on communication technology, such as Facetime and Skype, to keep in touch.
“My sister is going to teach her, so I’m looking forward to seeing more of Mom,” Smith said.
Some residents don’t understand the no-visitation rule, “and just want us to come in give them a hug, and go out to lunch like before,” said one woman in the parade.
“Mom was happy and surprised to see her three kids show up,” added Paulette Barlow. “I’m glad they did it. It shows they have not been forgotten, that we still care about them.”
jmimiaga@the-journal.com