Amerisafe workers brought their “hugging station” to Redstone Highlands in Murrysville recently. The station — where the company and center staff set up dual plastic sheeting over a doorway — comes equipped with “sleeves” to allow residents to interact with family, giving many the chance to hug a loved one for the first time since the covid-19 pandemic began nearly a year ago.
Murrysville
Amerisafe brings ‘hugging station’ to Redstone Highlands in Murrysville
Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
Jamie Sciullo of Greensburg (left) and Mary Tyke of Verona visit with their mother, Jean Barnett, 96, at a “hugging station” set up by Amerisafe at Redstone Highlands senior living community in Murrysville on Jan. 7. At the station, residents and their families could hug through a plastic barrier installed in one of the doorways. Tyke and Sciullo said it was the first time they were able to hug their mother since March because of the covid-19 pandemic.
Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
Amerisafe Assitant Manager of Occupational Health Lou Downey (left) and Vice President of Consultations Del Kubeldis change plastic barriers between visits to a “hugging station” set up by Amerisafe at Redstone Highlands senior living community in Murrysville on Thursday. At the station, residents and their families could hug through a plastic barrier installed in one of the doorways.
Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
Julie Petnuch hugs father Jim Hagan as mother Dodie Hagan stands nearby at a “hugging station” set up by Amerisafe at Redstone Highlands senior living community in Murrysville on Jan. 7 At the station, residents and their families could hug through a plastic barrier in one of the facility’s doorways.
Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
Julie Petnuch holds hands with father Jim Hagan as mother Dodie Hagan stands nearby at a “hugging station” set up by Amerisafe at Redstone Highlands senior living community in Murrysville on Jan. 7. At the station, residents and their families could hug through a plastic barrier in one of the facility’s doorways.
About the Writers
Patrick Varine is a TribLive reporter covering Delmont, Export and Murrysville. He is a Western Pennsylvania native and joined the Trib in 2010 after working as a reporter and editor with the former Dover Post Co. in Delaware. He can be reached at pvarine@triblive.com.
