Some local nursing homes slow to implement new state guidance allowing close contact visits
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Just this week, the state health department released updated guidance allowing vaccinated residents to have close contact with visitors as long as both parties wear masks.
KRDO Newschannel 13 called around to a dozen nursing homes in Colorado Springs. Very few could answer whether or not they’d be implementing the state’s new, loosened restrictions.
Of the couple that did answer, a receptionist at Bear Creek Senior Living told KRDO residents are not allowed to touch loved ones yet. However, Life Care Center of Colorado Springs said it knew about the updated policy and is working to notify residents and their families of the big change.
“If I could hold her hand and touch her, that would make it so much better,” said Jerry Parker, whose wife lives at Namaste Alzheimer Center.
They’ve been married for 66 years. Other than the two years Parker spent in the United States Navy, the past nine months are the longest he’s gone without holding his wife.
Parker is hoping Namaste will update its policy to allow physical touch before his next scheduled visit, which falls on his birthday, March 30.
Some nursing homes are likely following stricter guidelines from the CDC and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which continue to recommend socially distant visits.
Susan Phillips has replaced regular lunch dates with her mother with FaceTime calls, which usually end in frustrated tears.
"Absolutely the worst thing that I’ve ever gone through in my whole life," said Phillips. "I cry after every phone call."
Meanwhile, Tami West is planning to make up for lost time once she gets word hugs are allowed at Namaste.
"I’m gonna be out the door," said West. "I’m going to be taking time off from work. They're going to be sick of me there."
West's parents were admitted to Namaste Alzheimer Center just before COVID hit. Both contracted the virus, but only her mother lived through it.
"It was really bad losing Daddy," said West. "Here it is, mom’s worst day of her life, and I wasn’t able to go see her. They just missed their 72-year wedding anniversary by 23 days."
