COVID-19 means families can’t visit loved ones. Drive-thru parade brought them close
For the first time in more than seven weeks, family and friends came close to their loved ones at the Manatee River Assisted Living Facility to shower them in love.
Ever since March 11, no visitors have been allowed at the facility — a precaution designed to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. On Friday afternoon, a parade brought cheer to residents and gave families a chance to lay eyes on one another.
Staff and more than 50 residents sat outside the long-term care facility, 820 Fifth St. W., Palmetto, greeting family members who circled the block and waved from their vehicles. It was enough to bring smiles to everyone in attendance.
Others stood across the street, waving and shouting “We love you!” at the facility’s residents and staff.
Several generations of the Hume family came to visit Peggy, who they affectionately call GiGi.
“This means everything to me,” said Teddy Hume, Peggy’s son. “I haven’t seen her in weeks.”
Visitors haven’t been allowed at any long-term care facilities statewide since March 15, due to a Gov. Ron DeSantis executive order.
According to the Florida Department of Health, there are nine skilled nursing homes and two assisted living centers in Manatee County with confirmed cases of COVID-19. Thirty-two people linked to the facilities have died.
Dan Kinzler, Manatee River’s director of operations, said dedicated staff and safety precautions have kept residents safe, but there has been a hit to morale. Based on the amount of smiling, laughing and confetti, he could tell the event was a success.
“We’re excited. This is a good change of pace,” Kinzler said. “We can all relate to the unusual aspect of life right now. To put on a parade with horses is definitely something for all of us to look forward to on a calendar.”
The Palmetto Police Department and Wolfes Born to Ride participated in the parade, as well. Kinzler said families were excited to join in on the fun. As they pulled around the block, families held out balloons, signs and other party goods to celebrate the shared moment.
“We’ve already considered making this an annual event to remember those who have passed from COVID-19,” said Elizabeth Biggins, the facility’s regional clinical director.
In the meantime, visitors said they’re praying the worst of the pandemic is over and that they can get back to visiting family in-person as soon as possible.
“There’s nothing you can do about it, but it’s great that (Manatee River Assisted Living Facility) put this together,” said Hume. “I just hope it gets back to normal soon.”
This story was originally published May 1, 2020 at 4:31 PM.
