Nursing home facility restricts visitors but I’m mom’s POA? Any thoughts?

Dduring this virus outbreak, the NH is absolutely within its rights to ban or limit visitors.

Ask if they will allow you to visit if you suit up.

I for one am relieved that I have not opportunity to visit mthr at the moment! We have never had a lovey dovey relationship but the staff of the MC don't know her background of being a child and animal abuser. I visit to put in an appearance for the staff. Mthr is on hospice and down to 74 lbs; I've seen her more in the last 8 years than I wanted to. I am freed from scheduling a visit with the hospice nurse or go on a Saturday during our busy season. If my last visit was goodbye, so be it.

I work in a Memory Care home as a receptionist. As of today, I have to take each visitor's TEMPERATURE with a forehead thermometer before allowing them access to the resident's area! Never mind that the virus has a 14 day incubation period meaning we can all be carrying it and show no symptoms for 14 days! Never mind that we workers come and go on a daily basis, potentially bringing the illness into the community.

But the media insists on hyping this virus up to hysterical proportions and we're buying into it. As a result, we are demanding that our nursing facilities be hyper vigilant about taking precautions to save the lives of our elders. Then we're complaining that we can't visit our loved ones or that we're being asked to take extra precautions in order to do so?

We need to make up our minds............how do we want to treat this virus? Like a death sentence (which it isn't), or like just another virus that we may or may not get? We can either live in fear and drive ourselves crazy with worry, or we can live our lives and let the chips fall where they may. We can stock up on toilet paper and have enough to last us till 2030, or we can calm down and recognize that toilet paper isn't a necessity AT ALL. Even if we ran out, there is still soap and water available to use.........unless we collectively decide to buy up all the soap on the shelves as well.

I work in the health care industry and my mother lives in a Memory Care home as well. I went to visit her yesterday & everyone there is fine. My daughter is an RN at a hospital and she's doing fine; not being eaten alive by worry either.

There are 12 cases of this virus in Colorado and 5.7 million people live here.

Let's keep this all in perspective, folks. Taking precautions is good. Going overboard isn't. That's my 2 cents

Welp. I am going to say it. I think you should stay calm and enjoy the respite! Trust that the facility is taking care of your mom and be glad that they are being pro-active and doing what they can to prevent their residents from getting Sick. you visit your mother daily and have to feed her.....I say, enjoy the break. I know it’s hard to stop and turn off being a caregiver but you can do it! Enjoy the newfound time on your hands and indulge in self-care.

Many people with loved ones in nursing homes have complained that the nursing homes aren't doing anything to protect the residents. Nursing homes do not usually carry the same protective equipment that hospitals do and even hospitals are running low and are asking visitors to stay away. Most nursing homes have little else to protect their residents with than banning visitors.

This is not about you but rather the residents. Call the nursing supervisor and make sure they know your routine for feeding your mother. I'd also ask if any of the staff have called out sick. Perhaps if staff have called out sick, the nursing supervisor will consider allowing you to volunteer your time to help your mother and other residents eat and wash their hands.

Please be mindful of the fact that the CDC does not yet know how COVID spreads. As of this morning: "The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community".

Drop off the daily snack supply 1-2 times per week, at the front door of the NH, with brief instructions.

Add some See's candy for the staff. It will be fun, and the rest of your time will be a respite for you.

These precautions are necessary to prevent the spread of many illnesses at this time.

The nursing home where my mother lives called me Wednesday with the same message. I am on board with this restriction. The last thing I want to do is bring in viruses that are potentially deadly, as this one is. I work at a hospital and the expectation of the very worst is being planned for. I think for the next several weeks, we need to respect the healthy distance that we should keep from the Vulnerable.

Wow! I had no idea this question would get so much attention, mostly great insight and objective. I am sincerely appreciative of your advice, encouragement and knowledge.

For those that commented...”I don’t want to get others sick too... “ that’s pretty apparent. This site is a helpful networking platform. My goal is to ensure that everyone is safe, staff, residents etc. I posted comment at the height of the Corona Virus Alert, 3 days ago. Things have changed drastically since yesterday. Now I can see the NH was on top of it. Since, the NH has allowed the staff to connect with me visually by phone. It’s actually wonderful with FaceTime or Messenger Apps.

Lastly, please be kind and keep in mind, this is a sensitive time for everyone, couple that with an ill parent and the phenomenon sky rockets. I am trusting my Faith and Believe on positive things.

Thank you agingcare.com members

I understand your concern but they are trying to protect their residents. This virus will kill a person with a weak immune system and lung problems. I just got a message from a man I take tea to in a NH, that no visitors are allowed. The virus will run its course just not sure when.

This is not the first time facilities have restricted visitors. My aunt lived in an assisted living facility and during the 5 years she was there they went into lockdown and room restrictions at least 3 times just due to the flu.
These new restrictions protect our elderly and compromised health individuals. There is no vaccine or immunity to help protect these people. We have seen first hand in Washington state how deadly this virus is in the elderly.
You may or may not care if your loved one dies, but others do not feel that way. One sick person allowed into a facility could be the death sentence for many, not just your unloved one.