Assisted Living Facilities open visitations back up; Families coming together again
As the nation continues to fight the pandemic, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes are starting to see a silver lining. On Sept. 17, Governor Greg Abbott lifted the order that had limited visits to such facilities declaring that as of Sept. 24, facilities would be able – under certain guidelines – to allow in person visits once again.
“I was really happy, excited to hear that I would be able to visit my mom again,” Chris Wrye, Big Spring resident and family member with a loved one at Big Spring Center for Skilled Care, said. “It’s always an adventure when we get together. We are laughing, cutting up and having fun.”
With the announcement from Governor Abbott that all visitations would be halted due to the coronavirus pandemic, Wrye – as were many other families in the same situation across the nation – was worried, concerned and upset that the daily contact she had with her mother was coming to an abrubt halt. Wrye’s mother, Marilyn Chamberlain, who has been in an assisted living facility for most of the past year is for the most part a happy, go-lucky kind of lady who is in good spirits most of the time. Even with the positive attitude, Wrye admitted it was concerning knowing that her daily visits were about to change drastically.
“Before all of this happened I would go visit my mom on my way to work and when I got off of work sometimes,” she said.
“When the in person visits stopped those daily visits turned into maybe two or three times a week through a window visits.”
Families with loved ones in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and assisted living facilities, over the past few months have become creative in finding ways to stay in contact with loved ones. Residents at Big Spring Center for Skilled Care have had window visits, phone calls, zoom calls, to help ease the transition. On Tuesday afternoon, BSCSC welcomed their first guest into the building and the reunion was sweet.
“It was a really good visit. I cried when I saw her (my mom). She was happy, as she always is,” Wrye said. “The staff, Christy, Linda, and Diane have truly been lifesavers. They have taken such good care of my mom and have been a huge help through all of this.”
According to Governor Abbott’s orders to make in person visits safe for all involved and to continue to slow the spread, facilities are tasked with maintaining certain guidelines for visitors. In accordance with these orders, BSCSC has issued guidelines to family members and caregivers. Included in their visitation process, at this time only essential caregivers – which are to be chosen by the resident - are allowed to visit inside the facility. Each resident is allowed up to two essential caregivers and each visitors must have a Covid-19 test showing they are negative no more
than 14 days old. Upon entering the facility visitors will be provided with full personal protective equipment (PPE) and training on the proper use. They will have their temperature checked and answer screening questions upon arrival. Escorts will be provided in and out of the facility and only interaction with the resident is allowed.
“You have to go through a process, but it’s worth it. I don’t want to bring in anything to my mom, the residents or the staff. It’s overwhelming at first, but you just have to remember it’s for everyone’s safety.”
After each visit, the area is deep cleaned and residents and their visitors will perform hand hygiene. Visits are set by appointment only and are allotted 45 minutes. Upon arrival caregivers must provide ID and proof of a negative Covid status. BSCSC has also placed their infection control practices on their website at http:// bigspringcenterforskilledcare.com.
“Not being able to see my mom was hard, and there were times it got to me, but what helped was I knew she was being taken care of,” she said. “I encourage anyone going through this to be understanding and if you have questions call up to the facility.”
For those wanting to set up a visit or find out more information, call Big Spring Center for Skilled Care at 432606-5012. In addition to face to face visits, virtual visits are also taking place.