By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
DNTVDNTV
Notification Show More
Aa
  • Home
  • News
    News
    Delaware Newsline endeavors to share stories that challenge dominant narratives, bring context and nuance to complex issues, and support and uplift communities in need.
    Show More
    Top News
    IRS scammers strike as we near peak tax filling season
    12/28/2020
    Where you can donate “Toys for Tots” in Delaware
    06/20/2022
    Chokeholds by Delaware law enforcement now illegal in Delaware
    06/24/2022
    Latest News
    Delaware Bans Trail Cameras for Recreational Use
    06/01/2023
    Check out The Newly Refurbished Haynes Park In Wilmington
    06/05/2023
    Leaders, NFL Legends to Launch New Child Identification Program in Delaware
    05/26/2023
    Troop 6 To Close It’s Doors To Pave Way For Construction Of New State Of The Art Troop
    05/24/2023
  • Health
    HealthShow More
    Delaware Officials Provide Latest Updates, Underscore Urgency Surrounding Youth, Opioids, and Prevention Programs 
    06/01/2023
    What You need To Know About COVID-19 Treatment Options
    03/17/2023
    Stray cat in Newark tested positive for rabies, here’s what you need to know
    05/01/2021
    Division of Public Health closes it’s Bureau of Oral Health and Dental Services
    04/15/2021
    ChristianaCare named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals in The U.S.
    02/10/2021
  • Politics
    Politics
    Delaware Newsline is a digital Delaware News Organization that provides local and national breaking news content to its Delaware and U.S. audience, by utilizing multiple…
    Show More
    Top News
    Watch: Governor Carney’s Easter Message For Delawareans
    10/06/2022
    What you need to know about Delaware’s in-person voting
    10/07/2022
    Delaware high school students are graduating at their highest levels in at least a decade
    10/07/2022
    Latest News
    Senator Tom Carper (D) Will Not Be Seeking Another Term In 2024
    05/22/2023
    Why Governor Carney Did Not Sign HB1, HB2, Legalizing Recreational Marijuana 
    04/24/2023
    Governor Carney Plans to End Public Health Emergency Order in May
    04/07/2023
    Delaware Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long Receives National Recognition
    04/06/2023
  • Sports
    Sports
    Delaware Newsline strives to be radically engaged in its communities. You may see us at protests, press releases, community gatherings, and of course at breaking…
    Show More
    Top News
    Eagles fan assaults mounted police officer and his horse at NFC game
    10/08/2022
    Bank of America Hosts Send Off for Delawareans Attending Special Olympics World Games
    10/07/2022
    1
    Woodbridge’s Gabe Wescott made an awesome catch in honor of his teammate
    10/07/2022
    Latest News
    Summer Games For Special Olympics Kicks Off Saturday June 9, 2023
    06/04/2023
    DFRC Blue-Gold 2023 Player Rosters Announced
    04/06/2023
    Blue Coats To Host Blue Bombers Tribute
    03/14/2023
    Amid the pandemic, the Blue & Gold All-Star Football Game is cancelled
    10/06/2022
  • Traffic
    TrafficShow More
    Tractor Trailer Fire Shuts Down I-295 NB On The Delaware Memorial Bridge Tuesday Night
    05/31/2023
    Maryland Police Officer Injured After Being Struck Head-On By Drunk Driver
    05/30/2023
    24-Year-Old Man Dies Following Fatal Middletown Crash
    05/26/2023
    Police Investigating Serious Crash On Commons Blvd Thursday Night
    05/25/2023
    Man Charged After Crashing Into Wilmington Police Vehicle That flipped On It’s Side Monday Night
    05/23/2023
  • Weather
  • DNTV
  • Join Us
  • More
Reading: From the diary of a journalist | What it’s like having a loved one in a long term care facility and what you need to know
Share
Aa
DNTVDNTV
  • Entertainment
  • Technology
Search
  • Home
  • Categories
    • Technology
    • Entertainment
    • Health
  • Bookmarks
    • Customize Interests
    • My Bookmarks
  • More Foxiz
    • Blog Index
    • Sitemap
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
DNTV > Blog > Health > From the diary of a journalist | What it’s like having a loved one in a long term care facility and what you need to know
Health

From the diary of a journalist | What it’s like having a loved one in a long term care facility and what you need to know

George Shea
Last updated: 2022/10/06 at 2:32 AM
George Shea Published 07/10/2020 103 Views
Share
14 Min Read
SHARE
- Support Us -
Ad imageAd image

The total number of deaths among long-care residents has decreased by one since last week and even though that’s good news, it’s still a serious situation.

For some, the thought of having a loved one in a long term care facility alone and at risk saddens them because there is absolutely nothing they can do to help them – or even make their situation better.

The thought of moving a loved one home temporarily seems like a great option but rethinking and actually planning it, makes you stop and wonder, what happens if your loved one gets sick at home and sickens the rest of your household – and anyone else they may come in contact with? Then what? It’s a tough decision. I know. I have a loved one in a long term facility right here in Delaware.

My mother is at Manor Care North and she has mild dementia and there’s a good chance she has no clue what is happening in the world outside of her room, and that thought alone makes me sad.

The thought of her not being able to leave her room during the pandemic as if she was a prisoner of war weights heavy on me because she lived a similar life during World War II. Sometimes trapped in her home with her mother, they were always on the lookout and prepared for the unknown. The sounds of the civil defense sirens still haunt her today, and she has told me her stories – some hard to hear and some that will make you cry.

I Imagine the thought of staff putting up plastic to separate her from her other roommate to keep them both safe. I sometimes wonder, what is going though her mind – seeing them do that it must weigh heavy on her. I then begin to cry, knowing that there is nothing I can do to help her, and if I try to, she either gets sick, we both get sick, and everyone else we come in contact with gets sick too, and in that trail of sickness, some will die.

Unfortunately, she, like so many others in long term nursing facilities across Delaware, have tested positive but luck was on her side and she tested positive with no symptoms. This means she is an asymptomatic carrier. While that is a blessing for her, not everyone has been that lucky. Many others have suffered and a lot of people have died.

- Advertisement -
Ad image

We began to bend the curve but then senior week activities happened and the number of daily positive cases began to rise once again. On Friday, Delaware Officials reported, that there has been a total of 1,155 positive COVID-19 cases cumulatively involving long-term care residents, and 333 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Youwei Lin, from Lexington, Mass. (left) and Lt. Cmdr. Trevares Baker, of Pensacola, Fla., monitor patient information during a surgery aboard the hospital ship USNS Mercy. Mercy deployed to support the nation’s COVID-19 response and is serving as a referral hospital for non-COVID-19 patients admitted to shore-based hospitals. This allows shore-based hospitals to focus their efforts exclusively on COVID-19 cases. The Department of Defense is supporting FEMA, as well as state, local and public health authorities in helping protect the health and safety of the American people.

Although the total number of deaths among long-care residents have decreased by one since last week,  one individual was excluded who was determined to be a resident of an independent-living facility, therefore, the individual would not be considered a long-term care resident., officials explained.

The locations and number of deaths involving residents of long-term care facilities are:

Delaware Long Term Facility COVID-19 Deaths

Information related to positive cases and deaths among residents at long-term care facilities will be updated weekly each Friday, using information reported as of 6 p.m. Thursday.
Facility NameLocationStateDeaths
Atlantic ShoresMillsboroDE17
Brackenville CenterHockessinDE17
Brandywine NursingWilmingtonDE31
Brandywine LivingRehobothDE2
Cadia HealthcareMiddletownDE10
Cadia HealthcareDoverDE6
Cadia HealthcareMillsboroDE4
Cadia HealthcareN. WilmingtonDE3
Delaware Hospital for the Chronically IllSmyrnaDE9
Governor BaconDelaware CityDE1
HarborChaseWilmingtonDE1
Harbor HealthcareLewesDE19
Harrison HouseGeorgetownDE39
Hillside CenterWilmingtonDE3
Little Sisters of the PoorNewarkDE11
ManorCareWilmingtonDE13
ManorCarePike CreekDE16
Methodist Country HouseWilmingtonDE3
Milford CenterMilfordDE34
New Castle Health and RehabilitationNew CastleDE9
Newark ManorNewarkDE11
Parkview NursingWilmingtonDE24
Pinnacle RehabilitationSmyrnaDE24
Regal Heights HealthcareHockessinDE4
Summit Assisted LivingHockessinDE3
Sunrise Assisted LivingWilmingtonDE2
Westminster VillageDoverDE7
Other?7
333

One thing for certain. The pandemic has definitely brought us a lot of worries, fear, and uncertainty and I sometimes wonder what goes though her mind when she sees staff come into her room dubbed in protective gear as if they are ready to perform surgery. I know I would probably panic but we on the outside have come to terms with it, and for most of us, we have. We eventually realize that it’s really about keeping those on the inside safe. At least that’s what we thought back in May when the curve really started going upwards at a steady rate.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Leslie Hamill, a medical technician with the Delaware Air National Guard’s 166th Medical Group, directs traffic at a drive-thru mobile pantry on the grounds of Woodbridge High School in Greenwood, Delaware, June 22, 2020. About 25 soldiers and airmen of the National Guard joined volunteers with the Food Bank of Delaware there, distributing much-needed food items to help address the increased demand for food assistance amid COVID-19. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Brendan Mackie)
George Shea | For Delaware Newsline
Photo: George Shea | Delaware Newsline
Community members from the Spring Arbor community came together in solidarity to show their respect and appreciation to healthcare workers working the front lines of covid-19 at Middletown Emergency Room on Thursday afternoon.
Community members from the Spring Arbor community came together in solidarity to show their respect and appreciation to healthcare workers working the front lines of covid-19 at Middletown Emergency Room on Thursday afternoon.
Community members from the Spring Arbor community came together in solidarity to show their respect and appreciation to healthcare workers working the front lines of covid-19 at Middletown Emergency Room on Thursday afternoon.
Photo | DHSS

I sometimes think about how horrible this must be for her even though she doesn’t really know what’s going on, and I’m sure the staff are not telling her everything because for so long they were keeping things quiet. Yes that means being dishonest and misleading with family members of residents about what was really happening inside those double glass doors. That was until the Department of Health got more involved on what was really happening. They kind of shined a light right on them. That’s when I started investigating more.

For so long I trusted the facility who was caring for my mother. I trusted they were being honest with me…about her care, about her condition, about the handling of this crisis, but that wasn’t the case.

I think state health officials and Delaware Governor John Carney began to realize, we have a situation in long term care facilities that is getting out of control, and on April 15, Governor Carney issued an 11th amendment to his State of Emergency requiring stricter guidelines to prevent COVID-19 infections in nursing facilities and other long-term care facilities. Visitations was already cut off as was access into the building. I began calling Manor Care North once a week about her condition, how she was doing, her mental health, and eventually I began asking her to be tested but they refused, and continued to tell me she was fine and had no symptoms so a test wasn’t needed.

I then began asking if anyone was exhibiting covid-19 symptoms. I was always told the same thing, that they had no cases, but I later found out that wasn’t true. I was told that they do not test the residents unless they exhibit the symptoms of covid-19. When I asked why, I was told it was an uncomfortable test and they didn’t want to put residents through the stress and discomfort. I get it, the compassion. I really do, but I would rather be tested and isolated if positive, even if I have to die alone, knowing that I have saved many others along the way, then not be tested, be a positive carrier, and sickened many others some of whom will die.

DATA FROM MY HEALTHY COMMUNITY DASHBOARD

When testing became more available, the Division of Health got more involved with Delaware’s long term care facilities. They began creating plans, and working more closely with them and on May 5, Governor Carney and the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced a plan to test all residents and staff of Delaware long-term care facilities for COVID-19.

Health officials provided facilities with tests, testing supplies, training, and support for the universal testing program to protect the most vulnerable Delawareans. Expanding COVID-19 testing capacity for vulnerable populations is a requirement of federal guidance for economic reopening.

Public health experts at the Division of Public Health (DPH) supported clinicians at long-term care facilities with the new testing program. Health officials also provided guidance on testing of symptomatic and asymptomatic persons and the interpretation of results. They provided recommendations to protect residents and staff based on results, including transmission-based precautions, isolation, and patient and staff management strategies.

I imagine they had hoped that the deaths would cease or at least slow down, but some facilities became objective, refusing to implement some of the recommendations they were suggesting. Health officials just want to save lives and bend the curve. The only way to do that is through testing and there are many testing events that’s been happening every week. Information about those events are listed on the testing section of the Delaware coronavirus website at: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing/, so get tested and know your status.

Also on Friday, officials reported an additional 121 positive cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware. The good news is there were no additional deaths reported, however, 58 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, 11 of whom are critically ill.

The total number of positive cases has increased by 121 between yesterday and today and there’s an explanation for the high increase. 111 new positive cases were reported to health officials on July 9. The remaining 10 positive cases are from test results reported on prior days, but processed into the state’s health surveillance system on July 9., according to a news release.

According to state health data, 6,949 people have recovered from COVID-19 and a total of 517 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. The break down is as follows: A total of 249 individuals were from New Castle County, 92 were from Kent County, and 176 were from Sussex County.

So yea, you’re not the only one going though this. We are all human and we all have to get through this together – no one is in this alone. No one.

 

What you need to know:

If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, loss of smell or taste. Other symptoms such as headache or digestive symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or lack of appetite) have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation. If you are sick and need essential supplies, ask someone else to go to the grocery store or the pharmacy to get what you need.

If you believe you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have symptoms of illness, make sure to distance yourself from others, particularly vulnerable populations. Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions – including serious heart conditions, chronic lung conditions, including moderate to severe asthma, severe obesity and those who are immunocompromised, including through cancer treatment – may have a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Individuals who have complaints about individuals violating public gathering restrictions should contact state or local law enforcement. Concerns that a business may be violating operating restrictions should be directed to: HSPContact@delaware.gov. Questions related to business re-openings or operations as businesses reopen should go to COVID19FAQ@delaware.gov.

Individuals with questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email info@delaware211.org. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov. Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to: UIClaims@delaware.gov.

In addition, the Division of Public Health asks any Delaware health care, long-term care, residential, or other high-risk facility with questions or concerns to email: DPH_PAC@delaware.gov or call the DPH Call Center at 1-866-408-1899 and press ext. 2.

For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

- Support Us -
Ad imageAd image

You Might Also Like

Delaware Officials Provide Latest Updates, Underscore Urgency Surrounding Youth, Opioids, and Prevention Programs 

What You need To Know About COVID-19 Treatment Options

Stray cat in Newark tested positive for rabies, here’s what you need to know

Division of Public Health closes it’s Bureau of Oral Health and Dental Services

ChristianaCare named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals in The U.S.

Subscribe To Web Push Notifications And Get Real Time News Alerts On The Stories That Matter The Most To You!

Stay In Touch! Subscribe To Web Push Notifications And Get Real Time News Alerts On The Stories That Matter The Most To You! Best Of All, You're In Control and can unsubscribe at any time. So What are you waiting for, click the bell icon on the right at the bottom of your browser to get started!
George Shea 10/06/2022 07/10/2020
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Reddit Email Print
Leave a comment Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Happening Now

Breaking
Local
National
Breaking

Breaking

Police Investigating Shooting At Paradise Bar & Grill In Long Neck

Man Shot And Injured During Road Rage Incident Near Old Baltimore Pike
Breaking 06/03/2023
Police Investigating Shots Fired At Large Party Friday Night
Breaking 06/03/2023
Wilmington Man Arrested For Rape Of 12-Year-Old Girl
Breaking 06/02/2023

Local

Local News

Delaware Bans Trail Cameras for Recreational Use

Check out The Newly Refurbished Haynes Park In Wilmington
Local News 06/01/2023
Leaders, NFL Legends to Launch New Child Identification Program in Delaware
Local News 05/25/2023
Troop 6 To Close It’s Doors To Pave Way For Construction Of New State Of The Art Troop
Local News 05/24/2023

National

National

Convicted Spy & Former FBI Agent, Robert Hanssen Found Dead In His Cell

Mass Shooting: 2 Killed, 12 others injured at New Jersey House Party
National 05/23/2021
Seven charged in federal court in connection with U.S. Capitol violence
National 01/13/2021
Court blocks Trump effort to exclude undocumented immigrants
National 09/12/2020

- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
Environmental
Weather
Traffic
Environmental

Environmental

Burning of Brush, Branches and Limbs Allowed in Delaware Until May 1

Deadly species of hemlock recently found in Sussex County by DNREC
Environmental 07/02/2021
Did you know these students cleanup Deemers Beach in New Castle every Saturday?
Environmental 04/20/2021
One ton of plastic bags will be made into benches by Eco Plastic DNREC says
Environmental 04/15/2021

Weather

BreakingWeather Alerts

Severe Storms On The Way

More Details Released On Saturday’s Tornado Event
Weather & Infrastructure 04/04/2023
Governor Carney Surveys Devastating Tornado Damage In Sussex County
Breaking Weather & Infrastructure 04/02/2023
Watch The moment When A tornado Touched Down in Sussex County
Weather & Infrastructure 04/02/2023

Traffic

Traffic

Tractor Trailer Fire Shuts Down I-295 NB On The Delaware Memorial Bridge Tuesday Night

Maryland Police Officer Injured After Being Struck Head-On By Drunk Driver
Traffic 05/30/2023
24-Year-Old Man Dies Following Fatal Middletown Crash
Traffic 05/26/2023
Police Investigating Serious Crash On Commons Blvd Thursday Night
Traffic 05/25/2023

- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
Social Justice
Crime
Courts
Social Justice

Social Justice

Recap of the George Floyd Protest In Wilmington

DOJ Releases Report On Wilmington Police Shooting of Jeremy McDole
Social Justice 09/23/2020
Mayor says community relations is his top priority in upcoming term
Social Justice 09/18/2020
Last Delaware “Whipping Post” to be removed from Georgetown
Social Justice 06/30/2020

Crime

Crime

Police Arrest Man For Swatting Incident That Disrupted Community, Resources, and First Responders

NCCPD, K9 Nova Locates three Suspects During An In-Progress Burglary
Crime 06/02/2023
Update: Arrest Made after Large Fight Erupts At Sussex Central H.S. Graduation Friday
Crime 06/01/2023
Three Teens Linked to Multiple New Castle Robberies
Crime 05/25/2023

Courts

Courts

Ex-Tower Hill employee sentenced for Child Pornography, Sexual Solicitation of a Child

Twenty Charged in Federal and State Court for Drug Conspiracy
Courts 05/28/2023
Lawsuit Filed Against New Castle County After Police Use Deadly Force Killing 22-Year-Old Man
Courts 05/28/2023
Guilty Plea Secured In 2019 Emma Cole Murder By Department Of Justice
Courts 05/25/2023

- Advertisement -
Ad image
Technology
Business
Space
Technology

Technology

Delmarva Power launches “Paint the tank” contest for high school students

Delmarva Power launches “Paint the tank” contest for high school students
Technology 04/18/2018
Two high-tech companies are taking their business to the next level
Technology 03/13/2018
Recreational DRONES and what you need to know about the legal stuff
Technology 11/25/2016

Business

Business

Mayor Purzycki Joins Lounge At Eighth In Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Capitol One donates it’s $4 million dollar building to Delaware State University
Business 08/08/2021
New model healthcare opens at Wilmington’s Kingswood community center
Business 06/10/2021
Grand Opening At Next Generation Dunkin Donuts in New Castle
Business 04/01/2021

Space

Photo Courtesy Of NASA | Artist's concept of NASA's next-generation Lunar Terrain Vehicle on the surface of the Moon.
Space

If You Have A Lunar Terrain Vehicle, NASA Wants To Hear From You

NASA Mission to Study Ice Clouds, Help Observe Our Dynamic Atmosphere
Space 05/23/2023
NASA Names Astronauts to Next Moon Mission, First Crew Under Artemis
Space 03/30/2023
See Stunning Images of the NASA’s Perseverance Rover Mars Landing
Space 02/19/2021

FOLLOW US

592 Followers Like
349 Followers Follow
21 Followers Follow
66 Subscribers Subscribe
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

More Stories

Most Read
  • From The Producer
  • Environmental
  • Entertainment
  • Community
  • Social Justice
  • Opinions
  • Climate
  • Crime
  • Courts
  • Space
  • Events

About DNTV/Delaware Newsline

Delaware Newsline is a digital Delaware News Organization that provides local and national breaking news content to its Delaware and U.S. audience, by utilizing multiple platforms including web, social media, and video.
Community Support
  • About DNTV/DN
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Report Story Errors
  • Report Infringement
  • Contact An Editor
Support Us Today
  • Submit A Donation
  • Subscription Plans
  • Submit A News Tips
  • Advertise With Us
Follow US
© 2016 Delaware Newsline/DNTV LIVE. All Rights Reserved.
  • Mapping Police Violence
  • Tracking Gun Violence
  • Tracking Cold Cases
  • Coronavirus
Subscribe For The Stories That Matter The Most

Stay In Touch! Get the latest news alerts delivered straight to your email. You can unsubscribe at any time.


Loading
Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
adbanner
AdBlock Detected
Our site is an advertising supported site. Please whitelist to support our site.
Okay, I'll Whitelist

Insert/edit link

Enter the destination URL

Or link to existing content

    No search term specified. Showing recent items. Search or use up and down arrow keys to select an item.