Keeping Long-term Care Residents and Families Connected during the Pandemic
Tablet computers and smart phones can make a big difference for families with a loved one in long-term care right now. I know – my Dad is a resident at Oak Bay Lodge.
My Dad is 81 now, and lives with dementia. He doesn’t really understand that he’s living in a care facility so, when we’re not around, he’s always wondering where we are and wants to find us. When we visit he’s instantly filled with joy, and his relief is palpable.
Before the virus struck, my Mom would see him every evening. They’d walk the unit together, then sit and colour in my Dad’s colouring book before she’d get him ready for bed.
When the pandemic took hold, it was hard on all of us, and my Mom most of all. We desperately wanted to know if he was okay, but didn’t feel comfortable calling the unit for updates – we know the nurses and therapists are stretched thin right now and, ultimately, even if the staff could have facilitated a call, we really wanted to see him and see that he’s okay.
The staff went out of their way to set up through-the-window visits for residents but, for us, this wasn’t a great solution either. At my Mom’s age, she’s been encouraged to stay at home throughout the pandemic. We also feared that we’d find the experience more heartbreaking than anything else. My Dad wouldn’t be able to understand why we were there just to see him, and couldn’t take him out like we used to…it would just be painful for everyone.
Fortunately, after a few weeks of stress, one of the therapists used a cell phone to send us a short video of my Dad. It was such a simple thing, but it filled us with a monumental amount of joy and relief to be able to see him looking happy, healthy, and well cared for.
I’ve since learned that Eldercare Foundation is now raising funds to provide more tablet computers and smart phones to local long-term care facilities so that while we’re forced to be apart, we can close the distance with more pictures, videos and video chats. I know for families like mine, it would make a world of difference!