Pioneer Home opens doors to visitation after several long months in quarantine

PALMER — Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home recently opened their doors to friends and family, two per resident, finally closing the distance and bringing everyone together again.

“So far it’s been going really well, a very good connection to the family and elders who haven’t seen each other in way too long,” Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home administrator Joshua Shaver said.

Last week started off the first wave of in-person contact between residents and their loved ones since April.

“There’s been a lot of people wanting us open,” Shaver said.

Shaver said it’s all monitored and social distancing measures and expectations are in place. But all together, it’s just nice to see how happy residents are when they see their kin right there in front of them.

“It’s a huge emotional stress relief,” Shaver said. “You can just see in their faces… they’re really happy to see each other. It does a lot to lift everyone’s spirit.”

Prior to the reopening, only necessarily medical staff were permitted to visit the building. Shaver said that families have been keeping up digitally through iPads and other means, but it’s “just not the same.” He said that they’re all happy for their residents getting the opportunity to catch up face to face.

“It’s definitely a step in the right direction,” Shaver said. “Everybody just seems grateful for the chance to see their loved ones.”

Currently, the limit is two guests per resident within half-hour appointment slots, according to Shaver. He said they’ve been following the state’s health recommendations and performed mass testing amongst the elders and staff. He said they felt it was a safe point to reopen a limited capacity and plan to continue as long as there’s no outbreaks or other issues.

Visitors are required to wear masks inside the building and ensure they are utilizing hand sanitizer along with the standard social distancing precautions like staying six feet apart.

Shaver said they’re only allowing specific areas for visitation, and they prefer people meet outdoors on the campus.

“People aren’t hugging or anything like that, but they are able to be in each others’ presence,” Shaver said. “We’re just glad that we’re COVID free, glad we’re able to be at this stage. We Hope everything continues on a good trajectory.”

Visitors are asked to call ahead of time to schedule appointments. Shaver said they’re also asked to stay aware of potential symptoms or contact with COVID-19, and to stay at home if they’re symptomatic.

“You can always reschedule a visit,” Shaver said.

Shaver took a moment to thank a young man, Jonah Ness, an Eagle Scout who made a large sign that reads, “heroes work here.” The sign is placed right out front. Shaver also thanked another troop for their help around the grounds.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com