By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
The staff at Homestead of Hays Assisted Living is inviting area residents to take part in a drive-by celebration this Friday evening honoring their residents.
Executive Director Kathy Deines said staff came up with the idea of a family and friends drive-by celebration after seeing other celebrations in an effort to lift up the spirits of residents and staff who have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and the efforts to keep them safe.
Deines said the 37 residents, ranging in age from 67 to 99, haven’t had any direct contact with family members in several weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We need something to lift up the spirits of the elderly,” said Deines. “This has been hard on them and families.”
During Friday’s event, which starts at 7 p.m., residents will be set up in the parking lot of the Sternberg Museum where family members and friends of the residents and community members are invited to travel down Sternberg Drive.
Deines said they are inviting everyone to decorate their vehicles and make signs for the residents. Residents and staff members have also made signs to celebrate the event.
Staff has reached out to family members, and Deines said they believe every resident will have a family member take part in the celebration. They have also had several community volunteers reach out about being a part of the event.
She said family members have already talked about bringing chocolate and other special treats for the residents and staff to enjoy.
Residents have been able to keep in touch with family members during the pandemic with the use of iPads and they have had “window conversations.” Families also drew on the sidewalks with chalk, made window decorations. The center also has received uplifting postcards, and several places have brought flowers by in recent weeks.
During the pandemic, Deines said they have implemented several measures to keep residents safe. They have been social distancing and eating 6 feet apart. The staff is wearing masks.
They will continue the social distancing during Friday’s event with each resident sitting 6 feet apart.
“Hopefully, this will lift everybody’s spirits,” said Deines.
The drive-by event begins at 7 p.m. Friday at 2929 Sternberg Dr., and staff will be directing traffic.