how are the visits to the elderly

Unlike the previous confinement, visits to EHPADs are authorized. What precautions should be taken for the health of our seniors?

The containment announced at least until December 1 is aimed at containing the coronavirus epidemic. However, while the measure seems inevitable today, issues related to the first containment have not been forgotten. Thus, visits to EHPAD (Establishment for Dependent Elderly People) are possible. We know that the elderly are among the populations most at risk of death. What are the instructions in force, then, to be able to greet family members while preserving their health?

First, knowing that hospitalizations are skyrocketing for those over 65, why have you authorized visits to the very old? In the first confinement, it was very painful for our elders not to have any contact with the outside. In his announcements on the reconfinement, the President wished "to prevent human tragedies from arising" like those experienced in spring and that "people at the end of their life find themselves totally isolated". Les Petitis Frères des Pauvres, an association that fights against the isolation of the elderly, demonstrated in its report released in June 2020 that during confinement, 650,000 elderly people could not find anyone to talk to. For 41% of the elderly, confinement had a negative impact on their moral health and 31% on their physical health. This does not only take into account residents of EHPADs but shows the importance of the social bond for the elderly.

Protect without isolating

In order for the visits to take place in the best conditions, thus avoiding more work for exhausted EHPAD staff, full respect for barrier gestures is essential.
Questioned by Ouest-France, Doctor Durel of the association of nursing home coordinating doctors warns that 20% of families still have difficulty playing the game and respecting health measures.
EHPADs have a strict protocol: compulsory mask, hand disinfection, no hugs. Be careful not to come too many, and to see each other in a well ventilated room. It is also recommended to limit room visits, and to absolutely avoid bringing objects or food. Although you may very much want to bring a cake made with love, it is therefore better to abstain. .
In addition, all nursing homes in France will be equipped with antigenic tests, faster on coronavirus screening times: 20 to 30 minutes!
Apart from the EHPAD, the Little Brothers of the Poor generally call for solidarity between the generations. A phone call to get news, send a nice letter, get medicine from the pharmacy, help with some housework or a few errands… There are many ways to help.
This confinement number 2 must not again be a period of forced isolation!

Function : Orenda project manager
Firstname name : Mathilde Wattecamps
Missions : I am lovingly growing the Orenda label, which lists places committed against clichés, and I write …