Caregiver advocacy group launches ‘Hugs for the Holidays’ to bring awareness of isolation and seniors
“Hugs for the Holidays” is an initiative involving hot pink ribbons to create awareness of persons in long-term care communities who are unable to spend the holidays with their loved ones. Families with loved ones in communities are asked to display the bright pink ribbons around a tree, mailboxes, porch rails or other outside visible locations on their property. Businesses and churches are also encouraged to participate.
The Windham Rotary Club has decided to support this state-wide project which was spearheaded by members of the Tennessee Caregivers for Compromise, a caregiver advocacy group on Facebook that is working to help reduce the barriers of isolation between families and their loved ones in long-term care communities during this holiday season.
Traditionally, the holidays are special times when families spend time together, but unfortunately this year with the pandemic, isolation will continue to replace togetherness. COVID-19 has caused communities to severely limit, and in some instances, remove access of families to their loved ones.
When people see the bright pink ribbons, we want them to realize the ribbon represents family members who will be unable to see or hug their loved ones this holiday season. The more attention that’s generated to this issue, the better our chances are to educate others about this crisis of isolation and to show our support for our loved ones and their families. The only way change will happen is through education and working together, and we believe this statewide effort is a way to bring attention to the issue and open lines of communication in support of families.
The bright pink color was chosen to stand out among the typical holiday color décor. The Windham Rotary Club got their bows at Janine’s Floral in Ravena, NY. People are encouraged to purchase their hot pink ribbons/bows at local florists. These bows are available for $5 each through Janine’s Floral.
For more information please call Diana at the Windham Rotary Club at 518-734-5303.