South Lincoln Nursing Center allowed 6-ft. distanced visits with family until mid-November, when it got too cold for residents to be outside. However, with money provided by COVID-19 grants, the nursing center has purchased a tent to start distanced family visits again.
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One of the hardest hit populations during the COVID-19 pandemic has been the elderly, especially those in nursing homes. In the news we hear about the virus spreading through long-term care facilities like wildfire, leaving disaster in its wake. We know the risks for the elderly with this virus. But we are forgetting one thing. Because of this virus, those in long-term care facilities haven’t been able to touch or see their families.
“We, as humans, need to be social,” South Lincoln Medical Center board member William Ball said. “We need that good spirit to keep living.”
South Lincoln Nursing Center allowed 6-ft. distanced visits with family until mid-November, when it got too cold for residents to be outside. However, with money provided by COVID-19 grants, the nursing center has purchased a tent to start distanced family visits again.
“We want to support the residents how we can as well as keep them safe,” vice president of long-term nursing Jessie Wilcox said. “We want to give back that family connection to the residents. They can’t even see our smiles anymore. They are missing that personal connection.”
Since the pandemic began, the nursing staff has had to follow the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid’s guidelines. This means masks at all times, sanitization, and more. The most impactful part of the guidelines is that no one besides staff is allowed inside the nursing center. Wilcox said they make arrangements for the family if something happens with their loved one, but beside emergencies or extenuating circumstances, no family is allowed in.
The tent will be for immediate family only to visit with their loved ones, Wilcox said. Those involved will have to wear gowns and masks as well as stay 6 feet apart, according to Wilcox. The tent is set up right outside the nursing center entrance and has its own HVAC system as well as heating and cooling, Wilcox said. Additionally, the tent is said to be able to withstand three feet of snow and 70 mph winds.
“We had to make sure it could withstand Wyoming,” Jessie Wilcox said. Family visits will start soon, and calls have been made to families in order to set up appointments, Wilcox said.
“My mother is in the nursing home,” South Lincoln Medical Center Board Member Paula Bowling said. “I can’t wait to see and visit with her. It is super important for residents to be able to visit with their family.”
