Governor Parson; Dr. Williams; Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services:

We are very concerned for the mental and physical well-being of Missouri’s long term care residents that have been on lockdown in their buildings for over 6 months now. Prior to the lockdown, these residents looked forward to and were dependent upon their friends and family to come into these facilities to check on them, to advocate for them, to volunteer and lead activities like- bingo, card games, board games, craft projects, music and entertainment, worship services, bible studies, visit with them, tell stories and share special photos, take a walk, share a meal together and to care for them.

You say what you have done is to “protect our most vulnerable." You are right- they are vulnerable. They are vulnerable- not just to a virus. They are depressed, anxious, scared, feel abandoned, suffering from neglect, poor nutrition and weight loss, weakness and falls, inactivity, socially isolated, lack of music therapy and singing, worship services, missing human touch, lack of family hugs and kisses, some even lack appropriate medical care and oversight. The devastating effects of this lockdown unfortunately have caused more harm than good. We are hearing of more deaths from suicide, overdose, malnutrition and dehydration- “Failure to Thrive”, than Covid-19. Any loss of life is tragic in itself, but to make matters worse, there are countless heartbreaking stories being told all over our state and country that loved ones have died alone or that family were only allowed in to be with their loved one just before they took their last breath.

THEY ARE DYING, FADING AWAY BEFORE OUR VERY EYES!!

Don't you dare mark their deaths as COVID!!!

Give these residents their rights and dignity back. IT WAS NEVER YOURS TO TAKE!!!

This is The United States of America…We Can and Must Do Better!! There has to be a better way.

At least one family member per resident could be screened, tested, and wear PPE, just like staff, and be able to go into their facility, safely. LTC staff are handling multiple residents where a family member going into the facility would only be in contact with their family member. Some states have established a task force to look at visitor restrictions and have implemented the "Essential Family Caregiver" (EFC) program. We implore you, for the sake of our Mothers/ Fathers, Husbands/Wives, Grandmothers/Grandfathers, Aunts/Uncles, Siblings, Children who we have entrusted in your care, follow other states and implement an “EFC” program. Time is of the essence. Please see the links below that explain the "Essential Family Caregiver" program that is being implemented in Indiana and Minnesota:                                                                                 

https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/files/IN_COVID-19%20EFCs%206.5.20.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1Opr0LTCEAGhzIrmswnx3yz58mPKpZqtOAKp30iQQePgZ36f6nFCFhb34

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/hcp/ltccaregiver.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1bICrEdwi8NRleiuhv0UfiJejW_4h768PGUhHzxR3MNuMrX4eevzt2Sgk

Proper PPE wearing, hand washing, screening, and identification of an “EFC” would be a great start. Please look at the “Missouri Caregivers for Compromise - because isolation kills too!” facebook group. It’s very sad and eye opening. A lot can be learned about the inconsistencies and misinterpretations of policies and recommendations. So many of us are disheartened and feeling like we are continuously running into a brick wall or being given the run around when we call government offices asking for guidance or answers. Most can’t fully understand unless they actually have a loved one in a LTCF or ALF. We will not remain silent any longer.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/missouricaregivers/

We are here to advocate for those who need hugs, touch, holding, kisses from their loved ones. Not even Ombudsman’s are allowed to enter these facilities and yet they are the advocates for the residents. What about resident rights? Did we ask the residents if they wanted protected from this virus?

I received permission to share this from the author: #LifeIsntJustBreathing

 

No One Asked Me

They closed the doors & put up a sign

“It’s for your protection,” was the same old line

There was something coming- that no one could see

But did I want protected? No one asked me.

 

First, they kept my family out, any visit came to a stop

No one could come in- those were the orders

Yes, straight from the Tippity-Top

No outings, entertainers or activities for you

We can’t have anyone co-mingling- that just won’t do

 

“You are old & at Risk. The most likely to die.”

Me? No one has lived through so much as I

I’ve seen wars & droughts, tornadoes & such

A daughter of the Depression- I have done without much

 

I’ve seen many things in my ninety-odd years

Some arrive to accolades- others bring fears

Now I sit here waiting- everyone seems afraid as can be

Am I afraid of dying? No one asked me.

 

Two weeks turned to five months & still no one’s unlocked the door

Do they know I’m still here? Do they care anymore?

Life isn’t just breathing- there’s a lot more that must be

Hugging, touching, hearing, seeing…but no asked me.

 

We promised in ’87, when I was still young,

To protect & care for the Aged- OBRA’d begun.

But I sit behind a window- my eye sight’s grown dim

I can’t see well enough to tell tree limb from kin

 

I think of My rights. Where could they be?

The government came & took them & they never asked me.

 

Now I am silent- my broken heart is all I leave

My family not beside me- alone I had to grieve

Calling my prison protection is a Travesty

To steal my precious Freedom- because No One Asked Me.

 

~ESB 06.08.20

 

Very Respectfully,
Missouri Caregivers for Compromise

We have a S.O.S. Save Our Seniors rally planned for September 26th at 2pm at MO State Capital Jefferson City.