It was all treats, no tricks for residents of Bonaventure of Salmon Creek during a welcome visit late Thursday afternoon.
A group of locals stopped by the senior care facility to spread some Halloween cheer to the residents. Costumed kids played music on kazoos and recorders, and people did the “Hokey Pokey” outside of residents’ windows.
Wendy Mikota, 71, organized the showing, inviting friends, family and neighbors. Her husband, Roger Mikota, 71, has Lewy body dementia and lives at Bonaventure.
“We just felt like as a family what we could (do), more than just donating snacks or food, was go and cheer people up during this time,” Wendy Mikota said.
She said living in a care facility during the pandemic can be rough because of the lack of social stimulation. For Roger Mikota, music is still something that resonates deeply with him.
“Music is the thing that makes him the happiest,” said Wendy Mikota, who lives in Felida.
Ray Sabino, executive director at Bonaventure, said the senior care facility has found ways to provide activities to residents that align with the current state restrictions in place.
He said the care facility focuses on keeping engagement and socialization as high as possible.
“This means a lot. The residents have been without family visitors inside due to the pandemic,” Sabino said. “It’s a joy seeing family and kids have a good time.”
