The social distancing needed to protect nursing home patients is taking its toll on those very same patients and their families, reports Joe Holden for Philadelphia.cbslocal.com.
Joe Giangiacomo’s children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews visit him at Rosewood Gardens Reahbilitation and Nursing Home in Broomall, but only up to the window.
“It really makes a difference if we can get it in there and give him a hug. My cousin used to come all the time with food, Italian food, it’s his favorite,” Angela Giangiacomo said.
Joe Giangiacomo survived a stroke and COVID-19. He has trouble communicating.
COVID claimed his wife and now he sits in his chair and waves to his family outside.
Family members believe the lack of personal contact has left him upset and depressed.
Angela Giangiacomo worries about the long-term health effects of his isolation and wishes there could be a “happy medium” that keeps the virus under control but allows family contact.
The Broomall facility had a COVID-19 outbreak in the spring but has been following a phased reopening.
Currently, that means garden visits, with social distancing in place.
Read more about the impact on nursing home residents from social distancing limits under COVID-19 guidelines here.
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