In the old people's and nursing homes, residents, relatives and staff are currently particularly challenged - the danger from the corona virus is great. Home manager Imrgard Kaleve on the challenges of everyday life.
Extraordinary situations require extraordinary measures. True to this motto, the old people's and nursing homes in the district have severely restricted or even banned the right of visitors to protect their residents - it is particularly dangerous for older people with previous illnesses to contract the lung disease Covid-19 caused by the coronavirus. Irmgard Kaleve, who has been managing the “Wohnen am Schlossanger” old people's and nursing home run by the community of Höhenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn since 2008, explains what the measures mean for the 71 residents of her facility, who have an average age of 86, and their 69 employees .
What is more important for the residents at the moment: the fear of catching the coronavirus or the fear of being lonely?
The fear of a possible infection. The residents also protect themselves by observing the established rules such as hand hygiene and keeping clear. In addition, they severely restrict their activities outside the home, do not go out or hardly go out.
How was it last regulated for you: Did you completely cancel the right of visit or did you restrict it only to a great extent?
We consistently issued a ban on visits very early on and only permit a visit in exceptional cases, for example when residents or relatives urgently need contact, for example in a palliative situation as well as with dementia or seriously ill people. We try to achieve maximum protection with these strict measures. The decision was made together with the home advisory board.
The Free State tightened the restrictions again on Friday - also for visiting rights in old people's homes.
We will of course react accordingly to the new instructions from the Bavarian State Government.
How did the residents and relatives react when they heard about the visit ban?
Relatives and residents are without exception for this strict regulation. I received calls that thanked me expressly for this restrictive approach. I think they want to protect all of our seniors and have received this very positively.
And how do you implement the ban on visiting?
We ask relatives and friends to register the visit in advance by telephone and explain the reason for the urgent visit. We also ask each visitor to ensure that they follow the rules of conduct to prevent the spread of the coronary virus. Then we document the visit. If relatives have made purchases, we will receive them at the entrance.
For residents who regularly visit family or acquaintances, the ban on visits will certainly be more difficult than for those who are hardly visited.
Yes, that's right, but they all show understanding for this exceptional situation. Those who are no longer insightful because of their illness, because they suffer from dementia diseases, of course now need our full support. Our nursing and care staff try to cushion this. And in these cases, the right to visit can also be exercised. We are always in close contact with the relatives and try to make individual decisions.
What are you doing to prevent the residents from getting a camp freak?
We have always offered our residents a varied weekly program. In the morning and afternoon there are activities such as gymnastics and Motomed training, various cognitive actions such as reading, puzzle and memory lessons, as well as handicrafts, table skittles and much more. We also have a nice little garden. So our seniors can enjoy the first rays of sunshine.
Are there any other restrictions for the residents?
We have asked our partners, such as hairdressers and podiatrists, to discontinue their work until further notice. After consultation with the attending doctors, a decision was made as to which therapies can be suspended and which should be continued. We act accordingly. Medical and treatment care is guaranteed in any case. General practitioner and specialist visits only take place on request. We have fixed visiting hours with the general practitioners and specialists and communicate via telephone and fax.
The situation is probably also a burden for you and the nursing staff.
The physical and psychological stress is enormous. We are all aware that we have a great responsibility and we want to do everything we can to prevent worse things from happening. I would like to thank all employees from the nursing, care, kitchen, housekeeping, building services and administration, because they all do a very good job without exception and are role models through their behavior and their commitment.
What would it mean for your home if a resident became infected?
Unthinkable - but we have to deal with it, despite all the precautions. This would mean quarantine for the infected, and it depends on how insightful he is. Dementia sufferers are unable to correctly assess the situation. Health authorities and authorities then support us accordingly.
What happens if an employee of the house falls ill?
The employees were informed that they should report sick early, when the first symptoms appeared, and regardless of the illness, contact us by phone. If an employee tests positive for the Covid 19 virus, the specific measures are determined with the health department.
What is the most pressing problem in the facility at the moment?
In our house gloves and face mask are becoming scarce. The manufacturer of the products we use has already contacted us and assured us that everything will be done and that the existing supply contracts will be met.
That means the principle of hope is now in demand.
Yes. We can only hope that the staff stays healthy and that we can maintain the care of our residents.
Is there anything that outsiders can do for your residents and employees?
I can only appeal to everyone: Please observe the regulations issued by the Bavarian State Government and help to minimize the spread of the virus!