Letter to the editor: 'Protection' for frail elderly seems like punishment

The common narrative to endure social distancing measures is to protect the frail elderly. There are unintended consequences of the world we’ve imposed on them, based on my recent rounds in nursing facilities.

Many elderly there are frail with debility and dementia. Usually an otherwise mundane existence is broken up by social activities and interactions with each other. Even with poor cognitive skills, they thrived on a structured day. Many with dementia, and the lonely, were oriented by daily visits of loved ones and a familiar staff.

For their “protection,” they are all now confined to their rooms. The halls are empty. No outsiders are allowed to visit. There are no social activities or gatherings for meals. They are securely sequestered from the runny nose and juicy cough, stuck in their rooms with their meals brought to them by masked faces.

They wonder what happened to their families and why no one visits anymore. They wonder why they can’t dine with their friends and familiars. They wonder why they are being “punished.”

Hospice patients in their last days, but far too sick for home caretakers, can’t have family members share their last days because of the potential danger to other residents.

Would it be so difficult to expect a visitor to wash their hands, or not come fevered?

Despite beating the 14% to 30% pneumonia fatality odds every year, giving up our jobs, education and lifestyle so that they can be locked away seems disingenuous. The 14% fatality covid-19 virus is special. We know that because that is what we are being told. It is contagious. This is the Petri dish of everyday life.

If the elderly need protected from all those too inconsiderate to simply wash their hands properly or stay home with a fever, what is our position but continue to assure them that this lockdown is for their own good? Of course they are not being punished, but that doesn’t change the optic.

Use creative measures to visit your loved ones. Visit outside their room’s window, use FaceTime, write them a letter, send them a card. Let them know you care and they are loved. Being protected has the element of suffering and must be measured with wisdom.

Sean M. Porbin, M.D.

Avella