Regina mom and daughter plan to reunite Mother’s Day

For many seniors living in care homes, the pandemic has brought loneliness and isolation, as family members were kept away by COVID restrictions.

But for some, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Restrictions were eased on in-person care home visits in Regina and a few surrounding communities Wednesday.

Regina’s Katie Fuelscher plans to reunite with her 72-year-old mom, Margaret Dodson, on Sunday, which also happens to be Mother’s Day. Dodson lives in a care home in the city.

“I feel sad that she has missed so much time with her family, but she’s doing OK,” Fuelscher said. “We talk on the phone … But definitely, seeing us in person will lift her spirits a lot.”

They haven’t had a proper in-person visit since late November.

“It’s been super-hard. My dad passed away about seven years ago, and I’m the only sibling here and so my mom is like my main person and I’m her main person …,” Fuelscher said. “I have no other family here, except for her. I’m used to seeing her every day.”

They have been able to stay in touch, but nowhere near to the same extent as before COVID.

“I have been able to see her a few times through the window, but she just cries because she can see me outside, but she can’t touch me … I don’t know, it’s just not the same as sitting together,” Fuelscher said.

Dodson is also suffering from the early stages of dementia, which complicates the situation even further.

“She said she feels like she’s in jail …,” Fuelscher said. “It’s been definitely very hard on her. She also has (early onset) dementia and so I feel like I’ve definitely lost some valuable time with her through the six months. She’s definitely deteriorated a little bit without seeing her family.”

Fuelscher intends to make the most of her visit Sunday, even though they will have to keep their distance outdoors.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to give her a hug, (but) I do intend to spoil her rotten. I think I’m going to bring her some sushi, because that’s her favourite, and a big bouquet of flowers and maybe some chocolates. Some treats, for sure. She loves treats,” Fuelscher said with a laugh.