HAZARD, Ky. — Nursing homes have a unique role during the pandemic. They help protect their residents from the outside world. 

But that can put an emotional strain on a family.

“I wanted to make it special because I couldn’t see her in person,” said Rowena Dawhare, whose mother is in a nursing home.  

Through the doors of the Hazard Health and Rehabilitation Center Dawhare celebrated her mother Alice's birthday with a car parade. 

More than 30 families and friends helped Alice celebrate her birthday.

Her daughter said it’s the first big celebration for her 75-year-old mother where they couldn’t touch or hug.

“Talking to her through the door really hit home that I couldn’t touch her face, give her a hug, give her a kiss. It was hard,” Dawhare said.

The 48-year-old daughter said it’s not only hard for her and her kids but hard for Alice as well.

“She is struggling a lot. She said when this is over and I can get out of here I'm coming home to stay with you for a while,” Dawhare said.

Daily life for Alice Medrano is limited to a few activities.

“I've got a walker around where you can walk on. I'm in a wheelchair. We got laundry to go and visit others on our floor,” Medrano said.

On most days, Medrano is in her bed. Her nurses check-in on her and help make video-calls to her family. 

The group classes Medrano would take part in have been temporarily canceled. But on occasion, she plays in what’s being called hallway bingo.

While Medrano knows about the virus and its impact, in her heart she longs to be with her family.

“I begged to go home. I begged my daughter Rowena to let me come there. I want to go home,” Medrano said.