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COVID-19 Outbreaks at Nursing Homes Renew Focus on Protecting Elderly & Staff

Sheryl Rich-Kern for NHPR

 

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:

 

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. 

VisitAARP 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

Save New Hampshire Seniors

TheSenior 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.

The N.H. Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services

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