The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on just about everyone. But for some people, things have been far more challenging. That includes individuals in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes who’ve been separated from loved ones.
Often, husbands and wives can’t even visit each other due to the fear of spreading the coronavirus. As a result, people feel isolated, lonely, and afraid.
Long marriage
Sam Reck and his wife JoAnn were married almost three decades when she was moved to a skilled nursing facility. Suffering from Dementia, JoAnn needed more care than what her husband could provide.
Living nearby
Referred to by others as “Romeo and Juliet,” being apart was hard on this couple. The only good thing was that Sam got an apartment just one building away from his wife. That allowed them to enjoy distant visits, which brought both of them a sense of peace and security.
Spending time together
Scott Hooper, JoAnn’s son, explained their visits this way. “They spent every day with each other. Sam would go to her room each morning and would stay with her all day. Each night he would kiss her goodnight.” He felt so lost without her.
Then the pandemic hit
As you all know, once the number of coronavirus cases started to increase, all kinds of businesses and facilities were shut off from the public. That included the nursing facility where JoAnn lived. So, Sam wasn’t able to visit her anymore.
Just devastating
Being separated by a single building was hard enough for Sam and JoAnn but now, things became far worse. Scott continued, “This was devastating for her. Her Dementia spiraled out of control. She had good and bad days or good and bad weeks.”
Becoming increasingly more confused
Scott explained that as time passed, his mother’s Dementia worsened. At 86-years-old, she’d know where she was some days and then others, have no clue. Considering she couldn’t have Sam and other loved one’s visit her; the family came up with a plan.
Video chat
The family installed a device in JoAnn’s room that made it possible for her and Sam to talk to each other via video chat. For a while, it made a big difference. But due to an old habit of packing things up to go home, she’d often unplug Alexa, making chat sessions impossible.
Plan B
To make JoAnn feel better and to help slow down the progression of her Dementia, the family began to record videos. That way, she could watch them so she’d remember people, places, and things while separated in the nursing facility. Fortunately, that seemed to help.
A downward spiral
Even with all their efforts to keep her connected with Sam and others, JoAnn started to run a fever of 102. She also developed a dry cough. So, the doctors tested her for the coronavirus, which came back positive. It didn’t take long for her to slide further downhill.
Her personal decision
JoAnn had a DNR or “Do Not Resuscitate” order in place, which included the use of respirators. Although it was hard, her family honored her request and opted for palliative care. Since her life was nearing an end, the nursing facility allowed her family to visit her. But they all had to wear personal protective equipment.
His final goodbye
Initially, Sam, now 90, agreed that going to visit his wife would be too risky. But then he changed his mind. Scott captured his final goodbye to JoAnn on video. “Hi honey, hi darling…you don’t recognize me with all this junk on my face but it is Sam. I love you, sweetheart, I love you so much.”
He continued, “I’m finally getting to hold your hand after all these months.” Everyone in the room cried. The following day, JoAnn passed away. Scott decided to share his mom and Sam’s story so that people would understand how the COVID-19 lockdown affects people, especially those living with Dementia.
You can watch the video for yourself by clicking on it below.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Source: Fox 10 Phoenix, YouTube
