What it’s like to visit an elderly care home under COVID-19 lockdown

COVID-19

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A heartwarming moment for Robin Hall and her sister Desiree. As they visit their grandmother Phyllis, taking photos for the rest of the family to see,  and a thumbs up from Phyllis. 

Phyllis is a resident at the Chateau Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Willowbrook, on the outskirts of Chicago.  Over the weekend, one person ​here tested positive for COVID-19. Since then, scores more have been confirmed to have the virus, But Phyllis has been given the all-clear. Her granddaughter Robin Hall came to her window to check-in.

“I came to just look through the window to make sure she was ok. She gave us two thumbs up, she was smiling. We took a picture of her so that we can let the rest of the family know she is good,” Hall said.

Following the cluster at the care facility, Illinois officials released updated guidance for nursing homes. Besides cancelling group activities and communal dining, officials have put restrictions on visitation and told nursing homes to continually screen residents and health care personnel.