CARIBOU, Maine — More than 50 vehicles accompanied by police cars, fire trucks — and even a tractor — drove by the Caribou Rehab and Nursing Center facility as residents watched with big smiles and happy tears from a barricaded section of the building’s garden area on July 2.
Caribou Rehab and Nursing Center resident Gretchen Griffeth is pictured here with her granddaughter Amy Durepo, who works as a skilled patient coordinator at the facility, during a July 2 motorcade for residents at the facility. (Courtesy of Caribou Rehab and Nursing Center)
The event was planned by the facility’s activities department as a way to lift residents’ spirits amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Activities Assistant Malori LaBarre said that, with residents only able to see loved ones via window visits, the parade allowed more people to come at a time while still following social distancing guidelines.
“The window visits were making our residents happy, so we thought a family parade would be nice and let more people come at one time,” said Labarre.
The city’s police and fire department were invited to participate, and the result was a motorcade with “at least 50 vehicles,” according to LaBarre. Family and friends were able to see loved ones at the facility while staying six feet apart from one another.
“There were happy tears, and it definitely brought a smile to their faces,” she said. “We also had an ice cream social for residents inside.”
The activities department helped residents create signs with messages for their loved ones, such as “I can’t wait to hug you,” and “This will all be over soon.”
“One gentleman saw his wife, who he’s been married to for 65 years,” said LaBarre. “His face was just beet red. He was so happy and smiling. It was really special for them to see each other face to face.”
Caribou Rehab and Nursing Center resident Blanche Bartlett is pictured here holding a sign and American flag during a June 2 motorcade for residents at the facility. (Courtesy of Caribou Rehab and Nursing Center)
Since the pandemic hit, nursing homes across the country have had to tighten restrictions to ensure the safety of residents. Currently, LaBarre said the facility hosts between five and 10 window visits each day where residents can speak with loved ones.
They can also use iPads at the facility to speak with outside friends via FaceTime.
Overall, LaBarre said the parade went very well and that she and the activities department hope to hold a similar event in the near future.
