Reunions have been sweet for family members of Aase Haugen Home residents

Posted: Sun, Jul 19, 2020 3:46 PM

Aase Haugen Home residents are now getting visits from family members.

The State of Iowa has changed its regulations, so visits are now allowed, but with plenty of restrictions. At Aase Haugen, visits are taking place under a canopy outside the entrance to the main building. The number of family members who visit is limited to two per visit and children under the age of ten cannot visit.

Every family member must wear a mask and must be screened with their temperature taken before the visit. No food or drink is allowed and no pets are allowed either. Social distancing is enforced by having residents and their visitors sit at opposite ends of a six-foot table. Residents with dementia are not able to take part in the visits because they might not understand why their loved one needs to wear a mask or has to remain six feet apart from them.

The visits have been a big hit. One family member said "It's been really super. It brings us a little closer. It's hard talking through a window." Another family member said "It was a beautiful day and the visit lifted our spirits."

Aase Haugen staffers say the visiting schedule has filled up quickly. Said Aase Haugen Homes Administrator Orson Bauder, "We realize this is still not ideal but just having face to face visits is a wonderful thing to have happen. The window and virtual visits are less restrictive but it's so nice to be able to do this for families."