COVID-19 AND NURSING HOMES – What Residents and Family Need to Know:

COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, is known to be particularly lethal to older adults with underlying health conditions, and can spread more easily through congregate facilities, where many people live in a confined environment and workers move from room to room.

The Illinois Department of Public Health regulates all Illinois long term care facilities and thus they have a data base available on their website to educate you and your loved ones, regarding the status of Covid-19, in any particular nursing home. The information is available at  https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/long-term-care-facility-outbreaks-covid-19.

This pandemic has been particularly difficult for nursing home residents and their families given that since March most facilities are not allowing family members to visit nursing homes. This is particularly difficult for the residents, especially any residents who are suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s or any other cognitive deficits.  They might not understand why you’re not visiting, and you might feel guilty for not being able to see them as frequently as you used too.

Here at Coogan Gallagher, we know how hard the pandemic is on nursing home residents and their families and we are here to answer any questions you may have with regard to you or your loved ones residency at an Illinois Nursing home during this time. We wanted to share a very useful Fact Sheet from The National Consumer Voice for Long Term Care regarding resident rights at Nursing Homes affected by the Covid-19.  You can find it here: https: https://theconsumervoice.org/uploads/files/general/covid-19-consumer-fact-sheet.pdf

Please reach out if you or your families need assistance navigating this area of Nursing Home Residents rights and Covid-19.