Nursing homes also deserve recognition
It saddens me to read only negative publicity surrounding nursing homes. It is appropriate to report current coronavirus case numbers and conditions but is there really nothing else to say?
How about a “thank-you” to nursing home staff who also are on the front lines every day, working in an extremely hazardous and stressful environment, trying their best to care for residents who are highly susceptible to all types of contagious conditions especially the coronavirus. Unlike hospitals where patients rotate in and out, nursing homes have long-term residents. Many staff members develop special relationships with the residents they care for. When that resident becomes ill or dies, staff can be affected personally and grieve as much as a family member.
Every nursing home had strict health and safety requirements and flu protocols that were already in place before the coronavirus hit, which shows just how effective and devastating the virus really is. Let’s acknowledge the fact that this virus was impossible to block — it appeared early and was carried and spread by people who had no symptoms. The shortages of personal protective equipment and tests compounded the issue, and that is where we stand now.
Nursing homes are the only answer for many families who have no medical expertise or are unable to be with their loved one 24/7. As a volunteer at the Teresian House for more than 20 years, and also as a daughter who visited her dad at the Villa Mary Immaculate Nursing Home and her grandmother at the Albany County nursing home, I have nothing but respect and gratitude for the special people who dedicate their lives to caring for the elderly, especially in these awful times.