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Imagine you knew you were dying and yet couldn’t meet, talk, laugh, cry, with your family and loved ones. About a third of our 30k+ NH residents in Ireland die each year and many haven’t gotten to see their families, spouses, friends in many months- despite calling out for them!
Hearing many stories from relatives of NH residents stating their distress and alarm at lack of opportunities to visit loved ones in NHs despite recent recommendations. I’m aware many NHs are doing a lot to move this forward, but some other’s don’t seem to realise urgency.
A lady recently told me she was so lonely she wished to “die quickly” as at least she’d have the company of her late husband who pre-deceased her a few years ago. Video screens, patios, windows etc do NOT replace proper visits. If one visit a week isn’t enough- then demand more.
HSE HPSC guidelines clearly state compassionate grounds include requests from family or residents with evident decline or distress as a clear indication for visits. Our fear of this virus cannot nullify our compassion as professional carers entrusted with these peoples care.
Visitors are extremely low risk group- There is ZERO national or international evidence of visitors being a source of outbreaks in NHs during this or any other viral pandemic. It’s invariably transmitted in NHs via staff who acquire it in community unwittingly.
Also- we cannot underestimate the massive contribution informal care from loved ones makes, even in a formal care setting such as a NH. They know the persons life story, their preferences, their passions- they speak up on their behalf-Who’s doing this in their absence?
Many relatives and families of NH residents are scared to voice their concerns because their loved one is in a very vulnerable situation and dependent on the care they receive. They also have a lot of respect and understanding for what staff in NHs have been through this year.
Whatever way you look at it- we need to do better. Surely the right to see your family and loved ones when you want is a fundamental human right? @CareAllianceIrl @HSELive @roinnslainte @DonnellyStephen @MaryButlerTD @NursingHomesIre @Age_Matters @HIQA @irishgerontsoc
