A memory care facility in Kennewick brought some unexpected cheer to the residents and their families just in time for the holidays.
The WindSong at Southridge, a care facility for those with Alzheimer's and other age related dementias, created a COVID-safe hug station so residents could hug their loved ones — hugs they haven’t been able to give since March.
"Today we get to give Mama a hug for Christmas Eve and it's just really special," visitor Nancy Jones said.
Nancy said she hasn't had in person contact with her mother since March 2.
"Its been really hard with the window visits with her having dementia," Nancy said. "She still knows who we are but her other concepts of reality are kind of gone."
Made with a shower curtain liner, embroidery hoops and gloves, WindSong employees made these special moments possible again.
"It was very emotional. We thought the hugging would be the best part of the whole event, but it turned into so much more," Community Relations Director Kris Todd said.
Kris said they wanted to give their residents a moment of connection with their families.
“Our residents just held onto hands of their family members through the plastic and they didn’t let want to let go.”
Kris said the hug station follows all COVID-19 safety protocols. Participants were masked up and ready to finally get that hug in.
“They’re so excited and they want more of it," Kris said.
Kris said they made the hug station portable so families can come back all year long.