Apr 08, 2020

Nursing Home Resident Starts Sewing Face Masks To Fight Coronavirus

Much has been said about protecting people living in nursing homes recently, but it appears as though some residents are more worried about everyone else.

Rina Sartoretto, 86, was born in Italy and first started sewing at the tender age of 12-years-old.

Mrs. Sartoretto’s skills with the needle and thread developed quickly, and before too long she has forged herself a career as a dressmaker.

When the time came to move into a nursing home, she packed her sewing machine and an assortment of materials before heading to the Villa Saint Hilarion Nursing Home in Adelaide’s western suburbs.

Prior to last week’s lockdown, Rina’s facility was a hive of activity that included regular visits from singers and school children throughout the week, but visitor restriction has put a hold on face-to-face interactions with family members and outside entertainment.

This unprecedented situation has people from all across the globe scrambling for ways to pass the time and Mrs. Sortoretto had decided to fill the void by pulling out the sewing machine and creating washable masks to help fight the spread of the coronavirus.

Equipped with an overlocker and a stockpile of vintage materials, Mrs. Sartoretto’s handmade masks would have to be the most elegant looking PPE in existence.

Mrs Sartoretto- Sewing

These colourful masks boast some eye-catching patterns from yesteryear which have resulted in the 86-year-old actually being offered $5.00 per mask.

Mrs. Sortoretto declined payment, confessing that creating the masks gives her a purposeful outlet that takes her mind off the worry of being in the midst of a global pandemic.

Mrs Sartoretto- Seamstress

Mrs. Sortoretto is struggling with being away from her beloved grandchildren and looks forward to the prospect of going home for meals on the weekend and having the opportunity to go on holiday with her own children.

Like many from her generation, Mrs. Sortoretto is resilient – but she is deeply saddened by the effect that the spread of the coronavirus is having on the world.

And until things start to settle down and visitors can return to her facility, she intends to keep on doing her part by sewing masks for those who need them.

 

Images supplied by Villa Saint Hilarion

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Support for people living with dementia in nursing homes during COVID-19 

Aged care residential services have been warned use of chemical and physical restraints is particularly dangerous for people living with dementia experiencing COVID-19 respiratory illness and urged to explore alternatives. Dementia Support Australia, a national service funded by the Australian Government to support people living with dementia and their families, today issued advice to all... Read More

Celebrating Life and Art: Nancye Peachey’s Masterpieces at Moran Gallery

At the remarkable age of 94, Nancye Peachey continues to inspire everyone around her with her latest art exhibition. This collection, drawn from her passions and memories, marks a significant milestone in her artistic journey. Read More

10 aged care staff suspended from South Australian home after refusing to vaccinate

The aged care home will struggle to fill shifts after suspending staff who refused to receive their first jab. Read More
Advertisement