After months of separation, families reunite in Hamilton long-term care homes
Hardest-hit by COVID-19 in the first two waves, long-term-care homes have finally begun to open up.
On May 4, Ontario allowed facilities to resume group dining and other activities with residents, with precautions. Essential caregivers - previously allowed to visit but not make close contact - can hug their loved ones if both are fully vaccinated.
As of May 22, family and friends who are not designated essential caregivers can also visit long-term-care residents outdoors.
While some restrictions remain in place, such as wearing masks and face shields and limits on the number of visitors, families say the impact of reuniting with their loved ones is palpable.
The Spectator spoke with four families to capture what the changes mean for them.
Sandra and Eric Cook
Where the pandemic previously cancelled birthday bashes and other celebrations, the new rules came just in time for 74-year-old Sandra Cook to celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary with her husband, Eric.
Their daughter Anita D'Alimonte planned the party with staff at St. Peter's Residence at Chedoke, a home on the west Mountain.
It was a real surprise," said Sandra, who's lived there since August. We didn't expect to have anything."
The May 22 celebration included a performance by singer-saxophone player Shannon Graham of JV Music for Seniors. The home's staff baked a cake for the occasion and family and friends wrote cards for the couple.
For months, 76-year-old Eric was the only one who could visit Sandra. But as the rules relaxed, D'Alimonte - Sandra's second essential caregiver - could see her mom for the first time since fall.
I still haven't been able to give her a hug," D'Alimonte said, noting her second dose is in June. She's looking forward to it.
When your loved one's getting the care they need, you can go back to focus on being a family, not a caregiver," she said.
Beth and Bob Hibbard
A short drive away at Idlewyld Manor, a sister home to St. Peter's Residence at Chedoke, outdoor visits resumed on May 27. Tables were set up the garden to accommodate multiple families at a distance.
Bob Hibbard's mother, Marie, has been a resident for four years. But when homes across Ontario locked down in March 2020, she couldn't see her family for months.
She would regress ... when she was in her room by herself," said Bob, 75.
While Bob and Beth are both designated Marie's essential caregivers, for several months, only Beth could see her. Bob spoke to her on video once a week.
But not only can Bob also visit regularly now, he and Beth can hug her, too.
I will never forget the first time I was able to do it," Beth says, her voice choking up.
The 74-year-old adds that group activities and dining together have also made a difference.
Marie's other children can also now visit outdoors. When she turned 100 last year, her family couldn't celebrate like they'd hoped.
This time, they're planning on ringing in her birthday together on June 4. Bob's also hoping to collect 101 cards for Marie.
We haven't told her," Beth said. We really want it to be a surprise."
Catherine Danku and Nancy DiFederico
Asked what changed for her mother since long-term-care homes opened up, Nancy DiFederico doesn't miss a beat.
Coming outside," she said. This month, 93-year-old Catherine Danku ventured outdoors for the first time since August.
The first thing she said was, Can you hear those birds chirping?' " said DiFederico, 64. I could tell she was smiling under her mask."
Asked if they had a good time, Danku murmurs, Yes we did."
DiFederico's last visit before the 2020 lockdown was her birthday on March 13. She stayed in touch through video calls and window visits. The next time she met her mom in person was in August.
Last week, DiFederico sat wearing a mask and face shield with her arm wrapped around Danku in Idlewyld's garden. She described what it was like to touch her mom again, saying Danku blows kisses at her through her mask.
One day I will be able to kiss you back," DiFederico said.
Kim Melanson
During lockdown, 54-year-old go-getter Kim Melanson couldn't go for her regular strolls down Scenic Drive and Garth Street.
I don't like to stay in one place too long," said the nine-year resident who's also president of Idlewyld's residents' council.
When they said, Kim, you can go gallivanting,' I was out that door," she said.
The months she spent unable to go outside were very boring," but now, her husband and son can visit regularly.
My husband and I, we kissed mask to mask," she chuckled.
Melanson's also looking forward to a new chapter come September: I'm going to be grandma!"
She hopes to have an outdoor visit with her son and his partner so I can see how big her belly is."
In the meantime, Melanson says there are some simple pleasures she'll enjoy as things open up.
You know what I'd love? Poutine."
Maria Iqbal is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator covering aging issues. Reach her via email: miqbal@thespec.com.