'It was all smiles': Fire department helps group home residents celebrate birthdays

Staff at a Charlottetown group home for adults with intellectual disabilities weren't about to let COVID-19 dampen the party for three residents celebrating their birthdays this month — they called in the fire department to make an appearance. 

Friends and family of the residents were also invited to join the drive-by birthday parade. 

"They were very excited, definitely love seeing everybody," said Erin Flanagan, a community living worker at Pioneer Home in Charlottetown, part of Queens County Residential Services, a not-for-profit that runs nine group homes and several programs in Charlottetown for about 130 intellectually challenged adults.

"It was all smiles. I think it made them feel pretty important," Flanagan said.

Flanagan said staff had originally planned a large birthday party for the three residents, who turned 58, 70 and 80 this month — but  that wasn't possible due to social distancing and restrictions around large gatherings. So the home got in touch with the Charlottetown fire department to help make the reimagined celebration extra special. 

'Always looking out for the community'

Firefighter Daniel Birt says the department has received several calls in the past week or two requesting this type of special appearance — something the fire department is happy to do. 

"We have the time," said Birt, who appeared solo with one fire truck, and kept a safe distance from residents and staff at the home.

"People are basically housebound for special occasions, they're not allowed to have family and stuff in, so it's just something we thought might be a good idea," Birt said. 

Birt said people often visit fire stations during regular times, but since that is not an option now because of COVID-19, this is a way for firefighters to stay connected with the community. 

"It's kind of part of the firefighters thing, we're always looking out for the community. And it's nice to be able to do something like this," said Birt. 

'Everybody's love and support'

Staff at Pioneer Home said the small gesture meant a great deal to residents. 

"It's not a party by any means, but it just shows everybody's love and support," said Flanagan. 

The new norms around social distancing and living in isolation aren't easy for some residents to grasp, she said — and this was a way for them to focus on something fun and positive. 

"These times are very confusing for a lot of our clients, and they don't understand that they can't [continue] their normal routines and stuff," said Flanagan. "So to make them have some smiles and some good times and good feelings is worth it all for sure. It's very important."

Officials with the Charlottetown Fire Department say they are happy to continue to make appearances for special occasions — as long as they are available, and as long as there's nowhere more urgent they need to be.

COVID-19: What you need to know

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Common symptoms include:

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Tiredness.

But more serious symptoms can develop, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia, which can lead to death.

Health Canada has built a self-assessment tool.

What should I do if I feel sick?

Isolate yourself and call 811. Do not visit an emergency room or urgent care centre to get tested. A health professional at 811 will give you advice and instructions.

How can I protect myself?

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean regularly touched surfaces regularly.
• Practise physical distancing.

More detailed information on the outbreak is available on the federal government's website.

More COVID-19 stories from CBC P.E.I.