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While on lockdown, Helena assisted living facility unites families through balcony visits

Posted at 4:08 PM, Mar 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-24 20:48:01-04

HELENA — While nursing home and assisted living facility lockdowns might separate some people from their loved ones for now, families in Helena are finding a way to stay close while remaining a safe distance apart.

At Son Heaven Assisted Living, families are visiting the balcony a few days a week to talk and sing together.

Since family members can’t go inside, residents come out back to wave and speak to them from above.

Marc Scow say his spirits are lifted when he visits his mother Betty and her friends, even from more than six feet away.

“You just gotta take one day at a time,” he said. “Just remember to breathe. Don’t forget to laugh. And that’s easy with these folks! They have an attitude you can share with the world.”

Families have been participating in the balcony visits for a few weeks now and will continue while restrictions are in place.

This Thursday, Scow says they’re returning to celebrate Betty’s 92nd birthday. Happy birthday Betty!