Having access to your family in nursing homes for the holidays could be good or bad

Reporter: Gail Levy Writer: Drew Hill
Published:
nursing home

During the holidays so many people look forward to spending time with their family. Now, Governor DeSantis’ latest executive order means you can actually see your family in nursing homes.

Will the benefits of being with family this holiday season outweigh the risks of leaving a facility? While things are looking better, AARP is still sending out warnings.

James Scarmozzino’s mom has been living in a nursing home for 18 months. But after eight months of a pandemic, what does that feel like? “I think she’ll be pretty well protected,” Scarmozzino said.

When COVID-19 began, James visited with his mom through a window. For the past few weeks, while he has been to see her at the facility, he has also relied on Facetime.

But now there’s been a case reported at the nursing home. “Now they’ve required us only to sit in an outside area, due to a recent case, apparently of COVID in the facility,” he said.

Scarmozzino said he has no problem sitting outside. His mom actually enjoys it.

But, that new case in her facility is worrying for AARP. David Bruns is AARP spokesperson. “We need to stay vigilant and keep our armor against the COVID-19 virus strong,” Bruns said.

AARP’s latest data shows that cases in nursing homes are going down. But hey don’t believe that trend will last.

Governor DeSantis is encouraging families to be together during the holidays. But, the AARP said that can prove to be good or bad.

“Social isolation. Being deprived of contact with your loved ones is very serious,” Bruns said. “COVID is very serious. How do you balance those risks? You have to do the best you can.”

They hope that wearing masks, social distancing, and rapid tests will continue to keep people safe.

AARP believes that rapid testing is the answer to lowering infection rates.

They also want to ensure that everyone who takes a family member home or who visits them in a nursing home this holiday season gets tested before and after to make sure coronavirus doesn’t spread.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.