At this time of lock down and shut outs and restricted visitation for family and friends of residents in long-term care, it is very important that we make sure to stay in contact with both loved ones and staff.
Call the facility and update your contact information, and indicate who the main contact person is so that if they need to call and report something, they have the correct information on hand. This is something we should be doing on a regular basis all of the time and not just during a pandemic.
Continue to call your loved one, write letters, utilize Skype, Face Time and do the window visits if that is an option.
Put together care packages as your loved one will not have access so those little extras that make life more pleasant. Candy, pops, other snack foods, lotions, puzzles and puzzle books, coloring pages, books, pictures of loved ones or favorite pets and places, new socks, anything you can think of that can be placed in a box for your loved one. Be sure to contact the facility before delivering to make sure they are taking deliveries, to learn the steps they are taking to insure they are free of contaminants, and what specific days of the week and times that they accept deliveries.
Also, remember the staff who are working hard to make sure your loved one stays safe and well during this scary time.
We will all get through this by working together. If you have concerns or questions regarding your loved one and the care they are receiving, please call Cherrie Nutley, ombudsman supervisor, 580- 821-4068 or 580-562- 5032.