McPeak’s Assisted Living is urging families to make this Grandparents Day special by visiting their loved ones living in assisted living facilities. The recent state Health Department rules are now allowing visitation at assisted living facilities once again, meaning residents will be able to see their families.
Grandparents Day, which takes place on September 13, honors the families’ elders and celebrates the familial bonds between the young and old. The holiday’s beginnings can be traced back to 1956 — the same year that McPeak’s was founded. Marian McQuade, a West Virginia resident, was helping put together a celebration for seniors over the age of 80 when she noticed that the local nursing home residents were alone and had no one to visit them. From there, she sought to establish a holiday for all grandparents and those seniors who may have been forgotten by their families.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic saw assisted living facilities prohibiting families from visiting their loved ones. Many residents experienced loneliness, isolation and depression as a result. But on July 15, 2020, the New York State Health Department allowed visitors inside and outside the facility, but with strict guidelines. Among them, facilities cannot have any new coronavirus cases within a 28-day period and must complete and pass inspections of their infection control practices. Meanwhile, visitors must provide their contact information upon checking in, undergo a temperature check, wear a mask and practice social distancing. Residents will be allowed no more than two visitors at a time, and at least one of the visitors must be 18 years of age or older.
“We urge everyone to spend time with their grandparents on this special day, but stay safe while doing so,” says James McPeak, Owner, McPeak’s Assisted Living. “Grandparents Day has more of a special meaning this year.”
