Families, friends parade by Springfield nursing home to cheer loved ones

Family members wave to residents at Wooded Glen Senior Living Friday during a parade of decorated cars, German Township fire trucks and even a horse. The residents have had limited contact with their loved ones since the corona virus quarantine started and the parade was meant to cheer up the residents and their families. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Family members wave to residents at Wooded Glen Senior Living Friday during a parade of decorated cars, German Township fire trucks and even a horse. The residents have had limited contact with their loved ones since the corona virus quarantine started and the parade was meant to cheer up the residents and their families. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Family members and friends of residents at Wooded Glen Senior Living in Springfield got the chance to see their loved ones during a social distancing parade on Friday.

“We’ve only been able to visit through the window and on FaceTime since early March,” Tiffany Russell, a granddaughter of a resident said.

Her vehicle, along with about 100 others, were decorated with posters as they circled the building. Some played music and brought noise makers to greet their loved ones that were lined up on the sidewalk.

PHOTOS: Family Parade at Wooded Glenn Senior Living

State Representative Kyle Koehler led the parade on his horse. The German Township Fire Department joined the parade as well.

“We’re doing this because they (the residents) have not seen their loved ones since the beginning of March,” Lindsay Clark, a community services representative at Wooded Glen Senior Living said. “We wanted to lift their spirits.”

READ: New chicken restaurant expanding to Springfield

Clark explained that some family members traveled from different states to see their loved ones. She added that one family drove a resident’s classic car to the parade.

“He does not know he is going to be seeing it for the first time since he was at home a few years ago,” Clark said.

Chad Bennett said he drove around the building two times to see his 101-year-old great aunt. He explained that her husband, who is also 101 years old, came to see her during the parade.

READ: Handcrafted cocktail bar in Springfield to offer art, live entertainment

“He was coming to see her every day, but because of the lockdown we haven’t been able to,” Bennett said. “This was really the first chance he has been able to see her - other than at her window.”

Bennett explained that it has been hard not being able to see her.

Socialization is an important part of senior living and Clark said Wooded Glen Senior Living has been working hard to make sure residents continue to feel special.

“I just hope that they feel a lot of joy and they feel so loved seeing their family members and their loved ones,” Clark said.

About the Author