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Senior Facility Health Issues and COVID-19 Care
Senior Facility Health Issues
With COVID illness care becoming a greater concern, senior facility care has faced many challenges. The isolation and the threat of COVID infection, along with the increased precautions at senior facilities, have led to significant changes and difficulties for residents. As COVID continues to evolve into new variants, often less severe yet capable of evading vaccinations, it remains a serious issue for seniors. Additionally, there are numerous other health issues for seniors, including colds, flu, shingles, and RSV, which can easily spread in close quarters. Healthier, younger individuals may recover quickly, but older or compromised seniors are at a higher risk of severe illness or even death.
As a result, many families have chosen to bring their senior loved ones home from these facilities. Families must be extremely cautious to avoid introducing COVID into their households while also taking over the care that was once provided in senior facilities. This transition can be daunting, and tensions often arise as families navigate this new responsibility.
Many seniors have either succumbed to or have battled COVID in care facilities, leading to feelings of angst, anger, and disappointment regarding the actions or inactions of these facilities. Families often grapple with guilt over not being able to visit loved ones before they pass away or simply to share a hug. Facility staff must protect all residents, not just individual family members, leading to tough decisions being made.
When caregivers inadvertently spread illness in these facilities, the elderly become particularly vulnerable. One facility tragically lost half of its residents due to a caregiver who had COVID but was asymptomatic. Understandably, the anger from relatives is palpable. Even vaccinated workers may continue to wear masks, as variants can still be transmitted without symptoms.
Seniors are deprived of vital social contact while quarantining due to COVID, shingles, flu, and other illnesses. To help combat this isolation, families should make an effort to FaceTime, call, write letters, or send cards. Providing books, crafts, or new clothes can help seniors feel loved and engaged. Remind them that vaccinations for flu, shingles, and COVID are available, and that eventually, they will be able to welcome visitors or visit others once everyone is vaccinated.
Encouraging seniors to stay active is crucial. Are they pacing in their rooms, lifting weights, stretching on chairs or beds, dancing, or playing shuffleboard? If they can safely go outside for some vitamin D, encourage them to do so.
My father resides in a retirement facility that offers varying levels of care. They have implemented in-room doctor visits, frequently check temperatures, and had to close the dining area for months due to COVID, although residents could pick up bagged meals. He has been fortunate, living in an independent duplex with a car and a dog for companionship. The dog has provided him with wonderful company. He is allowed to leave the facility as long as he wears a mask and has his temperature checked upon exiting and re-entering. The dining area has gradually reopened, initially allowing one person per table and increasing capacity as vaccinations progressed. However, with the possibility of new infectious diseases, these protocols may need to be reinstated.
Costs related to senior facility care may have risen due to the increased need for illness care and adjustments made to ensure safety. Facilities are hesitant to offer discounts, as they require funding to maintain operations. Many additional services have been eliminated and may not return.
The lack of contact with loved ones is challenging, and it's tough to see both sides of the situation. There is an emotional aspect alongside a business side, with each presenting its own set of challenges.
You can advocate for better conditions and communicate with the administration, but keep in mind that they are managing numerous inquiries. They may help you understand the struggles they face, and in turn, you can share insights about what is lacking in their care. This may include suggestions for increased contact, such as allowing more conversations or walking the halls with masks, even with a nurse present. Collaborating to find viable solutions can be beneficial.
Remember to do your part by engaging in any way you can, as it may lead to improvements while waiting out the restrictions. The situation takes a toll on everyone involved.