AMR volunteers take patients home to their families for Thanksgiving

AMR volunteers gathered Thursday to help nursing home patients with low mobility get to their families safely on Thanksgiving day in Colorado Springs.

AMR’s “Home for the Holidays” program provides courtesy round-trip transportation for bed-bound or ailing residents in assisted living or hospice facilities across the country so they can celebrate the holiday season with loved ones.

"I'm very happy to be with my family," said Elisabeth, who often gets visits from her family but can't always leave her nursing home to see them. "That means a lot to me."

Laura Kent, a paramedic with AMR, says these service programs mean a lot for patients and her fellow co-workers.

"I love spending my Thanksgiving this way," Kent said. "This is a different part of our job that we don't get to do everyday and so we're all extremely happy to be able to spread the joy instead of the doom and gloom."

The ambulance service has been operating this program in Colorado Springs for about 30 years and also provides the service during Christmas. Kent says families interested in signing up their loved ones for the program should do so early to save a spot.

Jessica Rumery, the granddaughter of Elisabeth, says she's grateful for services that serve our local community during the holidays.

"It's hard to get everyone into one room at the same time except for on the holidays," Rumery said. "I think that's what the holidays are all about. It's been a really nice treat."