Christine Harrison Rocconi went a year without seeing her grandmother, Mattie Lucille Lawler, in person.
Lawler, 93, is a resident at Walter B. Crook Nursing Facility in Ruleville.
This was the story for millions of families across the country for the better part of 2020 and the first part of 2021.
Across the country, doors were shut to any visitors, including clergy, while staffs worked hard each day to protect residents from COVID-19.
Many wondered if visitation would ever return to normal.
But on February 26, the Walter B. Crook Nursing Facility finally opened its doors to visitors after some of the state’s restrictions were lifted.
Susan Steen, Director of Nursing and social worker Scott Burns have seen the appointment-only plan work quite well with few problems.
The most important thing, families are being reunited.
“We’re doing it seven days a week,” Steen said. “We just ask that (visitors) call (662) 756-2997 and make an appointment.”
Burns has seen much more joy throughout the facility with visits being reinstated.
“It’s going fairly well. Families are excited to see their loved ones after a year,” he said. “Our residents are thrilled.”
For grandchildren like Rocconi, and residents like Lawler, the wait could not have ended soon enough.
“Early during the pandemic, I sent my 93-year-old grandmother a pillow with our picture on it,” Rocconi said. “I talked to her daily, and she told me how much she loved the pillow and how she talked to it all the time and could not wait for it to grow legs. Well, last week my legs walked in and I got to hug her and actually talk to her face to face.”
Rocconi noted she could feel her grandmother’s loneliness and was happy for all the ways the staff tried to keep residents and their families connected throughout the year.
“The wonderful people at WBC would occasionally Facetime us, and it was awesome getting to see her face and talk to her that way and a couple of times a month we would talk to her through the door, but it was not the same,” Rocconi said. “As soon as she saw me in her room and knew I would now be able to visit in her room again, the relief on her face was absolutely beautiful. She was so depressed and now when I talk to her on the phone, she is having better days, she is happier and hopeful for the new normal.”
Joyce Riales made the drive from Hernando back home to finally see her mom, Betty Tuttle.
“It has been wonderful being able to visit with my mother again after not seeing her for a year,” Riales said. “I visited with her on March 9 last year and was able to see her for the first time on March 6th. I’ve seen her three times now.”
Riales’ visits are limited due to her living two hours away.
“I’m not able to visit as often as I’d like. I believe she has been well cared for and the staff at Walter B. Crook was very good during the year to let us know how she was doing. They do such a good job there caring for our loved ones,” Riales said.
Visiting hours are by appointment only and only three residents per hour can have no more than two visitors.
Visitation takes place in designated areas only. No visitors under the age of 16 are allowed.
Temperatures will be taken prior to the visit and each visitor must not have any signs and symptoms of illness.
A mask must be worn at all times and hand sanitizer will be in place and used. Social distancing guidelines must be adhered to during the visit as well.
Visitation hours are from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and then from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
