Nursing home facility in Chicago IL called me (only daughter) yesterday to inform me they’ve restricted visitors. The nursing supervisor wanted to inform me directly because I she knows that I come daily. I asked her for how long and she said she was unsure.
Coincidentally, last week a new CNA dropped mom (72). Mom suffered 2 hematomas but is recovering very well. I had 2 CT scans performed 3 days apart. Everything looks good. Nothing was broken.
Mom is a feeder. She has few words now and is in full diapers. Surprisingly, she uses her eyes and body language to communicate with me. It is the absolute cutest thing ... not sure if I’m able to go more than a day without visiting with her besides I give her Ensure Plus, yogurt and graham crackers as a snack every day too. Any thoughts?
Yesterday I read something to the effect that mortality rates in those over 80 y/o can be as high as 15%--and that age group, of course, includes a huge percentage of the residents of most nursing homes--and those that are younger are probably there due to health issues that may compromise their resistance to this disease.
Today I went to visit my mother (95), and the front door of the nursing home didn't swing open as it usually does, and there was a sign that only essential individuals would be allowed. My mother would be incapable of hearing a telephone call or even remembering if I called. I thought of standing outside her window with an "I LOVE YOU" sign, but the blinds are usually closed, and it would probably tax the staff to call them and expect them to open the blinds and prop her up to see out the window (the facility has only one floor)--and perhaps she would even find this depressing because it would remind her that I can't visit. (I doubt she is even aware of the policy unless the staff is wearing masks and explains it to her.) She tells how she almost died of measles at age 7, so if it were explained to her in those terms, it would probably make more of an impression.
Better safe than sorry!
As long as we are not showing symptoms, I wish the nursing homes would allow us to wear protective clothing, and even particulate masks, to be able to go in and visit our loved ones. It would do so much to raise their spirits.
I left Mom's old cell phone and charger in her room, along with a list of family and friends, and asked staff members to help her call us. Even though your mother cannot talk much, it will help her just to hear your voice, and you can tell her all about what's going on in your life.
We will have to keep hoping that this situation won't last long! All the best to you.
Not that I'd claim to know - I'm quoting the Washington Post.
grocery shopped after work or gotten gas or perhaps visited people? For families like ours this has been a nightmare. There is a big difference between a casual visitor and one who is the administering the care because the staff cannot always. I can only mentally hug you and pray for you and all who are going thru this. The families who provide the hands on one on one care. What others don't realize is people like my Dad and your Mom thrive with the care and familiar faces and we are not casual "lets go see Grandpa once a month" people. Huge difference!! And my Dad cannot talk on the phone or FaceTime..we call daily for reports and they say he is not eating and withdrawing. 😭😭.
As hard as it is, by staying away we are not only protecting our loved ones, but everyone else's loved ones!
They are safe and sound where they are!
Having said that, I feel there should be exceptions (screening) for those who have loved ones that are End of Life!
God bless and hang in there!
lots of digging and frustration on my part to find a new place-discovered a nurse at that facility put note in a chart notation about me being a yelling angry person to her. NEVER HAPPENED! same nurse argued with neurology office about why we would not order more drugs to further mess up my sister. evil nurse notes which other potential faculty would see when reviewing sis chart. no wonder we got no thank you reply from several potential places.
Last Monday sis got accepted at a new place. I toured before corona but now I could only drop sis and suitcase off at the door. several conversations about sis crying non stop and we review meds with new place. omg last place messed up again-with sis depression meds. I called the last place to say what happed. nurse says chart is closed so I cant tell you. really now. New staff has been fabulous keeping me in the loop helping sis talk to me by phone a few times. I had been praying for a miracle placement and wanted to give up many times-the door slammed in my face. felt such a thing was not out there about 3 months into the search.
needless to say sis is very confused and scared and more messed up than before due to RX screw up by last place. I will be sending cards to sis they say they will deliver to sis and read for her to keep in touch in between calls. we did have a nice chat yesterday.
Sis did have a slid out of bed the first day-no injuries. I ask about safety measures and they agree to put a mat on the floor, some kind of hipster pads, and will keep sis out in the common area make sure she is comfortable under very trying circumstances. last place would have never done this ever for sis safety. I asked for same the first time sis fell there too. For now she is safe and we are too from corona.
And Image, we get it. You hate nursing homes and don’t trust the staff to provide proper care. That’s your prerogative. But please take that agenda elsewhere. You aren’t being the least bit helpful. We don’t need your negativity here especially at a time like this many here have loved ones in LTC that they cannot visit.