Cherie at St. Joseph Manor asked if we would do an interview with the Bayou Catholic on how we are staying connected with Granny during the pandemic. So today we went visit Granny and they took some pictures of us! They also emailed some questions to me and Mimi that we answered and sent back. We were honored to be a part of the article, and I think it will be something cool to look back on and have documented.
- May 11, 2020The COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be a challenging time for all of us, but for those who reside in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, it has brought with it some unique circumstances.
Pat and her husband Ronald Chiasson, their daughter Lauren Malek and her
children, Catherine, Joseph and Caroline visit Elsie David.
On March 13, 2020, the State of Louisiana Department of Public Health issued a notice to all licensed nursing facilities/homes directing them to implement and follow the provisions of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of COVID-19, which states that “all facilities should restrict visitation of all visitors and non-essential health care personnel … .”
Not only has this been difficult for the residents, but for their loved ones as well, as visits now must take place with a window between them.
Pat Chiasson’s mother, Elsie David, is a resident of St. Joseph Manor in Thibodaux. Chiasson says the last time she was able to visit her mother in person was on the morning of March 12 when she dropped by to bring her a few things. She received an email from St. Joseph Manor that afternoon advising every one of the no-visitor policy.
“This situation has been difficult for both of us,” says Chiasson. “We were accustomed to seeing each other quite often. I would visit Mom at the Manor or we would go out for appointments, shopping or lunch. I know it’s hard on my mother, as it is for all of us, to not be able to do those familiar things.”
Chiasson says even though she is concerned for her mom’s safety because this virus is so easily transmitted, it helps to know that every precaution has been put into place for her protection by the staff at the Manor.
“My Mom has had her ups and downs throughout this situation,” says Chiasson. “She is coping, but I know she is lonely and sad to not be able to visit with family and friends, have her meals with other residents or participate in any activities.”
Lauren Malek, along with her three children, four year old Catherine, and three year old Joseph and his twin sister Caroline, have also been visiting their grandmother/great grandmother Elsie David, whom Malek says she hasn’t seen in person since the beginning of March.
“This situation has been difficult for me because it has made me sad knowing that my grandmother is having to spend so much time alone,” says Malek. “I worry about her feeling sad or lonely. It breaks my heart that my kids, my family, and I are unable to hug her or be close to her right now. She misses getting her hair done, playing Bingo, and eating in the dining room. She understands how important it is to follow protocol in order to stay healthy, though.”
Malek says this situation has reminded her just how precious simple moments with family and friends are. Not being able to spend time with the people she loves has made her appreciate them even more.
Three year old Caroline Malek visits hergreat grandmother Elsie David.
My grandmother’s faith in God is strong and she believes that he is with us through these hard times,” says Malek. “She is ready to go back to normal and see her family and friends in person again. I know she is thankful to all of the workers at the Manor who have been helping take care of her. She has had a loving, grateful attitude throughout this entire time; she's amazing.”
Chiasson and Malek agree that the staff at the Manor has been phenomenal throughout this pandemic. “They have been so careful by wearing their masks and making sure the residents are safe,” says Malek. “They have done an amazing job of helping them stay connected to their family and friends. Their main priority is making sure the residents are safe, comfortable and happy.”
Chiasson says that the staff is working very hard to care for the residents and accommodate everyone’s needs. “I especially appreciate the emails from administrators which keep residents and their families informed and updated on the latest directives,” she adds.
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