Nursing home visits during COVID-19.

COVID-19 has changed just about every aspect of our lives, including seeing our loved ones that are in nursing homes. I perform consultations for patients receiving rehabilitation in nursing homes. When I returned to the nursing homes after the initial lockdown of nursing homes, there were no visitors allowed. This was tough on all involved, from family members, to the staff, and especially to the residents. 

Just like pictures we would see in the news, I saw several chairs set up outside of the residents’ windows. As things progressed, residents were able to visit with loved ones outside with an appointment. Fortunately now, many facilities are allowing indoor visits. These visits are usually for 15-30 minutes, on a weekly basis and by appointment only. I know this is still frustrating for both the residents and for the family members/friends, but this allows for some continued limitation of exposures and monitoring over potential exposures of the residents to COVID-19. 

Plan your COVID-19 restricted visit to the nursing home.

If you are planning to visit a loved one in the nursing home, here are some pointers and what to expect. First of all, plan ahead. Most facilities allow only a certain number of visitors per hour, and visiting hours are restricted to certain times. It is unlikely you would be able to show up unannounced and have that visit, so call ahead and schedule the appointment. Usually calling the main line of the building is the best option of talking to whomever you need to set that appointment. Once you have the appointment made, try to get in touch with your loved one and/or his nurse to find out if there is anything he might need or want.

Sometimes there are some clothing or personal care items that are needed, and sometimes it might just be a favorite snack or drink. The personal care items can be dropped off at the front desk of the facilities any time, but it is nice for the residents to receive something, even something small, when the visit is made. 

Upon arrival to the nursing home.

On the day of the appointment, the first, and most important item, is to make sure you are not feeling ill. As much as you want to see Mom, it is certainly not worth the risk of getting her sick. Yes, you will be required to wear a mask during the visit, but you would still be putting her at risk if you are not feeling well.

When you arrive for the visit, you will have your temperature checked. This seems restrictive, but it is necessary. If you have a fever, you will not be allowed to visit the resident and will be asked to leave. Residents in nursing homes are a very vulnerable population, thus, extra precautions to maintain their safety must be taken.

Another somewhat obvious piece of advice is to arrive on time. There are usually several visits planned during the visitation hours, so in order to maintain the visitation schedule for all of the patients and to get the maximum amount of time for your individual visit, arrive on time. 

And finally, if your loved one thrives on frequent visits, keep up those visits to the windows. They are not always the same, but these visits allow your loved ones to see you face to face. It can bring comfort both to you and to your loved one.

Please contact me or leave a comment if you have a question about visiting your loved one in a nursing home in the midst of COVID-19.

© 2020 Jessica Kluetz, DO