PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The coronavirus pandemic has dealt a devastating blow to a number of nursing homes throughout Pennsylvania and closed residents off from the outside world. But neighbors recently came together to show love and support to residents of a Delaware County facility.
William D'Amico, the administrator of Fair Acres Geriatric Center in Media, says COVID-19 has thrown them for a loop.
"It's been challenging and emotional, D'Amico said. "In our industry, no one has ever seen anything like this."
Fair Acres Director of Nursing Casey Kaminski says, in addition to stopping visits from loved ones, they've put their more than 800 residents in isolation or quarantine.
"It's absolutely taken a mental health toll on the residents. It's heartbreaking to see," he said. "They are used to a lot of socialization and being around a lot of people."
Jim Wood says he used to spend a lot of his time with other Fair Acres residents, but since the beginning of March, the 27-year resident has been restricted to his room.
"It's tough. You just have to have a lot of patience, a lot of faith," Wood said.
He says he's able to occupy himself with his computer and a smart TV he recently received as a gift.
"I like playing Uno, Candy Crush, solitaire and some other games on there," he said.
But that solitaire time does leave Wood wanting for some contact with others.
He says it's hard not knowing if any of his friends are among the 105 residents of the facility who have contracted the coronavirus — or the 32 who have died as a result.
"We're in our rooms, so we really don't hear nothing," he said.
But earlier this week, Wood says, a delivery of cards and letters from Delaware County residents to Fair Acres brought light to a dark time.
Delaware County Council coordinated the effort and gathered dozens of special messages for the residents at Fair Acres.
Wood said he deeply appreciates the gesture.
"It just shows you there are a lot of caring people out in the world, it really makes us feel good, and gives us a lot of moral support," he said.
He says that community support has helped to make his days in isolation not so bad.
