How This Assisted Living Community Is Allowing Residents to Safely Hug Their Loved Ones

The Oaks at Braselton assisted living community in Georgia started offering socially distanced outdoor visits last month, using a unique setup to allow residents to hug loved ones safely, reports the Gainesville Times . The Oaks at Braselton built a "hugging booth" outside its memory care unit, which wellness director Erika Fenley said was inspired by a similar booth showcased on Facebook. Her husband Jason erected the booth from a shower curtain, plastic tarp, and wood. Users wear disposable plastic gloves used in veterinarian clinics. Lifestyle director Summer Wilkie said those who use the booth hold each other. "Being able to connect our elders to their loved ones in such a creative way has been such a gift to everyone," she noted. "Touch is such an integral part of a person's well-being."