‘We’ll be in as soon as we can.’ Bellefonte retirement community arranges face-to-face visits during shutdown
Beth Bower and Sue Ellen Bainbridge used to visit their 93-year-old father three times a day, but after retirement communities restricted visitor access due to the coronavirus, their visits became “more creative.”
After two weeks of phone calls and video chats, the sisters were able to see their dad, Blair Smith, face-to-face on Tuesday.
“We don’t want you to get sick,” Bower told her father, holding a cut-out heart in front of a window. “But we’re going to be the first in line as soon as we can get in there. It won’t be long until we’re all sitting outside like we used to.”
On Tuesday, Centre Crest announced community members could visit loved ones on “window visits,” and Bower and Bainbridge said they could not schedule an appointment fast enough.
Other area retirement communities, including Juniper Village at Brookline in State College, have been using technology for residents to keep in touch with friends and families amid the statewide shutdown.
Bower and Bainbridge asked their father how he was feeling, reminded him how much they loved him and stressed that they would be “first in line” once visiting restrictions were lifted.
“We’ll be in as soon as we can,” Bower said.
“And we will call you later on today,” Bainbridge added, reminding her father to keep his phone charged and nearby.
After waving goodbye, Bower said she and her sister used to visit Centre Crest every morning and late afternoon.
Their dad hoped the restrictions would last a day, but weeks later, the two said they remind him how much they love him and stress how much they wish they could be together during every interaction.
The sisters said Centre Crest has been helpful in maintaining communication between residents and their families, but the strict regulations have been hard for their dad to adjust to. Handmade cards, paintings and drawings have been delivered to the facility, and Centre Crest shares photos of residents and staff members on social media.
Growing up, Bower said their dad used to sit on his front porch and talk to everyone who walked past.
“He always had a treat for everyone,” Bainbridge said. “Routine is good for him, and this has been out of his routine.”
Before the limited access, they used to play board games with their father and other Centre Crest residents. Bower said she misses the staff and other Centre Crest tenants, saying that they are “at a loss” by not being able to go inside.
“But thank heavens they have cellphones,” Bainbridge said.
For now, Bower and Bainbridge said they plan to call and visit as often as possible while hoping the restrictions end soon.
“We’re just hoping that maybe we’ll be able to celebrate his birthday,” Bower said. “On April 4, he’ll turn 94.”
