Parade rolls through almost 30 senior living facilities in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – A parade made its way through Lexington on Thursday, spreading holiday cheer to several senior living facilities.

The parade was specifically for 28 Lexington nursing homes, and one of those stops was The Lantern at Morning Pointe, a home for seniors with Alzheimer’s off New Circle Road.

The cars were decked out in Christmas décor and at the very end, Mr. and Mrs. Claus gave their well wishes.

It was put together by Senior Living Placement Service Silver Lexington – a small gesture it hopes put a big smile on every senior and staff members’ faces.

“This was really a great way to brighten everybody’s spirit just to welcome the holiday season in,” Jana Hatton said, Community Relations Director for the facility. “Our residents and our staff both really appreciate it.”

The seniors weren’t able to come out, but Hatton says they knew the parade was there and she took video of the special moment.

She says the community support is important, especially because the facility is for people with Alzheimer’s and several people living there don’t understand the virus or why they haven’t seen their family.

“I just want to thank the community for supporting us through this time,” Hatton said. “We have lots of support from lots of different organizations and we are so appreciative of it.”

The parade isn’t the only way the holidays are being brought to the seniors. Friday, a youth group from a local church will decorate all of the windows from the outside. Next week, the center will host a drive-by family celebration with cookies and hot chocolate. Also, seniors are making Christmas cards for kids at the University of Kentucky’s Children Hospital. To top it off, staff will present everyone with gifts.

“We wanted to show how much we love them,” Hatton said. “They’re part of our family.”

The Lantern at Morning Pointe is also donating toys to UK’s Children’s Hospital. Those who want to help can contact the center. It’ll be collecting them this week and delivering them next week.