COVID Isolation at MC

ESkayP

I saw my mother on Sunday (Jan 26). She was in good spirits and more like herself than she has been for a long time. We had a nice visit. I hugged her goodbye, and everything was fine. I got a call from the MC unit at work this morning, Monday (Jan 27), and they said she tested positive for COVID. I was shocked. The more I questioned them, the more they told me. Apparently one of the residents had come down with COVID last week, and they had him isolated in his room. My mother had wandered into his room and was therefore exposed. They had been testing my mother every day since then, and it had always come up negative. On the fifth day (today), she tested positive. I certainly wish they had told me that she had been exposed. I would have worn a mask during my visit, but the larger concern is that now my mother has to isolate in her room as well. She won't stay there. MC called two more times to tell me that Mom is being difficult. Of course! Isn't that a no-brainer? They said they had to get the director involved. Really? They asked me to come talk to her. I cancelled a meeting and drove over there. Mom was upset. It seemed like she knew who I was, but when I wouldn't let her go out of her room either, she wanted me to leave. She was confused and glassy eyed. I finally talked her into lying down on her couch. I waited for a while to make sure she was resting, then I had to go. I don't know what the staff wants me to do. I'm upset that they couldn't have prevented Mom from wandering into a sick room. Other residents wander, too. They should have been watching more carefully. Now, Mom's whole routine is completely interrupted. She can't eat with the other residents. She can't take her walks around the commons. She doesn't read or do puzzles anymore, so there isn't any way for her to occupy herself alone. It's been one day, and it's awful. Her GP wouldn't prescribe Paxlovid because her symptoms are mild so far. She has at least a week more of this situation to go. I wonder if she will give up her resistance. I wonder if she will get sicker and stay in bed. I worry that coming down with COVID will do so much emotional damage that she won't ever fully recover. I guess I wanted the facility to have a better protocol in place for when this situation inevitably happens. They seem so confused about what to do with Mom. I just don't understand it. What has been your experience with a LO suffering an isolating illness while in MC?

towhee

Your MC does sound a little clueless. However, even with a full staff on a normal day it is difficult to keep residents from wandering. Staff out with illness plus a heavier workload and work changes makes it even worse, but they should not be calling you to come in.

I am sorry for this situation, any isolation is bad, I would just keep checking up on her frequently, see if they can keep an eye on how much she is drinking so she does not get dehydrated.

***Re Paxlovid—I often listen to an infectious disease doctor (podcast) who works in a hospital in NYC . He treats covid patients who wind up in the hospital, almost all of which have at least one of the following in common- elderly, or other medical risk factor-not vaccinated- did not take Paxlovid within the prescribed time period- were prescribed steroids too soon, before their blood oxygen level dropped significantly. To do any good Paxlovid must be taken at least within the first five days after a positive test, and the sooner you take it the better it works. Take it on Day 1 and it works much better than if you take it on day 4. You absolutely cannot wait until you get "sick" especially if you are elderly. If for some reason a person cannot take Paxlovid, there are two other medications, but they all are time dependent.

A couple of months ago he was talking about a patient who was proscribed Paxlovid by urgent care, but it was expensive, so she called her doctor. Instead of telling her to get the Paxlovid her PCP put the older lady on steroids, which is probably why she ended up in the hospital. This still happens over and over even though the standard of care is clear and proven. Don't let it happen to your mom.

ESkayP

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/235139#Comment_235139

Thank you! The doctor decided not to put Mom on any meds. Her case is mild in comparison to some, and they were concerned about rebound. I know that the staff is looking out for Mom. I just get so frustrated when I can't prevent these things from happening to her. I appreciate your heads up on the potential pitfalls of COVID treatment.