SNF Residents Dying of Broken Hearts Due to Visitation Restrictions?

[tnbutterfly - Mary]

Many states are now relaxing their in-person nursing home visitation regulations after accusations by families that their loved ones are dying of broken hearts. These strict restrictions have caused many gut-wrenching experiences for families and residents....and most likely nurses who have to witness this.

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For the most part, visitors are required to stay outside and meet relatives in gardens or on patios where they stay at least 6 feet apart, supervised by a staff member. Appointments are scheduled in advance and masks are mandated. Only one or two visitors are permitted at a time.

Although not without risks, as of July 7, 26 states plus the District of Columbia have given permission for nursing home visits under the above guidelines.

To read the article in its entirely and a map of states that have relaxed their rules, go to https://khn.org/news/states-allow-in-person-nursing-home-visits-as-families-charge-residents-die-of-broken-hearts/

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

Wuzzie - My heart truly goes out to you. ?

[NurseBlaq]

1 hour ago, Wuzzie said:

Actually mom was really looking forward to the move. For the first time in decades she would be close to her two daughters instead of 2 hours away. We had plans for decorating their new place, special outings, dinners together. We moved them to a beautiful place close to water so Dad could watch his beloved boats. The only thing that makes him happy. Their building backs up to a huge metro garden and there’s a path from the back patio right to it. None of these things we can do or enjoy.

I bet that hurts. They moved closer and now you can't see them. They're right there yet untouchable. I'd be frustrated too. All I can say is enjoy the time you can with them during the days they come out to visit you. I know you want to hug them but you have to keep them safe.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

It is heart wrenching any way you cut it. Heart wrenching for those trapped in solitude and loneliness without even being able to see whole human faces and heart wrenching for those dying in solitude and loneliness without even being able to see whole human faces.

I don't know that there is a solution and I can't argue for or against it either way. It hurts. Either way, with or without visitors, it hurts. I am so sorry for all who are suffering along with their loved ones having to live through these unprecedented times.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

My MIL is in an assisted living here in Texas and no family has been allowed in the building since mid-March. They finally were allowed back to the dining area (instead of eating in their apartments alone) 3 weeks ago, but after an employee tested positive 2 weeks ago they are back to eating alone in their apartments. She is not doing well physically because of restricted movement. Her mild dementia is actually helping her mentally because she thinks the pandemic will be over tomorrow - every day.

My father who is completely competent is in assisted living in Wa state has been on lockdown (no visitors) since early March. Eating alone in the apt. and no activities or bingo etc. He is doing horribly and keeps requesting hospice even though he does not have any terminal illness.

Both have lived long and good lives. At 83 and 93. I think they are being protected too much. They will both die of something eventually and this isolation is worse than death for them. This is not quality of life.

[Wuzzie]

27 minutes ago, CrunchRN said:

They will both die of something eventually and this isolation is worse than death for them. This is not quality of life.

I mentioned this before but my mom told me she'd rather die of Covid than loneliness.

[CommunityRNBSN, BSN, RN]

I live in New England. I don't have contact with any SNFs but I live across the street from one. They’ve started having outdoor visits, which is nice... in Summer. Winters in Connecticut are brutal and very long. Are these elderly people to stay jailed from September to next April? I have no solution but this seems absolutely inhumane. Especially when people who have offered solutions for their own families (the commenter who offered to quarantine and move in to the facility) are turned down.

[xanderx]

On 7/14/2020 at 12:14 PM, NurseBlaq said:

It's good to have some visitation than no visitation, but I'm concerned about them being outside in this heat and humidity. Some LTC facilities are offering phone and video chats to residents and families. Maybe LTC facilities should set up computer labs with cameras so families can have video chats with loved ones. They get to see one another just not in person, but some access to family is better than none.

I have several resident who are used to seeing family daily, weekly etc. We are constantly doing FaceTime. Big difference from the human interaction they are used too. It’s a joke really.

[toomuchbaloney]

57 minutes ago, xanderx said:

I have several resident who are used to seeing family daily, weekly etc. We are constantly doing FaceTime. Big difference from the human interaction they are used too. It’s a joke really.

Do you think that it could be different or better with different or better PPE?

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Mask with clear window would be better for SNF/ALF areas:

[toomuchbaloney]

Also better for children who don't process subtle eye expression well.

[OUxPhys, BSN, RN]

It's a real thing. My uncle's mother, who is in her mid to late 80's?, is experiencing this. He husband has been gone probably 10 years now but she is at the point where she is giving up. She stopped eating. My aunt and uncle are now looking into hospice for her. It's really sad because she is a very nice old lady and this has pretty much done it for her.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

I don't work in LTC anymore, left right before this started as a matter of fact. I have maintained friendships with a few of my former co-workers so I do get reports on how things are going and I am so glad I got out when I did.

Staffing has been brutal. First because so many were out of work on quarantine for any symptoms no matter how mild, they weren't even necessarily testing them at that point so nobody knows if anybody who missed work was positive or not.

Now staffing is brutal because the overtime generated by those who could and did continue to work crazy hours slaughtered the budget so now staffing is purposefully cut to the bare bones necessary. Well, the bare bones necessary as decided by corporate which is decidedly not the bare bones as necessary that the staff dealing with this think is needed.

Our elderly are lonely, they are cut off from family and friends. Even the outlet of planned activities is gone. Plus with staffing being so minimal none of the workers have time to just visit a bit while helping the residents. It's get in, get out and on to the next poor soul that needs help.

Residents are sad, workers are frustrated and there is no end in sight. It's not a pretty picture.