With more than 3,800 COVID-19 cases across those living in Maricopa County assisted living facilities, it’s clear that the pandemic is going to change nursing home culture at its core moving forward.
Recently, a 25-person task force of “lawmakers, long-term care providers, advocates for older adults and family members” was created to create plans to once again allow in-person visits at nursing homes. However, with just about a month to come up with a strategy, it’s unclear how that will happen in time.
Individual Situations to Consider
Every nursing home and care center in the county has its own circumstances and needs while putting the care of their fragile residents front and center.
The Arizona Capitol Times story outlines how difficult this situation is as in-person socialization is so vital to the health and wellbeing of these older residents who weren’t getting outside much before the pandemic – and especially not through it now.
Another situation notes a 61-year-old man who suffered a serious motorcycle accident and recovered with significant speech issues. His family is unable to see him regularly, so they’re only able to monitor his progress through phone calls.
What Could Change
This task force is taking cues from other states as to what’s work with their elderly communities – and what hasn’t. Some of the options include a phased reopening and easing of physical barriers that have been in place since March.
Above all, cleanliness, health and safety are going to be more paramount than ever. Assisted living centers of every kind will be under more scrutiny, especially as they navigate returning to some sort of routine normalcy under trying and difficult circumstances.
Here at Rabb & Rabb, PLLC, we’re monitoring new rules and regulations as they come to fruition to understand how they’ll affect those who think their loved one didn’t get appropriate treatment within a nursing home or were potentially subject to neglect. Call us today at (520) 888-6740 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we’ve advocated for the rights of families across Arizona.
