Granddaughter reconnects with grandmother at Reno vaccination clinic; administers COVID-19 vaccine
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Mon, 02/01/2021 - 12:58pm
Rachel Trendler had last hugged her grandmother, Gloria Forbes, nearly a year ago, just before the pandemic hit. Earlier this month, she got to hold her grandmother’s hand for the first time in a very long time and also administer her the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
Trendler is a pharmacist for Walgreens in Reno. She joined four other pharmacists and technicians on Jan. 8 to administer 130 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to residents and team members who live and work at Summit Estates Senior Living and Memory Care. This was the first of two vaccination clinics scheduled in the community.
“We feel so blessed to be part of this effort,” said Trendler. “Administering the vaccine is taking another step toward reuniting everyone with their families.”
Up until the pandemic, Trendler was a regular visitor at Summit Estates, stopping by every two-to-three days with her newborn son to see Forbes, who had moved to Summit Estates two years earlier. “This was the first time I truly laid eyes on her,” said Trendler. “She looked great, happy, and healthy.”
Administrator Tara Alto said Forbes had an inkling her granddaughter might be part of the Walgreens vaccination team. She “tracked down Rachel” and was so happy to see her in person rather than via a window visit or video chat.
Forbes was ‘giddy with excitement,’ said Alto, as was the entire community that day. “It was a happy day for everyone. Residents were excited to get their COVID-19 vaccine and they felt hopeful for what this would mean for the future,” she explained.
“There was a lot of laughter and a lot of stories being shared by residents with the Walgreens team,” said Alto. “They took such good care of our residents and the clinic ran smoothly.”
Alto was among those to receive the vaccine and proudly wear a “Crush COVID-19” sticker. The Summit Estates team prepared and played a COVID-19 playlist that included Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.” Snacks and beverages were available.
“Everyone had a part in ensuring a safe and comfortable experience,” said Trendler. “The clinic was organized and efficient, and the residents were happy.”
For now, visitation continues to be restricted at Summit Estates Senior Living, and stringent infection control and safety protocols remain in place for the health and safety of those who live and work in the community.
“The vaccine is a hopeful and positive step toward eradicating this virus but our country is still in the midst of a pandemic,” said Alto. “Keeping our residents safe and healthy is our priority. Every decision we make is in the best interest of our residents and team members.”
About Summit Estates Senior Living and Memory Care: Located at 222 E Patriot Blvd, Reno, Summit Estates Senior Living offers support and services to help older adults remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. Residents thrive in a friendly, comfortable, and safe community with life enrichment activities, health and wellness programs, on- and off-site social gatherings, learning opportunities, and chef-prepared meals. The memory care community offers a secure, stimulating, and loving environment for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia diseases.
