Before allowing visitors to elder-care facilities, do this
Since March 15, a state ban on visits to elder-care facilities has kept William H. of Pembroke Pines from helping his 96-year-old mother. William had been visiting her at her nursing home about 10 minutes from his home nearly every day, checking on her and helping with her care.
Now he’s worried. While William’s mother, Lois, has avoided the COVID-19 virus so far, the facility where she lives had cases of coronavirus among staff. And the isolation is taking a toll on both William and Lois.
“I am concerned that my mother is lonely; that she suffers from my not being able to visit, now for several weeks. She’s a very social being and she thrives on that contact,” he said. “With my mom at 96, this is precious time stolen. At 96, you give thanks for every good day you have.”
Multiply William’s situation by about 155,000, and you have some sense of the worry that family members are feeling as they wrestle with helping loved ones get the care they deserve from Sunshine State nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other elder-care facilities.
But as some states weigh reopening facilities to visitors, it’s important for state officials to proceed with great care. These principles should guide decisions, in AARP Florida’s view:
Gain a sense of urgency: So far, about half of all COVID-19 deaths in Florida started as infections in long-term care facilities, though staff and residents of these facilities make up less than 2 percent of the state’s population. That’s wildly out of balance. While visitors have been banned from facilities since March 15, state officials ordered facilities to test all their staff every two weeks only two months later, on June 19. AARP Florida welcomes the new testing rules, but they took too long to put in place. Florida officials must act quickly when necessary.
Recognize the risks of isolation: Time after time, AARP members say their loved ones are slipping into decline because they’re starved for human contact with loved ones, friends and even other residents. Research confirms that social isolation has a devastating effect on the health of older people. At a minimum, state agencies should require designated staff not involved in nursing care to connect residents with family members by video. Family members also need transparency — prompt follow-up to questions and concerns is essential. If possible, family members should be screened to allow access.
Keep the virus out: It is vital to frequently test staff, contractors and anyone else entering an elder-care facility. State officials must make absolutely sure that elder-care facilities have enough personal protective equipment and that staff are trained in how to use it. Failure to follow infection control procedures could cost lives.
Keep care standards strong: Some have suggested that the coronavirus pandemic is a reason to weaken state standards for hands-on nursing care in nursing homes. AARP Florida believes now is the time to keep standards high, or even raise standards. Frontline nursing staff are the backbone of long-term care.
No blanket immunity from legal liability: In Florida and other states, elder-care industry representatives have suggested blanket immunity from legal liability for elder-care facilities. Now, of all times, reducing incentives to provide high-quality care makes zero sense.
Florida faces a grave responsibility to protect its frailest residents. Getting the state through the rest of this pandemic with as few elder deaths as possible won’t be easy. It will require the best data, the most frequent testing, strict enforcement and a laser focus on the science.
But it’s what Florida elders have a right to expect of our elected leaders.