The group most impacted by COVID-19 pandemic

BY: Caterina Russolillo

Inside the facilities that house 1.3 million Americans, are the senior citizens who have been stuck
in lockdown for more than 5 months. The elderly population makes up one of the biggest
demographics that is at highest risk during the Covid-19 Pandemic. As the group with the most
health complications, they have been put under strict lockdown within their assisted living
facilities with many rules to abide by.

Not only are the resident’s lives at risk, but the employees and staff who provide services and
assistance are putting their health on the line as well. According to the New York Times, “at
least 57,000 residents and workers have died” and “more than 316,000 people at some 14,000
facilities” have been infected with the virus in the United States.

After spending nearly 20 weeks in quarantine, the residents of Texas nursing homes and assisted
living centers are eager to get their lives and routines back to normal. Although many have
acknowledged that this is beneficial to preventing residents from contracting the deadly virus, the
abrupt changes have caused significant strain.

It has been reported that nursing home residents have made up about 39% of Texas’ total
coronavirus-related deaths. “1,173 nursing home residents have died in Texas so far, according
to state data- including 224 deaths since July 1. These numbers are continuing to rise as Texas
has become one of the country’s largest hotspots.

After “more than 6,400 nursing home residents in New York have died,” the fear of contracting
this disease is growing among residents as they remain confined to their facilities. In attempts to
keep not only the residents but employees safe, there have been strict rules put in place among
the Texas facilities.

A few of the lockdown rules include wearing a mask at all times unless the resident is in their
own room. All residents are also required to quarantine in their room for 14 days if they have to
leave the facility for approved outings, such as doctor’s appointments. The staff is also
responsible for enforcing the 6-feet social distancing rule, even when residents are outside.
Additionally, residents are not allowed to have any visitors who live outside the facility.

Rita Turner, a resident at Sunrise Senior Living, explained that, “being secluded from family”
has been the hardest part of her lockdown experience. Joan Bickel and Jeanette White, who are
also residents of Sunrise said they cannot wait for interaction with family and friends outside of
the facility. White explained that she is most looking forward to “giving hugs to the grandkids.”

All three residents of Sunrise shared similar stories and all agreed that “having freedom to leave
the building” as well as “having to eat all three meals” in their rooms are some of the most
difficult aspects of the lockdown. They shared stories of family members visiting them by
gathering outside their windows and putting up homemade signs for their loved ones. However,
these types of interactions are just not the same.
Although the residents are grateful for the precautions that protect their health, they are eager for
the day they get to hug and kiss loved ones, leave the building freely, and interact with fellow
residents. They hope that day comes sooner rather than later.
 Sources

Rita Turner
Phone: (214) 494-2000
Email: ritaturner@att.net

Jeanette White
Email: threewheeler4@verizon.net

Joan Bickel
Phone: (214) 680-8589

Supplemental Sources

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-nursing-homes.html

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/coronavirus-rapidly-spreading-texas-nursing-homes-
state-figures-show-n1233909