My mom is 95 and cannot speak, answer a phone, work a smartphone or computer etc. At the facility she is at, only scheduled outside visitations are allowed and even those are six feet apart. FaceTime visits are 3 times a week. Visitations are about once every two weeks.
I was wondering if anyone has suggestions or can tell me how their facility facilitates communication between the family and the loved one. Prior to Covid, I was there every day and spent hours there reading to her… read more
Perhaps the issue at the SNF is related to the capacity of their WI-FI system. If a large number of patients had Echo Dot equipment, the facility’s WI-FI system could be overloaded. The SNF may also be concerned about network security if outside parties are allowed to access their system. A cell phone connection doesn’t bring any cost or risk to the SNF.
We are allowed 3 socially distanced visits per week and we can have a window visit On the other days....my wife has a phone...but can’t use it....her roommate helps her with the phone when she is available....the nurse helped today....I haven’t considered the echo dot...but not sure if they would allow it.
Pattir... I'm really sorry that you can't bring mom home. You made the best possible decision at the time. None of us could have known what was going to happen next, so please be kind to yourself. You did the best you could. I completely understand the pain of being separated that you're feeling. I feel it every single day. But eventually this will pass.
Thank you, Al. I appreciate the information that you have given me and your suggestion to contact an ombudsman for help. I so wish I was able to just bring mom home and take care of her here like we used to.
After her fall and broken hip, we were unable to take care of her physical needs any longer but I went to visit every day to take her to activities, read, sing, listen to music and anything else that may have made her day more enjoyable. Had I know how things would change just a year later, I never would have done that. It’s something that I’ll always regret.
I wish you and your wife the best. Take care of yourself.
Hi Cynthia, Hugs to you too. This is so hard. My mom cannot use a tv remote either. Some of the shows that I know were on for mom were shows where every other word was bleeped out. Definitely not the kind of shows she enjoys. I had to strongly advocate for mom and ask that they put on certain channels for her. I don’t know if it’s being done or not.
Mom is on the second floor and cannot get to the window. I would visit her everyday if I could but there are not enough appointment times to allow that. I believe the staff is doing their best in a tough situation, but it’s been going on for so long with no end in sight. With holidays fast approaching, it’s even going to be harder.
I too miss holding mom’s hand or giving her hugs. It breaks my heart. I hope this situation ends soon for everyone. Thank you for responding.