[Patchogue, New York] — McPeak’s Assisted Living is urging families to make this Grandparents Day special by visiting their loved ones living in assisted living facilities. The recent state Health Department rules are now allowing visitation at assisted living facilities once again, meaning residents will be able to see their families.
Grandparents Day, which takes place on September 13, honors the families’ elders and celebrates the familial bonds between the young and old. The holiday’s beginnings can be traced back to 1956 — the same year that McPeak’s was founded. Marian McQuade, a West Virginia resident, was helping put together a celebration for seniors over the age of 80 when she noticed that the local nursing home residents were alone and had no one to visit them. From there, she sought to establish a holiday for all grandparents and those seniors who may have been forgotten by their families.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic saw assisted living facilities prohibiting families from visiting their loved ones. Many residents experienced loneliness, isolation and depression as a result. But on July 15, 2020, the New York State Health Department allowed visitors inside and outside the facility, but with strict guidelines. Among them, facilities cannot have any new coronavirus cases within a 28-day period and must complete and pass inspections of their infection control practices. Meanwhile, visitors must provide their contact information upon checking in, undergo a temperature check, wear a mask and practice social distancing. Residents will be allowed no more than two visitors at a time, and at least one of the visitors must be 18 years of age or older.
“We urge everyone to spend time with their grandparents on this special day, but stay safe while doing so,” says James McPeak, Owner, McPeak’s Assisted Living. “Grandparents Day has more of a special meaning this year.”
For more information about McPeak’s Assisted Living, call (631) 475-0445 or visit www.mcpeaks.com.
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About McPeak’s Assisted Living
Founded in 1956 by James and Katherine McPeak, both Registered Nurses, McPeak’s is an assisted living facility that provides outstanding service, at reasonable cost, to adults and the elderly based on the philosophy that it is our community responsibility to preserve the health, safety, comfort and general welfare of our elderly and infirm residents. Residents live in a comfortable homelike setting in a former mansion first built in 1924 that has been updated to include numerous safety features and modern amenities. Smoke and fire protection systems and a new elevator provide a safe alternative to living alone. A trained staff handles supervision for 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Activities, specialized diets and medication management are also provided.
