Italy's Clever 'Hugging Room' Lets Loved Ones Embrace Safely Through Plastic

In late 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic was still affecting people all over the world, especially those living in care homes. Many elderly residents were unable to see their families for months because they were at higher risk of getting sick. In Italy, the Domenico Sartor nursing home in Castelfranco Veneto came up with a creative solution to help their residents feel less isolated. They built a 'hugging room' where people could safely embrace their loved ones through a thick plastic sheet.

The hugging room was designed to be bright and welcoming, with large windows and glass walls. In the center of the room, a big plastic sheet hung from the ceiling, with special holes for people to put their arms through. This allowed family members to hug each other without touching directly, which helped prevent the spread of the virus. Many residents had not touched their family members for almost a year, so being able to hug them, even through plastic, was very emotional. People said they could feel the warmth and comfort of their loved ones, which was much better than just seeing them on a screen.

Photographer Max Cavallari visited the care home to document this unique idea. He said the room looked a bit like something from a science fiction show, but it was also full of hope. Cavallari spoke to several families who were using the hugging room for the first time. They all talked about how important it was to feel the physical presence of their loved ones, even if there was a barrier between them. The care home staff were proud of their invention, but they did not want to brag. They simply wanted to help their residents feel happier and less alone.

The idea of the hugging room inspired other care homes in different countries to try similar things. For example, a care home in the UK created a special bed that allowed family members to lie next to each other safely. These creative solutions showed that even during a pandemic, people can find ways to stay connected. Some care homes have continued to use these ideas even after the worst of Covid-19 passed, helping families share moments of closeness and comfort. The story of the hugging room reminds us that human connection is very important, especially in difficult times.