Closing to visitors has given residents a sense of safety
I WRITE in response to Professor Rose Anne Kenny’s article ‘Exposure of latent ageism in virus response highlights need to reform care systems for older people’ (Irish
Independent, May 22).
The premise of her statement is controversial. She writes of her deep concern about the “effect banning visitors continues to have on residents”. As the director of nursing, the unanimous decision to close to visitors was made by residents and staff members. On many levels, it has provided an enormous sense of safety and reassurance to all and, though one day at a time, we remain Covid-free.
Did Prof Kenny not consider the recommendation of the Department of Health for all those over 70 to cocoon at home? She correctly states nursing homes are homes. However, does she believe all those advised to cocoon should have their door open to visitors during this pandemic?
Prof Kenny went on to say “our disregard for the suffering this causes”. Is she suggesting we have a disregard to a resident’s “suffering”, which is as disappointing as it is false? We have monitored the effect visiting restrictions have had on each resident in our home. No one has been “suffering”.
We have evidence of meetings with residents and of their families’ views. At our recent Hiqa inspection, the inspector was informed of the high level of contentment and sense of safety reported by residents, notwithstanding missing their visitors. Many visitors live in different parts of the country, and some abroad. Who doesn’t miss social and family connections at this difficult time?
Prof Kenny writes of “residents’ only contact with the outside world is through methods often alien to them. Skype and FaceTime might be second nature to many of us, but not necessarily to patients in a nursing home”. Our residents use Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp, mobile phones, telephones and emails. Video clips from families around the country and the world have been sent and received.
I do agree with Prof Kenny that this certainly is “the time to cast out the old attitudes and redundant policies and implement a new, intelligent, kinder evidence-based model, fit for purpose for current and future generation”.
I believe from experience this needs to be thoroughly represented by those whose voices need to be heard, and at the core of this is the person who needs care.
Ann Fitzpatrick
St Theresa’s Nursing Home, Thurles, Co Tipperary