The Southern Hills Specialty Care in Osceola is still doing the Adopt a Grandparent program this year. In fact, all the 80 residents have been adopted already.
This has been an extremely tough year for the residents of Southern Hills due to COVID-19 safety restrictions and government regulations.
"They're doing as best they can, considering," said Keri Barton, director of activities at Southern Hills Specialty Care.
Barton said, because of new guidelines, adopting a grandparent will look a different this year, but the community will still have a chance to get involved.
With the lack of family contact the residents have experienced this year, Southern Hills staff are asking community members to gift the residents soft and cozy item such as blankets and socks. Entertainment items, such as crossword puzzle books, would be appreciated, as well.
This time of year Barton is usually planning the facility's annual Christmas party for its residents, their families and community members. Although the pandemic has canceled it, Barton is still planning for the residents to safely celebrate by hosting a hallway party.
On Dec. 23 the residents will be invited out into the halls, where they will be gifted with the presents from the community and their families, and celebrate with special party foods. Though it will be difficult to be away from family on Christmas, Barton and other staff members at South Hills are happy to still have a party with the residents.
"We are their family when their families can't be here," said Barton.
Families have been able to see their loved ones at Southern Hills Specialty Care by doing window visits and visit them by using other safe and sanitary measures. But, during the holiday season, and after such a long year of being physically separated from family and friends, Barton feels the residents could use some extra love from the community.
Any gift donations can be dropped of at Southern Hills Specialty Care by Dec. 21 to be cleaned and wrapped.