The national visiting ban for nursing homes, that of March through May was brought about in connection with the coronavirus, leading to distressing situations. Nursing homes should therefore be given space to determine their own visiting arrangements. That is the main recommendation of a group of Leiden and Groningen researchers commissioned by the Ministry of Health.
The scientists examined the corona approach of dozens of nursing homes. According to Leiden professor of elderly care Wilco Achterberg, the study provides a good picture of what was going on in the care institutions from day to day.
The survey found that at the beginning of the corona crisis, the “massive lack” of protective equipment was causing concern among health workers. In addition, differences in advice from RIVM and the GGD led to confusion. Residents initially liked the peace due to the visit arrangement, but soon experienced loneliness.
Healthcare personnel threatened
The crisis put a heavy strain on healthcare workers. They were at increased risk of becoming infected, were in some cases no longer allowed to sleep at home and had a high workload.
The visit ban also led to threats to healthcare staff. “They were met by family, who accused them of being allowed to see their mother or father,” said Achterberg in the NOS program. With a view to Tomorrow. Some homes established surveillance. In Best, the police took action because of a “grim situation“around a residential care center.
“At the same time, healthcare workers were creative to maintain the well-being of clients, for example by facilitating special activities or contacting family,” says Achterberg.
Recommendations
Of recent easing were more than welcome, but we have to be careful, Achterberg says. “The danger is that we are too relieved rosy RIVM figures provide a reassurance that we actually cannot have. We notice this very strongly in the nursing home, “he says. For example, in a nursing home in Maassluis dozens of people got infected, shortly after the lifting of the visit ban.
The researchers think that a possible second wave of the coronavirus can be better controlled by organizing visit bans regionally and tailor-made. After all, the contagion risk per region also differs per region. In addition, the researchers argue for permanent teams per department and living room activities to continue, to keep the peace.
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