NEW ORLEANS — Right now, elderly who live in assisted living facilities or nursing homes in Lousiana don't have contact with the outside world. These homes are not allowing guests to protect residents from the coronavirus.
One assisted living facility in Algiers is helping families stay in touch despite visiting bans.
Mark, Melanie, and Dennis Miranda are frequent visitors at The Suites at Algiers Point Assisted Living. They visit their 99-year-old mother, Marcia Miranda who has been living there for four years.
"I come about 3 or 4 times a week take her to the doctor," Melanie Miranda said.
Between the three of them, their mother has guests regularly, so this past week has been difficult for her.
"I take her out to eat once a week. She really enjoys New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood. That's her favorite place," Dennis Miranda said.
Wednesday, they got to see her for the first time thanks to some extra effort by the staff at the assisted living facility. They are allowing families to sit by the fence outside the facility, and from a distance, they can speak with their loved ones who remain inside the fence.
It was the first time they saw each other face to face this week.
"I'm so glad to see you," they all said as they clapped. "Good to see you, mom. Good to see you."
They laughed, caught up, and talked about plans like for her 100th birthday coming up in July.
"Air hugs," they all waved their arms in the air to show a hug.
"We're going to try to bust you out of here," Dennis Miranda laughed.
They brought her some necessities and cookies to make sure she is comfortable.
"Anything we can bring you?" they asked.
"I have everything," their 99-year-old mother said with a smile on her face.
The facility is arranging meet-ups like this as often as they can. They're also helping residents with video chats so they can stay connected with their families even more.
"It means so much," Melanie Miranda said.
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