<\/p>\n
What cures the blues during a pandemic?<\/p>\n
How about a parade?<\/p>\n
That\u2019s what Vista Grande Nursing Home in Cortez decided to do Monday to boost the spirits of residents and their families.<\/p>\n
Nursing homes are under no-visitation health orders to protect the more vulnerable elderly population from COVID-19.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe idea for a vehicle parade was for the families and a way to generate some excitement and lift everybody\u2019s spirits,\u201d Mitchell said.<\/p>\n
The event featured American flags, fire engines, Montezuma County mounted patrol, motorcyclists and classic cars.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Families drove by in cars and waved at their loved ones, honked horns and displayed homemade signs with messages.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope it brightens their day,\u201d said Linda Coffey, who participated in the parade to see her mother. \u201cIt is something positive for all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Residents enjoyed the entertainment.<\/p>\n
\u201cDad loves the motorcycles, he was raising up his arms,\u201d said Karen Gardner. \u201cIt was nice to see each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe waved and waved, it was great to see mom,\u201d said Bobby Smith. \u201cThere were some happy tears.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nursing home residents have been getting up to speed on communication technology, such as Facetime and Skype, to keep in touch.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy sister is going to teach her, so I\u2019m looking forward to seeing more of Mom,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n
Some residents don\u2019t understand the no-visitation rule, \u201cand just want us to come in give them a hug, and go out to lunch like before,\u201d said one woman in the parade.<\/p>\n
\u201cMom was happy and surprised to see her three kids show up,\u201d added Paulette Barlow. \u201cI\u2019m glad they did it. It shows they have not been forgotten, that we still care about them.\u201d<\/p>\n