FILE -- Highland Glen Assisted Living resident Vic Larsen waves as the Highland City Youth Council, city officials, police officers and firefighters participate in a drive-by parade for the residents of Highland Glen Assisted Living in Highland on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 to show love and support for them. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
This Father’s Day looks a lot more like normal for fathers and grandfathers in care facilities, senior centers, assisted living and other such communities.
Like on Mother’s Day, visitors were restricted last year in the pandemic. This year, Covid-19 vaccinations are keeping people safe, especially in the higher-risk age groups.
“We encourage vaccination of families, staff, and residents moving in who are not vaccinated. It gives a lot safer scenario when people are all vaccinated,” said Scott Monson, the president of the Utah Assisted Living Association.
Monson says Father’s Day is a key weekend for assisted living residents to celebrate with families. It’s also away for these centers to celebrate dads. Many have planned some good outdoor activities, like one called “Dads, Dogs and Rods”
“With grilling, and having old classic cars come to the parking lot,” said Monson. “Another place is taking residents fishing at a trout farm. Others will barbecue. There will be lots of barbecues.”
Monson says his message is that assisted living is safe and open.
“We are having wonderful moments, and people are feeling good and they enjoy the camaraderie they find with their friends and the staff. All of that is very much alive,” he said.
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