Steps Must Be Taken to Allow Visitation to Resume at Nursing Homes
As a caregiver, I am all too aware that those with dementia are particularly susceptible to COVID-19 due to their age and increased likelihood of coexisting chronic conditions. Those who are most vulnerable face additional challenges inside care facilities.
Alzheimer’s has devastated my family. My father was 56 when he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Ten years later, he’s in the advanced stages of the disease and has been residing in a nursing facility for the past six years. I have not been able to see him since March. His facility is home to more than 700 residents, and 1,200 staff. Because of the capacity on his campus and current 14-day COVID-free threshold for visitation, I do not believe that I will see my father anytime soon.
In New York, we were hit hard at the beginning of the pandemic and worked tirelessly to decrease those numbers. Nursing homes were mandated to admit recovering COVID-19 patients. Throughout this time, I was unable to be with my father to decrease his feelings of isolation. Even with the revised visitation policy, my hope has withered.
The Alzheimer’s Association is advocating for rapid testing, adequate PPE and other protocols to be put into place in long-term care facilities so that safe visitation can be resumed. I urge the federal government to work more quickly to ensure residential care settings have the resources needed to protect residents and staff, so that caregivers like me can be reunited with their loved ones.
Eva Roszkowski
Community Engagement Manager/Young Professionals Alzheimer’s Council Adviser
Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley
