For us, one of those safety measures is that Lizzie's nursing home is in lockdown. No visitors allowed. (Our home is making exceptions for end-of-life situations and allowing limited visitors who are healthy and pass screening.) Within the home, the residents are staying within their own units (about 30 people so still opportunities to socialize) and there are no big gatherings in the common room.
We're really glad the home is in lockdown even though it means we can't see Lizzie. More than anything we want her to remain safe and healthy.
Our nursing home has a terrific staff. They are working hard to keep the residents active and talking with them and each other.
If Lizzie was on the 1st or even the 2nd floor, we've go see her and wave through the window, but from her floor she wouldn't be able to see us. At the beginning of lockdown, there was also still a lot of snow and getting around to her side of the building would have been tough anyway!
Lizzie no longer understands how to use a telephone so calling her isn't an option.
Within a few days of the lockdown we got a call from a staff member. They were arranging Face Time and Skype visits between residents and family. A staff member sits with Lizzie and runs the call and helps her out with the conversation. Sometimes a person on screen doesn't make sense to Lizzie.
What a great idea!! Creative problem solving at its best. It has made us all a lot happier.
How are you coping if your Loved One is in a nursing home?
If your Loved One is at your home or on their own, how is it going?