My Dad is in late stage dementia. Anyone banned from seeing a loved one can relate. We were going to his ALF daily and doing the feeding and companionship as there are 24 other dementia patients and they can't always get to him. During this so far 15 day ban we were told how much he is declining, not eating or drinking, immobile and nonverbal some of which is the progression. Today we got to see him through a screen for 15 min. During that time he heard and saw me and my mom tried to get up and showed signs that both care workers said hasn't happened in a while. Anyone else going through similar? Should we push..we are the feeders and he clearly needs us for his well being. We are not causal visitors....spoke with director if he was on hospice (which may happen soon) then it's essential? Late stage dementia families need help. Screen us the way you do the worker.
Are you in touch with any other relatives of residents at your father's ALF? I think this might be a really good time for family members to start a support group. If you can get together responsible people who are prepared to commit to regular time and a crash course in infection control, you have the beginnings of a volunteer force. This is one of the possibilities the UK government is exploring for keeping our residential care centres running, especially if significant numbers of staff actually fall ill (as opposed to being possible carriers).
There is simply nothing to do but accept that we can’t do anything but follow the federal mandates. Sure, it sucks. I got laid off from my job at a daycare last Thursday. My son texts every day to make sure I’m doing ok. He’s worried.
Here in Cleveland, Ohio, some hospitals are allowing one visitors (after they’re screened). Special dispensation may be given for end-of-life or hospice care. A local facility hasn’t gotten their mail since Tuesday because the postal worker refuses to let his temperature be taken. It’s a strange world now.
Because of the uncertainty we can't know how long temporary is, of course, which makes it harder to keep that in mind; but people are already organising themselves and we do know that we will get things sorted.
Humans are clever, cooperative organisms. Work with others to find a way through.