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“We are happy with Governor DeWine and Director Acton’s
decision. Ohio’s long-term care facilities are working hard
to help Ohio’s most vulnerable citizens and prevent the
possible spread of COVID-19 in their facilities. The
decision to report publicly, and notify families is one that
the thousands of family caregivers the Alzheimer’s
Association works with will welcome, and it will provide
some peace of mind for them in these uncertain times,” said
Trey Addison, Director of State Public Policy for the
Alzheimer’s Association.
He added that “in this
highly fluid time, the Alzheimer’s Association is working to
support family caregivers, and individuals living with
Alzheimer’s and dementia, by providing tips for our
families, in coordination with OHCA, so we can ensure family
members with loved ones in a facility can maximize their
time with a loved one, while coordinating with facilities to
create a safe environment.”
In addition to taking
advantage of virtual visits using videoconferencing
technology, other suggestions for caregivers include:
·
Sending photo albums or cards
·
Sharing your loved one’s favorite music on a device that can
be played in their room
·
See if the facility will allow an outdoor bird feeder your
loved one can see
Van Runkle said the tips
are important because although Governor DeWine is preparing
to reopen Ohio’s economy, it is unclear when it will be safe
for Ohio’s assisted living and long-term care facilities to
allow family visits. “Until there is widespread testing and
a more consistent supply of personal protective equipment (PPE)
it will continue to be necessary to restrict visitations.
Our number one concern is for the health and safety of those
we serve and for the caregivers who are caring for them,”
Van Runkle said.
Currently 220,000 Ohioans
live with Alzheimer’s disease. Older people with Alzheimer’s
or other dementias have more skilled nursing facility stays
and home health care visits per year than other older
people. Nationwide, according to the
2020 Alzheimer’s Disease
Facts and Figures report:
·
Thirty-two percent of individuals using home health services
have Alzheimer’s or other dementias
·
Forty-two percent of residents in residential care
facilities have Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
·
Forty-eight percent of nursing home residents have
Alzheimer’s or other dementias
Addison said, “Ohio will
continue to be better prepared because of public and private
partnerships in the fight against COVID-19. Our
collaboration with OHCA is just one of many as we work to
support families and their loved ones throughout Ohio.”
To get a list of the full
tips, go to
https://www.alz.org/centralohio/helping_you/covid-19-news-and-information
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