For the bulk of the month of June the Sweet Home just west of Chinook was again stuck in a lock down due to Covid-19 and other precautions in an effort to do their very best to keep the residents and staff safe. Following previously established protocols everything went smoothly and the facility managed to navigate through the situation in stellar form.

Even with an in place system that puts the needs of the residents at the top of its list, it is still a tough time for everyone involved, especially the residents. Visitations are limited, the dining hall is shut down and group activities are shut down. The Sweet Home staff does a remarkable job meeting the needs of the residents in these tough times, but nothing can compare to the freedom to move around.

Protocols were eventually lifted the last week of June and the staff wasted little time getting the residents back into a daily routine that focused on activities, social gatherings and company. The Sweet Home Activity Department took a good sized group of residents out for a Country Drive that very first day, making a trip out south to see the country. Soon after another large group headed west to First Lake at Beaver Creek Park.

The group made their way to the Kiwanis Campground where they stopped and took in the sights. Some tried their luck casting out a line and others just took in the fresh air and warm temperatures. A huge sub sandwich provided the meal and soon everyone headed back. Daily activities such as bingo and story time as well arts and crafts resumed, and things quickly returned to normal. The dining hall reopened, and the Nurses station was once again a hub of social activity.

This past Saturday 15 residents made their way to the east parking lot of the Sweet Home to wave to the parade of Blaine County Cruisers as they made their way past the Sweet Home to start their Cruise. Later that evening a group of eight residents boarded two buses and headed to the Blaine County Fairgrounds Commercial Building to visit with some of the cruisers and catch a glimpse of a few cars while there. Unfortunately, a severe thunderstorm was headed in and many of the cars were put away to avoid any possible hail damage.

In the end the residents did get some time to visit with old friends and familiar faces and a few cars were pulled out in front of the Commercial Building for the residents to view. They boarded the bus and returned to the Sweet Home in the nick of time, just as the wind started to blow, the first lighting was spotted, and the rain started to fall.

The Blaine County Fair and Bear Paw Roundup Rodeo is just around the corner and if all things go well, expect to see some of the Sweet Home residents in attendance!