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/

[toomuchbaloney]

5 hours ago, kbrn2002 said:

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.

The end would certainly be more envisioned if the majority would mask, distance and sanitize so that community spread was manageable.