Nova Scotia care home spreads joy with ‘viral’ photos

“This Nova Scotia nursing home has gone viral, but in the best possible way,” reads an April 4 CBC headline. Immediately below is a picture of 89 year-old Peggy clutching a dumbbell and a sign that reads “Tryin’ to flatten my own curve!!” It’s part of a series shot by staff at Queens Manor in Liverpool, NS as a creative way for residents to stay in touch with families and each other in light of strict physical distancing rules, including the banning of visitors. The heartwarming story stands in welcome contrast to most others in recent news concerning long-term care homes and COVID-19.

The photos were shared on Queens Manor’s social media pages to allow family members to stay connected to loved ones at the home, though they’ve also attracted a much broader audience. Peggy, top, is not on Facebook, although her photo has been shared on the platform over 300 times. On hearing this, she remarked to a staff member, “I'm going to be a star am, I?"

Sources: CBC, Queens Manor