Start of Window Visits Features a Special Reunion
Like so many other nursing home residents around New York State and across the country, it had been several months since Mary Harnish was able to lay eyes on a family member. Since the COVID-19 pandemic forced nursing homes to restrict visitation, connecting with loved ones has been limited to virtual video chats and phone calls. That started to change on Monday, July 13, as St. John’s Home began a window visits program aimed at reconnecting residents and those closest to them.
Mary’s son David enthusiastically showed up early to make sure he did not miss a moment of his first visit with his mom in over four months. ” “I can finally see you,” he said as she was escorted to a window on the ground floor. “That makes me so happy, and you look beautiful.”
David and Mary shared a special visit, separated by just a layer of glass. Their visit and David’s thoughts were packaged together for a 13WHAM news piece that aired Monday evening. Window visits like these will continue over the next two weeks, as plans for in-person visits remain in the works.
Watch David and Mary’s “Long-Awaited Reunion” Here
Read more about the window visits program at St. John’s Home by clicking here.