Families begin reuniting with residents at Life Care Center of Kirkland

After almost six months of window visits, phone calls and video chats, residents at Life Care Center of Kirkland, Washington, enjoyed the pleasure of seeing their families face to face once again.

The facility, the first nursing home in the United States to experience a coronavirus outbreak, welcomed families back with protective restrictions on Aug. 14.

“These visits are refreshing, much-needed and waited for by both residents and their family members,” said Ellie Basham, executive director. “For some residents it’s been five long months of waiting and longing. There is nothing better than to see the smiles on the residents’ faces when they hear they get to have a visit, and when the visit occurs there is nothing better to see – the absolute joy on their faces is indescribable! The visits are a delight and a blessing.”

Family members can visit outside in two designated areas, as long as they remain six feet apart from their loved ones, have their temperatures checked before the visit and wear face masks. An associate stays nearby to make sure both parties stay safe.

KOMO News in Seattle did a wonderful news spot highlighting these visits. Click here to watch it.