By Ta’Leah Van Sistine, Community Reporter
Shirley Matherne became depressed and lost weight during the three and a half months her husband could not visit her at Our House Senior Living in Eau Claire.
Her husband, Randy Matherne, said he had visited his wife — who has dementia — almost every day before COVID-19 visitor restrictions were put in place this past March. Since then, he said he has called her at least three times a day, and has attempted to do some “window visits,” where he stands outside her window at the facility.
But he said he could still see her declining.
Health care workers at long-term care facilities in Eau Claire said they’re providing people with technology, and are doing one-on-one and small-group activities, as more residents report they’re feeling lonely without family visits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s clear that the visitor restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 have also changed how family members can visit their loved ones. . . if at all.
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