Testing at nursing homes was too little, too late

In the excellent June 14 article written by Kris Mamula, “Testing a Weak Link in Nursing Homes,” a number of appalling issues were discussed. Only 75 out of 700 nursing homes have been tested for COVID-19, there’s not enough testing equipment and protective equipment, and the costs for this protective equipment are rising. In addition, nursing homes were closing community rooms, canceling social activities, and restricting visitors and family members.

What didn’t get mentioned was that, as a result of residents being isolated from visitors, dining and group activities and being left mainly in their rooms, residents became depressed, lonely and anxious to the point that they quit eating and stayed in bed and ultimately died due to failure to thrive. This occurred nationwide.

It appears that nursing homes were not giving good care, but by and large, care was exceptional and these staff were truly exceptional heroes in this pandemic.

However, they became depressed watching residents who they cared for and about decline due to social isolation.

This does not even cover the effects on family members who visited daily and had to stop visiting. The testing is too little, too late!

Social isolation has become the second pandemic, causing huge psychological emotional issues that can lead to death in some instances.

JEFF WEINBERG President Caregiver Champion Squirrel Hill