I have an 88 year old mother who is living in an independent residential facility for senior citizens. They just confirmed Covid-19. Advice?

Tho This already happened to my Mom a couple of weeks ago. The Pierson there passed away. Now there are 2 more cases and 2 staff. I asked if anyone was out there like me but there was not a covid19 thread yet. Nobody is allowed in or out. The Memory Care calls her for her to talk to me. It is stressful but hang in there! Grace and Peace Live, Boots

I'm sorry to hear this about your mom's NH. It seems like a lot of the comments coming in are about coronavirus in NH's. For one thing, close confinement, another thing, until quite recently, a LOT of people would be coming in and out of these facilities and there was no need to worry about anything other than the basic rules of handwashing, etc. This is a whole new ballgame. And we don't know the rules.

And, even if SHE wanted YOU to come, the NH wouldn't allow it. They 'might' allow you to take her home, assuming all responsibilities for her care, but if you yourself are not in great health...it would be bad for you.

All you can do is call her as often as you want to, maybe she can videochat with you, if that is a possibility.

I'm so sorry for this. It could go through the whole facility or it could be very hit and miss. There is one poster whose mother's roommate had the virus and passed, but her mother, in the same room didn't catch it. So--just hope and pray for her.

You cannot be exposed to her and I doubt the facility is letting anyone come to visit now. Your Mom will be in isolation to try to protect her. You need to contact the facility and see what their plan is. I think you are in no position to take your Mom out yourself; if there is no one young enough to risk this who WISHES to risk it, then Mom must stay. So sorry. This is happening across our country now. I am scared to death for my bro. We can only wait it out and hope the facility is good, and is doing its best. In many cases best will not be good enough. Be certain now that the facility is aware of your mom's wishes. If she doesn't wish to be intubated (given this is very unlikely to help her--80% of any age do not make it off a vent once needed), they will keep her comfortable if she gets it.

Do you mean Mom has not been tested yet but someone has tested positive for the virus within her IL?
She will need to be in confinement for 14 days to assess whether she is having any symptoms. You will probably not be allowed to visit her anyway.

What a tough situation to be in as you have no control over this. It’s how this pandemic continues trickle down in all parts of our lives.

It’s watch and wait for so many NH residents these days and my heart breaks for the elderly & their families. I wish the best outcome for you and your mother.

Sorry that this virus is in your mom's place. There's really nothing you can do. This virus is often contagious before a person shows symptoms so it is possible she was exposed to it before the diagnosis. So, it kind of is what it is. I would assume you are not allowed to visit anyhow. Keep your fingers crossed, think good thoughts and hopefully your mom will be fine.