In this pandemic, the elderly stand alone–both literally and figuratively. The struggle of separation from loved ones, the fear of socialization, and isolation in its entirety has taken a toll on the well-being of residents and their families.

As the world returns to “normal,” the residents and workers of Country Meadows Assisted Living can look at their journey. The effect of the pandemic has been felt far beyond their residency, as patients’ families struggle to feel connected to their relatives during such trying times. 

While reported illness and death make big news, the individual lives of the people affected by the virus are easily marginalized.  

Senior Noah Jedlowski’s grandparents are in an assisted living facility.

Jedlowski said, “I have not been able to visit my grandparents at all during the pandemic, so they’ve been using their iPads and FaceTiming us often throughout the week.” 

Noah also described the psychological toll which Covid-19 has taken on his grandparents.

Jedlowski said, “It was hard for my grandparents to understand why we were not allowed to see them because they have been in a home, and they can’t go out and see how different things are ever since the pandemic started.”

This is the case for many grandparents, as leaving the their homes at any point means putting their safety and the well being of others in jeopardy.

Shirley Hayek, age 90, and a resident of Country Meadows Assisted Living, provided insight on how the pandemic changed how she lived and the manner in which she interacts with people. 

Before the pandemic, family members were allowed to walk with residents freely throughout the building. Now, they are required to meet in a designated area under supervision, with scheduled times. 

Hayek said “Since COVID-19 started, I haven’t seen my family much. They used to come every weekend. I’ve only seen them probably about twice, but we’ve talked on the phone.” 

Researchers are beginning to make a connection between loneliness and illness that can lead to premature death.  Being isolated can have significant health impact, including depression, sleep disruption and more. “One recent study found that isolation increases the risk of heart disease by 29 percent and stroke by 32 percent.”

Media often portrays assisted living facilities as  unsafe environments, which leaves their residents at high risk for COVID-19. While their concerns are justified, they have little to worry about.

“I’ll tell you, I think Country Meadows has done a great job. They test you practically every week. If someone that works here gets it, they have to quarantine for 14 days before they can come back,” said Hayek.

Families rely on the staff to maintain the safe environment. Logically, the staff is under extreme pressure. If an outbreak were to occur within a somewhat concentrated area such as an assisted living facility, all lives are at risk.

Pam Crockett, a registered nurse, has worked at Country Meadows for seven years. 

Crockett said,  “Professionally it has been a challenge. We immediately implemented new guidelines for residents, staff, and families. We watched people we love die. We changed our personal habits to safeguard our residents and our own families.” Occasionally, the emotional impact of the virus on healthcare workers is forgotten. 

While “it’s been hard, and scary–at times” the staff has still managed to pull together and fight COVID-19 relentlessly.