Where there’s a will, there’s a way
Richard Leighton of Newark recently saw his 84-year-old father, Tom Leighton, in person for the first time since February, but it took some ingenuity and planning.
Thanks to the efforts of Richard’s bosses at the Port of Wilmington, the Leighton family had a lift delivered Dec. 22 to The Moorings at Lewes, where Tom has been a resident for one-and-a-half years.
Family members went up in the lift and used FaceTime to converse with Tom, who is bedridden.
Tom recently tested positive for COVID-19, and Richard said it was paramount that they figure out a way to see him and boost his spirits. Since he’s being isolated, and visits with residents living in skilled nursing and assisted-living sections are not permitted, it seemed like a daunting task. “My bosses were great, and the people at Moorings have been awesome. This came together in two days,” Richard said.
Richard said he uses FaceTime to visit with his father nearly every day, but he has not seen him in person for 10 months.
“This means so much to him,” said daughter-in-law Suzy. “It’s a nice surprise, and we hope it cheers him up a little. We are scared for him and want him to keep fighting.”
She said he showed signs of the virus on Dec. 17 and was taken to Beebe Healthcare Dec. 20, but refused to stay for observation. “He seems to be OK, but he’s getting very stubborn,” Suzy said.
The Leighton family’s struggle is not unlike those of millions of other families who have not been able to have personal contact with loved ones in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Outside visitors have been prohibited from most facilities since Delaware’s state of emergency was declared in mid-March.
COVID-19 hits close to home
My father, Mac, tested positive this past week as well, moving to the Seaford Acts Manor House COVID-19 unit on Dec. 20. He has no symptoms so far, but is not out of the woods for 10 days. On that same day, seven residents in his skilled-nursing wing tested positive. By my count, that’s about 15 residents in his section testing positive within a few days. It makes you wonder if precautions and protocols used by staff are actually working.
I’ve seen my 90-year-old father in person one time – and I think that was a fluke – since the beginning of March. Visiting through a glass door is extremely hard on both of us. The last time we visited, Dad and I both wept when I had to leave. The toll on loved ones in these facilities is devastating. Like most families with loved ones in long-term care, it’s the personal visits that provide not only companionship, but also another pair of eyes on potential health issues.
To make matters worse, my dad has not seen his grandchildren for nearly a year now. He not only misses his family, but also others in the facility with whom he has made friends.
The Manor House staff has been very forthcoming with information; I get a call just about every day. They are close to my dad, who is very outgoing and personable, and thrives on that contact with others.
I can’t imagine being isolated to one room for months on end with only occasional trips outside when the weather is nice. And now he’ll likely spend Christmas in COVID-19 isolation. I’ve never felt so helpless.
