Can't Visit Loved Ones in Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Centers

[agoyer]

Many of you are caring for loved ones living in nursing facilities (nursing homes) or assisted living facilities - are you having trouble getting there to see them? Are the facilities limiting or not allowing visitors? I'm hearing from caregivers who are struggling and worried because they can't visit their loved ones.

This UPDATED article goes over the reasons these facilities and centers are being guided by two leading industry groups and the federal government to tell family and friends to stay away from nursing homes and assisted living centers as the fast-spreading coronavirus continues to make inroads in the United States. 

"Nursing homes may have more to fear from visitors and staff carrying the virus than vice versa, as their residents are highly susceptible to the virus," Michael Dark, staff attorney at California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR) in San Francisco, wrote Tuesday in email.

A lot of good information about Coronavirus, what's being done, and what you can do at aarp.org/coronavirus 

My heart goes out to all of you with loved ones in facilities - it's so hard to be away and not able to see them. Hopefully some have technology set up so you can see them via camera (check with the facltiies if they are able/willing to set that up), and at least talk on the phone. 

Take care,

Amy Goyer, AARP Family & Caregiving Expert

Author, Juggling Life, Work and Caregiving

[Padrino50]

@agoyer Have you seen any discussion on people using the GrandPad for keeping in touch and/or for using it for telehealth visits with their medical practitioners??

[agoyer]

@Padrino50 I've not seen anything specific to Grandpad, but many people are using various types of tablets for telehealth visits, video chats etc. 

AARP now has a section of the website that covers Telehealth issues so you might find that helpful! Includes info about how to set up and manage it, videos about how to do video chat and more! 

Hope this is helpful! 

Take care,

Amy Goyer, AARP Family & Caregiving Expert

Author, Juggling Life, Work and Caregiving