Respite House visits evolve in response to virus

Today, as always, there’s a calmness at the McClure Miller Respite House, as staff, volunteers, patients and families continue adjusting to the new normal prompted by COVID-19.
 
Throughout this pandemic, our staff has helped residents maintain contact with family, friends and loved ones through FaceTime, Skype, Zoom — and sometimes Respite House windows.
 

“It’s important to let each resident know there is still a large (sometimes unseen) circle of support around them,” said Tonya Guyette, a licensed nursing assistant (LNA) who supervises fellow LNAs and personal care attendants at Respite House and in the community.

Regular window visiting, and even an occasional tailgate gathering (with appropriate social distancing), are helping friends and families remain present for their loved ones while keeping everyone safe.

Betsy Brothers’ family and friends were among those who visited from outside during Betsy’s last days. Tonya and other Respite House staffers made this moment possible.

Betsy, who passed away in late May, was a regular at the Mad River Valley’s bridges, where she and fellow aquatic enthusiasts were affectionately known as the “swimmin’ women.”

“Effervescent, joyful, loving, determined and energetic are but a few words that could be used to describe Betsy,” her obituary explains. Learn more about Betsy and her remarkable life.

Find our latest Respite House visitation policy here.