Thousands of elderly Granite Staters live in long-term care facilities that have been taking precautions to keep this particularly vulnerable population safe from COVID-19, incuding restricting visits from family members.
But COVID-19 has now shown up in alarming numbers in some N.H. nursing homes, as reported by state officials yesterday, with cases increasing substantially in just about a week. Both residents and staff have tested positive, and there have been several deaths. More cases are expected. We look at what can be done to better protect residents and health care workers in these settings.
Family caretakers, meanwhile, who tend to family members living in their own homes, are also trying to protect their loved ones, abiding by such guidelines as social distancing, while trying to maintain a feeling of connectedness. We discuss the challenges of caring for the elderly in various settings during these precarious times.
Air Date: Thursday, April 9, 2020
GUESTS:
- Todd Fahey - State director of AARP, New Hampshire, which represents 225,000 members.
- Melissa St. Cyr - Chief Legal Officer for the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services; she also worked for many years as a nursing-home administrator before becoming a lawyer.
- Brendan Williams -President/CEO of the New Hampshire Health Care Association, which represents long-term care providers, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities.
Resources
Organizations and state agencies with a focus on older Granite Staters:
State information for health care providers, including those at long-term facilities, on dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
Visit AARP Community Connections for ideas on how to get help -- or give it – during the coronavirus pandemic. For coronavirus-related information and to join a Coronavirus Tele-Town Hall at 1 p.m. today, April 9, visit this AARP site.
The New Hampshire Alliance For Healthy Aging
The Senior Law Project of the N.H. Legal Assistance can be reached at 1-888-353-9944.
The Office of long-term care Ombudsman, which investigates and resolves complaints or problems concerning residents of long-term health care facilities can be reached at 603-271-4375.