Under strict conditions, a visit to the mother or grandmother in the home is possible again. Our reporter accompanied two families on a special Mother’s Day.
“We wanted to hug each other,” says Frank Hofmann, who visits his grandmother Liselotte Hofmann in the AWO’s Marie Juchacz house in Wrzburg. “But that didn’t work.” Although there have been loosenings on the curfew throughout Bavaria at the weekend, the visit on Mother’s Day is subject to conditions. Hugs or kisses are still taboo.
Photo: Johannes Kiefer
Already at the entrance to the home you can sense the anticipation of the elderly. There is a large sign in front of the doors, covered with a number of butterflies made of colored construction paper. It is written in large letters “Welcome”. Raimund Binder, director of the retirement home, explains that the seniors had made the sign together with the employees. The mood was good and many of the residents could hardly wait to see Mother’s Day.
Physical closeness is missing
Liselotte Hofmann is also excited. The 91-year-old is happy to see her grandson Frank. The two must not hug or touch each other, but must sit opposite each other at a safe distance. “The physical closeness is then already missing,” admits the 41-year-old. And unlike usual, the visit does not take place in the grandmother’s room, but in a so-called meeting room. Three rooms of the retirement home, which have several entrances and exits, serve as the “meeting place”. Visitors enter the room above one, the elderly above the other. The employees have arranged the furniture in the rooms so that there is at least two meters between the visitor and the visitor. Everyone must wear a mouth-nose mask.
Photo: Johannes Kiefer
–
The grandson also has a gift for his grandmother in his luggage. Liselotte receives flowers, bathing accessories and a sparkling wine. But there is no wine. “We’ll do that later,” explains Frank. His grandmother says: “You just have to take it as it comes. I always say it will be different again.” The visit on Mother’s Day is the highlight for the pensioner, but the fact that she can only see one family member is close to her. Especially the four great grandchildren would be missing. She would also be very happy to see family dog Pino, the little cocker spaniel.
Visit under time pressure
Ten relatives usually visit the senior citizen regularly, says the grandson. Currently only one registered contact person can see the relatives in retirement homes. One visit per day is permitted for a maximum of one hour. The family has agreed that 41-year-old Frank will take on the role.
Photo: Johannes Kiefer
–
In order to be able to better organize the visits, head Raimund Binder has created an extra email address. Administrative staff can access the e-mail account and schedule visits. As a security measure, it was important that not too many visitors were on site at the same time. Binder therefore had to cancel a visit request for Mother’s Day.
Souvenirs for Mother’s Day
Michael Mensch can also understand the safety measures for visiting the retirement home. “My mother is 91, I also belong to the risk group, of course there are risks,” says the 65-year-old. “At first I’m happy to be able to come here.” His mother called him early in the morning, and asked if he would really come, writes the man from Wrzburg. Together with his wife Birigit, Mensch prepared a special surprise for his mother at the lecture and brought it over to the retirement home. For example, the elderly was surprised by the staff at the home on Sunday with a homemade cake from her daughter-in-law. It is very emotional for him that people can now see his mother again. “It’s something positive, something for the heart,” he explains.
Photo: Johannes Kiefer
–
As a gift for his mother, besides a bouquet of flowers, people also have a homemade cake from Irmgard’s granddaughter Julia. “According to the grandmother’s recipe,” says Mensch. “My mother used to love to cook and bake very well.” Her eyes light up as he hands the present over the table to his mother. Your smile under the mouth-nose protection can be guessed. The 91-year-old is obviously happy about the souvenirs for Mother’s Day. She thanks, then looks her son in the eye and says, “But my greatest wish is you.”
Photo: Johannes Kiefer
–
–
-
Zellerau
-
Johanna Heim
-
Relatives
-
Familys
-
family members
-
Frank Hofmann
-
souvenirs
-
Mother’s Day
-
Furniture
-
Mothers
-
Raimund Binder
-
Daughter-in-law
-
Retirement homes
-
Shne
–
–
–
