AARP Eye Center
As we know, visitations in hospitals, assisted living, nursing homes,
etc... have been extremely limited in most cases due to the pandemic
How has this affected you and your loved ones? What have the restrictions been like where you live?
What Amy said.
The coronavirus is a moving target, a water balloon that bulges out one side as you squeeze the other side, and a wiley adversary. And since you've listed the limitations so carefully, you followed the recommendations each time, even when they seemed arbitrary or over-done. I'm glad you were able to look through a window at one point, for not long enough. The health care providers aren't any happier than you or your loved one, and are even more at risk. It is a terrible burden for everyone.
You share your burden as a caregiver, and from your careful writing, i know that you are also a careful caregiver, detailed oriented, smart, creative. Your loved one is so blessed to have you as a caregiver, and i bet you feel blessed to have them in your life as well. Thank you for reminding those of us who haven't had to deal with facilities, rehab centers, hospitals, that we are blessed, but if we are faced with a facility and its policies, we can bravely adapt, as you have.
Thank you,
Jane
Thank you Jane! So sweet and I am detailed oriented maybe too much so at times. 🙂 I would thank each person I spoke with at the care facilities whether on the phone or in person, because I knew the visit restrictions were difficult for them on top of worry and stress for their health and loved ones. A lady came in to clean the room and I told her she was also a healthcare hero. She was so appreciative of that. I have wondered if my experience as a caregiver of a family member in ICU during the pandemic would be helpful to others.
Have a great evening,
Jessica
Wow Jessica - it sounds like you and your loved one have really been through the wringer. All of the hospitalizations are hard enough in "normal" times - incredibly stressful, and usually the one thing you can do in those situations is to be there and advocate for loved ones. Much harder, now, to do that from a distance. I'm glad to hear that you have at least had some of those "wellness" visits - it's at least more than people had for many months. But the fact that it's better than it was doesn't make it any easier for you, I know. I hope your loved one is feeling better and is safe - that's paramount. But also that you are doing some things to nurture yourself through all of this. It's incredibly stressful to have someone ill and hospitalized and in rehab (I've been though it many times too - I get it!) much less to have that in a pandemic. Please be gentle with yourself and do some things that fill you up. Your loved one is lucky to have you advocating for him/her - even if it is on the phone mostly! Sending you a big warm virtual hug...
Take care,
Amy Goyer, AARP Family & Caregiving Expert
"I downloaded AARP Perks to assist in staying connected and never missing out on a discount!" -LeeshaD341679