This Virus Is Really Getting to Me

[JudyJB]

It has been a year of stress—worrying about getting the virus, having campgrounds cancelled because of state rules, and then having to find a new place at the last minute because of COVID-19, worry about family members getting sick because they are still working, etc. It just never seems to end. And my travel is making is harder to get the vaccine, even though I am 77 and eligible because of age and existing conditions.

Anyway, I wanted to share about my 91-year-old aunt and her memory care situation. You might remember my uncle died last March, and we moved her from Florida to northern Atlanta to a much better facility. It is set up as a sort of town, with little shops, an ice cream parlor, theater, etc. What I liked about it was that there were “neighborhoods” instead of long halls. Each of 12 rooms open directly into a living, activity, and dining area for the 12-15 residents in that neighborhood. And there are four separate neighborhoods, connected by shops that make it look like an indoor town. Very nice place with a high staff-to-patient ratio, which is one reason why we chose to move here there. She also used to live in that area and still has friends there. Also more expensive than most places--$7,000 per month!!

Anyway, you all know how memory care patients are—don’t understand directions all the time, wander a lot, etc. Luckily, most patients in this new facility are mildly to moderately affected by dementia. None are end of life, at least, or bed-ridden.

Anyway, a month ago, they had four residents and one staff member test positive for COVID-19. All were in one "neighborhood," so they kept the residents in their rooms. The next week, three more residents in that neighborhood and two staff members got sick. The original four had gone to the hospital, but mostly to get remdesivir, and then came back after a few days. So, they moved the healthy people out to a makeshift ward in the theater. Three new cases went to hospital for a few days, and then returned. (Main reason they were all sent to hospital is that you can only get remdesivir by IV, and it has to be in a hospital. Not sure if any needed oxygen.) And last week, three more got sick, and one more staff got sick. Staff were sent to quarantine for 14 days each time. And these were from a different neighborhood!!

And being in Georgia, which is known for the slowest state to deliver vaccine, we were upset because there were no dates set for when they were supposed to get the vaccine. They originally told us it would be a couple of months!! The other POA and I were upset, and she did a lot of calling to the county health dept, the facility, and even the state and made a big stink, so today they finally got their first shots. Also, all except ones who had been sick got vaccine, but only 25% of staff chose to get vaccine. Second doses are in three weeks. Another effect of other POA making all the calls was that health department has been making weekly visits. Testing is done weekly for residents, and twice a week for staff. And they are using the tests that are more reliable than the instant ones.

The bad news is that this could have been horrible because this is the typical nursing home/congregate living situation where so many have died.

The good news is that in spite of 14+ residents getting sick, none has died, and none is currently in ICU. Only one is currently in the hospital, but not ICU and not getting oxygen. Hard to get details from manager. We will get test results from today on Thursday. The other POA niece and I were certain that this would take off with people dying there, but apparently the staff has been at least somewhat controlling it, however, still 2-3 weeks to go until vaccine kicks in. My aunt has been fine, but keeping our fingers crossed.

I am posting this because I had the assumption that once the virus got into a facility like this one, it would kill a lot of people. I suppose having mostly private rooms and less fragile residents has made a difference.

Anyway, this is my rambling for the day.

[Bethers]

Judy, that's really hard. And let's hope the facility stays alert and on top... One shot is the start.

[snowball]

that facility actually sounds really nice.
hopefully they will stay more in control however I was surprised that there weren't more of the
care givers getting the vaccine
it's been hard in all ways I am fortunate in many ways as my "space" is always waiting for me but the space between here
and there isn't always a given...
be safe
sheila

[JudyJB]

I was also surprised about the caregivers. Frankly, I think that getting the vaccine should be a condition of employment in such places. Maybe not for cooks and office staff, but anyone who has direct, physical contact with elderly patients should have received the vaccine. Residents have not come in, so obviously, the virus came in with staff!! No other possibility as no visitors, limited doctor appts, etc. Only people in and out are staff.

Either vaccine or be able to prove that they are immune because they already had disease, but we also know you can get it more than once.

The other problem with staff is that many caregivers work in more than one facility at the same time. So they could catch it at another facility and bring it into the new one. And if a caregiver gets sick, they have to hire a temp, and who knows where that person worked. And in fact, the first staff member who got sick a couple of months ago was a staff member from a temp agency!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BarbaraRose]

I heard on the local news that up to 50% of health care workers are choosing not to get the vaccine. Makes me wonder what they know that the rest of us don't know! I plan to get it anyways. I do think that they should be required to get the vaccine if they want to keep working.

[OregonLuvr]

Most of my nurse friends are getting the vaccine, or have gotten it already. I will get it when it becomes available.

[Bethers]

I have several nurse friends and relatives. All that are working have received at least their first shot. And were thrilled to get it.