Resident restrictions

They are the members of our community at the greatest risk.

Residents of local nursing homes and Jay County Retirement Center have entered their third week of lockdown in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

Visiting hours were shortened March 6 when the first directives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Indiana State Board of Health were issued.

That quickly led to screening of visitors, and on March 13 visitation ended completely and residents were restricted to their rooms.

“I’m not going out of this room at all,” said Walt Rodgers, a resident of Miller’s Merry Manor, Dunkirk.

“It’s definitely impacted the residents,” said Melinda Hodgson, administrator at Persimmon Ridge, Portland. “The only time they come out of their rooms is for bathing.”

“They’ve taken it really well,” said Hope Confer, director of Jay County Retirement Center.

Meals are being served individually in the residents’ rooms rather than in a communal dining area, and residents aren’t gathering in the activity room for bingo or crafts.

“It goes without saying that the visitation restrictions are difficult for patients and their families, but they have been very supportive through the changes. They know that ultimately the goal is to keep them healthy,” said executive health coordinator for Miller’s Health Systems Julie Steele in an email. “In the meantime, we’ve stepped up our in-room activities.”

At Persimmon Ridge, activities include “hall bingo.” Residents position themselves in the doorways of their rooms with their bingo cards while numbers are called, rather than gathering together in a common space.

Meanwhile, families have been creative in finding ways of keeping in touch via Facetime and “window visits” with family members looking through the window while talking on the phone.

“I feel that our families are understanding,” said Hodgson of Persimmon Ridge.

Miller’s Steele agreed.

“They’re very resourceful about finding new ways to support their loved ones,” she said.

As temperatures rise and sunshine becomes more plentiful, it’s likely residents will want to get outside.

But that’s going to be on a one-at-a-time basis to maintain sufficient distance between residents.

“They’re ready to get out and about,” said Confer, “but they know it’s for their safety.”

Rodgers, who will turn 100 on May 13, said the staff at Miller’s seems to be adjusting to the new routine.

“They’re all wearing masks in here,” he said. “As far as I know, the staff is holding up.”

Hodgson acknowledged that the new restrictions have taken a toll, making everyday tasks much more complicated.

“It’s really tough,” she said. “We (staff) are at high risk, and we are working more hours. But we want to make sure the safety of residents is number one. We’re here to make sure they’re safe.”

Staff members are screened and have their temperatures taken daily, said Hodgson.

“We’re just taking it one day at a time and hoping and praying that nobody gets it,” said Confer.