For the elderly, those said to be the most vulnerable targets for COVID-19, these days of coronavirus concerns can be especially difficult. There are no personal visits from family members. No grandkids to hug. No trips to the grocery store.

“It makes a person feel very abandoned, like the world is coming to an end with the empty streets and parking lots,” said Delton Torno, 81, a resident of Edgewood in Minot. “We’re lucky they are protecting us because the elderly get hit a lot worse if we get the virus.”

The mixed emotions are understandable as the nation copes with the coronavirus pandemic. Staying away from others, being kept away from others, is a big change from the days prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“I still have coffee with some of the guys here,” said Torno. “We’re supposed to stay six feet apart but sometimes we cheat a little bit.”

Comaraderie among residents is a big part of daily life for those in assisted living facilities, especially when being sealed off from the outside world. All precaution is taken to prevent coronavirus from infecting residents. Unfortunately, that means no visitors.

“It’s hard. They are used to seeing their family every single day,” said Melissa Van Deventer, co-director at Somerset in Minot. “That’s probably one of the hardest things, but they appreciate the protection.”

“So far it has gone as well as we could have hoped it could go,” added Dave Caldwell, co-director. “Our residents have been extremely understanding, extremely cooperative and extremely cheery considering the circumstances they are in. There’s a little stress. That’s understood.”

“Some of them worry that their families are worrying about them too much,” said Van Deventer.

Precautions at Somerset include screening all staff each time they come to work, checking for any symptoms of coronavirus. It is a necessary protective measure. At Edgewood even the mailman is kept away.

“The mailman can’t even come in here,” said Carma McLaughlin, executive director. “We disinfect the mail until it is dry and then deliver it to each apartment. We still have residents in the dining room. We don’t want to stop that comaraderie but we keep them six feet apart.”

Both facilities have ample windows and courtyard areas. It opens up possibilities for visits at a distance.

“A couple families have surprised residents with I Love You signs,” said McLaughlin. “There’s been some celebrations outside the windows.”

“We’ve had a lot of window visits,” said Van Deventer.

Electronic communication has become very important to the elderly literally sealed in against coronavirus. FaceTime and Skype are vital links between grandparents and their children and grandchildren.

“We’ve been working with families to FaceTime,” said McLaughlin. “We’re visiting with the residents more too. We hope that helps because they are lonely.”

Van Deventer said her staff was also encouraging use of FaceTime and other means of communication between family members and residents.

“Some have their own phones and Ipads to talk to family on,” said Van Deventer. “We have a tremendous staff really doing a good job beating that isolation and loneliness.”